Judy's Creamy Chicken Asparagus Bake 🍗🥦

This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of tender chicken, earthy asparagus (or broccoli), and a creamy sauce topped with sharp cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it comes together in just under an hour, making it a great weeknight meal!

Consider serving it with a side of fluffy rice or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness. 🥗🍚

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

  • 2 deboned chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
  • 1½ tsp meat tenderizer
  • 1½ tsp pepper
  • ½ cup oil (for sautéing)

• For the Vegetables:

  • 2 packages frozen asparagus or broccoli (or fresh, cooked for 10 minutes)

• For the Sauce:

  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp curry powder

• For the Topping:

  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, sprinkle the chicken pieces with meat tenderizer and pepper.
   • Heat oil in a skillet and sauté the chicken until brown, approximately 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

🥄 Cooking the chicken thoroughly ensures juicy bites. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option!

2. Layer the Casserole:

   • Place the frozen asparagus or broccoli at the bottom of a greased casserole dish. If using fresh vegetables, ensure they are slightly undercooked for the best texture.

3. Add the Chicken:

   • Evenly distribute the sautéed chicken on top of the vegetables.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder. Pour this delicious mixture over the chicken.

5. Top with Cheese:

   • Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously on top of the casserole.

6. Bake:

   • Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

🔥 For extra flavor, toss in some herbs like thyme or a sprinkle of paprika before baking!

Serving Suggestions

• Sides: Pair with fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or a hearty piece of crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
• Wine Pairing: A chilled Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully.🍷

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or a mix of your favorite vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a kick!
• Low-fat: Use low-fat mayonnaise and reduced-fat soup for a lighter version, though the texture might be slightly different.

This recipe serves 4 and is sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation. Enjoy your creamy indulgence! 🥳