Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella

This Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella is a comforting, cheesy, and wholesome one-pan dish that’s as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for family gatherings. Juicy chicken is baked with crisp-tender asparagus, creamy sauce, and melty mozzarella for a meal that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder – Everything bakes together for easy cleanup
Creamy & Cheesy – A luscious sauce with plenty of gooey mozzarella
Protein + Veggies – Balanced with tender chicken and fresh asparagus
Kid-Friendly – Mild flavors the whole family will love
Meal Prep Magic – Great for leftovers or make-ahead meals

Ingredients You’ll Need
2 large chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup milk or half-and-half
1 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried Italian herbs or thyme
Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for a hint of heat)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
9×13-inch baking dish
Whisk
Cutting board and knife
Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet).
Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic.
Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onion-garlic mixture and stir to coat.
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in ¼ cup of Parmesan and half of the mozzarella. Mix until melted.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked chicken, asparagus pieces, and creamy sauce.
Toss gently to distribute evenly.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Add red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, and the asparagus is tender.
If you prefer a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Tips for the Best Chicken Casserole
Use Fresh Asparagus – Trim woody ends and cut evenly for even cooking
Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Slightly undercook before baking so it stays juicy
Shred Your Own Cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded varieties
Add More Veggies – Try mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes
Make It Creamier – Add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream

Serving Suggestions
Over Rice – Soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully
With Pasta – Penne or fettuccine make great pairings
Crusty Bread – Perfect for scooping up every bite
Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness
Roasted Potatoes – A hearty and satisfying combo

How to Store & Reheat

Storing
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months

Reheating
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, covered, until hot throughout
Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, just thaw and drain well before using to avoid excess moisture.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut—just skip the sautéing step.

Is it gluten-free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour and make sure your cheese is gluten-free.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts
This Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella is everything you want in a cozy meal—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor and nutrients. With its easy prep and comforting taste, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite in your kitchen.
Make it, share it, and enjoy every bite!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 490mg

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