Asparagus Chicken Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and creamy mushroom cheeses, topped with almonds—perfect for comforting family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breasts, cooked, boned and cut in bite-size pieces ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can (5 1/2 oz.) evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1/2 pound sharp cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Beau Monde
- 1 small jar pimento, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cans green tipped asparagus or 1 pound fresh asparagus ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions in butter until translucent.
- Add mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and seasonings; simmer until cheese melts.
- Layer cooked chicken in a casserole dish.
- Add a layer of asparagus and sauce over the chicken.
- Repeat layers ending with sauce on top.
- Sprinkle slivered almonds over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly, about 30 to 45 minutes, or longer if cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting the sharp cheese with a milder cheese like mozzarella or using a mix of cheeses for added flavor. If you want a lighter version, you can replace the cream soups with low-fat alternatives. Adding garlic or herbs like thyme can enhance the dish's flavor profile. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before layering for optimal results.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect as a main dish and pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. For a comforting family dinner, it complements well with recipes like Country Chicken Camp Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quicker option, ensuring they are evenly heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1621 calories, with 17g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 158g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (50% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2408mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus in this recipe. Just thaw and drain it before layering to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. This makes preparation quicker while retaining the dish's delicious flavor.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can make a homemade version using a roux of butter and flour, combined with broth and sautéed mushrooms for flavor. This will provide a similar creamy texture and taste to the casserole.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it heats through completely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).