Chicken and Asparagus Casserole

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Introduction

This Chicken and Asparagus Casserole brings together tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and creamy mushroom goodness all baked under a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s comfort food with a touch of freshness, perfect for a hearty family dinner or make-ahead weekday meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, asparagus, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and melted butter until evenly coated.
  5. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
  7. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Variation

  1. Swap the Soup Base – If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, try using cream of chicken or cream of celery instead. Each adds its own flavor profile while keeping the casserole just as creamy and satisfying.
  2. Use Different Cheeses – Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even Gruyère for a slightly different flavor twist. Mixing cheeses also adds richness and a more complex melt.
  3. Add a Crunchy Topping – For more texture, mix crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions into the breadcrumb topping. It adds a buttery crunch that elevates each bite.

Cooking Notes

  • Don’t Overcook the Asparagus – Keep the asparagus pieces slightly crisp when mixing them in, since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. This helps maintain their bright green color and pleasant texture.
  • Use Warm Ingredients – Using warm or room-temperature cooked rice and chicken can help the casserole bake more evenly and avoid cold spots.
  • Grease the Dish Well – Don’t skip greasing the baking dish; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier after serving.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Pair with a Crisp Side Salad – A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole and adds a refreshing contrast.
  2. Serve with Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – Bread makes the perfect scoop for soaking up that creamy sauce, turning this into an even heartier meal.
  3. Add a Splash of Color with Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to brighten the dish and add a touch of freshness.

Tips

  1. Make it a Freezer Meal – This casserole freezes well. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish (skip the breadcrumbs), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the topping and bake straight from frozen (adding 10–15 minutes to the bake time).
  2. Double for a Crowd – Feeding a larger family or hosting guests? This recipe can easily be doubled and baked in two dishes side by side.
  3. Use Leftover Veggies – This is a great “clean-out-the-fridge” meal. Leftover broccoli, peas, or spinach can all be tossed in with great results.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
    Yes, frozen asparagus works well just thaw and pat it dry before mixing it in to avoid excess moisture that can water down the casserole.

  2. Can this be made ahead of time?
    Definitely! You can assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking for the crispiest results.

  3. Is there a substitute for sour cream?
    Greek yogurt is a great alternative to sour cream it adds the same creamy texture with a slightly tangy flavor and a boost of protein.

  4. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
    Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your soup base is gluten-free. Swap the regular flour-based soup with a homemade roux if needed.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Asparagus Casserole is a cozy, creamy dish that brings together simple ingredients in a comforting, crowd-pleasing bake. Whether you’re prepping it for a busy weeknight or serving it to guests, it’s sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to the table. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation hearty, flavorful, and easy to love.

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Chicken and Asparagus Casserole

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken and Asparagus Casserole brings together tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and creamy mushroom goodness all baked under a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s comfort food with a touch of freshness, perfect for a hearty family dinner or make-ahead weekday meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, asparagus, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and melted butter until evenly coated.
  5. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
  7. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
  • Rotisserie shortcut: Using rotisserie chicken makes prep extra quick.
  • Customize the veggies: Try mixing in peas or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Chicken casserole, asparagus bake, creamy chicken rice

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