Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Casserole

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 500g (1.1 lb) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. 5.
   Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth.
6. 6.
   Stir in the dried thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
7. 7.
   Add the chicken and asparagus to the skillet and stir to coat them with the sauce.
8. 8.
   Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and cover with foil.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the asparagus is tender.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — To ensure tender and juicy chicken, avoid overcooking. Cook until the chicken is just cooked through to prevent dryness.
• Asparagus — Trim the tough ends of the asparagus before cutting them into pieces. For a vibrant green color and slight crunch, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes before adding it to the casserole.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole before baking for a cheesy crust.
• Serve the casserole with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or peas to the casserole for added flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the creamy chicken and asparagus casserole hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the creamy chicken and asparagus casserole in individual serving dishes or in a large casserole dish. The vibrant green asparagus and golden-brown chicken will create an appetizing visual appeal. Serve with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes for a complete meal.