Chicken Asparagus Casserole(A Good Company Dish; Beautiful Color)
Chicken Asparagus Casserole is a comforting and visually appealing dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant asparagus, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This hearty casserole is perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 6 whole chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can mushrooms
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 small can Carnation milk ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. sharp grated cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimiento ⓘ
- 2 large cans asparagus ⓘ
- 1 cup slivered toasted almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil chicken in seasoned water with onion until done; cool and chop.
- Sauté onions in butter and add remaining ingredients except asparagus and almonds.
- Simmer sauce until cheese melts.
- To assemble, place a layer of chicken in a large 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Layer asparagus on top, then pour the sauce over and sprinkle with almonds.
- Bake at 350° for 45 minutes.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using skinless chicken breasts and low-fat cheese. You can also substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. If you don't have asparagus, green beans or broccoli would work well too. For added flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or using a different type of cheese. Also, pre-cooked chicken can save time.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of rice or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. You might also enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider serving it alongside a light vinaigrette, like a Lemony Dill Sauce, to brighten the flavors. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or cheesy potatoes would complement it nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but be sure to cover them to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Asparagus Casserole(A Good Company Dish; Beautiful Color) contains roughly 613 calories, with 16g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2069mg per serving (90% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use canned soups, you can make a homemade version by combining sautéed mushrooms with a roux of butter and flour, then adding chicken broth and milk until thickened. This will give you a fresher flavor and allow for customization.
Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with a medley of vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute the cream soups with a creamy vegan alternative to maintain the casserole's texture and flavor.
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).