Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole

If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and “I totally have my life together” level comforting, Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole is about to become your new best friend. It’s the kind of dinner that feels a little fancy (hello, gouda!), but it’s still weeknight-friendly—because we’re not trying to audition for a cooking show on a Tuesday.

I’m Aneta, and if there’s one thing I love, it’s turning simple chicken into something that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?” This casserole does exactly that—creamy sauce, tender chicken, bright asparagus, and a bubbly cheese top that should honestly get its own fan club.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole

Let’s be real: casseroles are basically a hug in a baking dish. And this one checks all the boxes:

  • Quick-ish but impressive: It tastes like you tried harder than you did.
  • Family-friendly: Even picky eaters often “mysteriously” tolerate asparagus when it’s swimming in creamy cheese sauce.
  • One-pan sauce magic: You’ll make the sauce right in the skillet—no separate pot chaos.
  • Leftovers are amazing: Sometimes it’s even better the next day (like pizza and good gossip).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes the magic happen (and yes, it’s totally normal to read this and think, “Wow, I really am one good casserole away from being unstoppable.”)

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound asparagus, cut into 1–2 inch pieces (steamed)
  • ¼ cup onion, chopped
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo works great)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1½ cups shredded gouda or swiss cheese
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (reserve some for topping)

Cheese note (because cheese matters): The combo of gouda/swiss + parmesan gives you creamy melt plus that slightly salty, golden top. It’s like teamwork—delicious teamwork.

How to Make Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole

This is the part where you realize you don’t need fancy skills—just a skillet, a casserole dish, and the confidence of someone who owns at least one wooden spoon.

1) Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 375°F. Grease a casserole dish while you’re at it (future-you will be grateful when cleanup isn’t a full-body workout).

2) Steam the asparagus

Place asparagus pieces in a microwave-safe dish with ¼ cup water. Cover and steam for 3 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcook it here—your asparagus will bake again, and nobody wants limp green sadness.

3) Brown the chicken

In a 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3 to 4 minutes, turning once it starts to brown. Continue cooking until done, about 3 to 4 more minutes.

Then remove the chicken and place it in the greased casserole dish.

4) Assemble the base

Top the chicken with the steamed asparagus. Cover and keep warm while you finish the sauce.

5) Sauté the veggies

Add onions and mushrooms to the same skillet (yes, same skillet—hello flavor). Sauté until tender.

6) Make the creamy sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add:

  • chicken broth
  • heavy cream
  • salt, pepper, thyme
  • Dijon mustard
  • mayonnaise
  • lemon juice

Whisk it together and bring to a simmer. Stir frequently and cook until the sauce reduces and starts to thicken, about 8 to 10 minutes.

If your sauce looks a little weird at first: deep breath. Mayonnaise can do that for a minute. Keep whisking—this is casserole chemistry, and it works.

7) Combine and cheese it up

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and asparagus in the casserole dish. Stir in the gouda/swiss and some parmesan.

8) Top and bake

Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheeses (especially that parmesan you reserved—golden tops are the goal). Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly and the chicken is fully done.

Let it rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens a bit and doesn’t slide off your plate like it’s late for an appointment.

Aneta’s Cozy Kitchen Tips

A few little tricks that make this casserole even easier (and even more delicious):

  • Cut chicken evenly. Those 1-inch pieces cook fast and stay tender.
  • Shred your own cheese if you can. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking stuff that doesn’t melt as smoothly. (Not a dealbreaker—just a glow-up.)
  • Want extra crunch? Add a light sprinkle of parmesan halfway through baking for a crispier top.
  • No mushrooms fan in your house? Leave them out. I won’t tell. The casserole police are not real.
  • Balance the richness: That lemon juice isn’t optional in my book—it wakes everything up so it tastes creamy, not heavy.

A Little Personal Story From My Chicken-Loving Life

This casserole became one of my go-to “company but make it easy” dinners after a week where I truly had no energy left for anything complicated. I remember pulling it out of the oven, all bubbly and golden, and thinking, “Well, at least dinner looks like I tried.”

My family ate it quietly for the first few minutes—which is always the highest compliment. Then someone asked if we could have it again “soon.” And just like that, it earned a permanent spot in my chicken rotation.

Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole in a white baking dish with tender chicken pieces, asparagus spears, and melted cheese, ready to serve.
Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole served straight from the baking dish—gooey cheese, juicy chicken, and tender asparagus in every bite.

FAQs About Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay super juicy and work great here. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook until done before assembling.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Can I freeze Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole?

You can, but creamy sauces can change texture after freezing. If you do freeze it, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. It’ll still taste great—just slightly less silky.

What can I serve with it?

This casserole is rich, so I love pairing it with something simple like:
a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
roasted potatoes
rice
crusty bread (for scooping the sauce—highly encouraged)

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can swap in half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be quite as thick and luscious. If you do, simmer a little longer to help it reduce.

Let’s Make Dinner Feel Like a Win

Some nights, you want a meal that feels comforting and makes you look like the kind of person who plans ahead (even if you absolutely did not). That’s exactly what Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole delivers—creamy, cheesy, cozy, and doable.

If you try it, I hope it brings a little “chicken magic” to your table—because you deserve a dinner that makes everyone happy and doesn’t leave you with a sink full of regrets.

More Cozy Chicken Ideas You’ll Love Next

If this Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole made your weeknight feel a little easier (and a lot tastier), here are a few more reader-favorite recipes to keep the “what’s for dinner?” stress on mute—pick the vibe you’re craving:

  • If you loved the creamy sauce moment, try Chicken with Boursin Sauce for a silky, rich dinner that tastes restaurant-level with barely any drama.
  • Want another cozy, bubbly bake for your casserole rotation? Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Casserole is creamy comfort with that dip-style flavor everyone secretly (or loudly) adores.
  • If you’re in the mood for something with the same “cheesy + satisfying” energy, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast—so maybe hide a portion for lunch tomorrow.
  • And for a quick skillet option when you want dinner now, Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli keeps things simple, saucy, and totally weeknight-friendly.

And hey—if you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (your stars help other busy cooks find the good stuff!).

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Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole baked with tender chicken, asparagus, mushrooms, and melted cheese in a rich creamy sauce.

Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Creamy Asparagus Chicken Casserole is a cozy, cheesy baked dinner made with tender chicken, fresh asparagus, mushrooms, and a rich Dijon cream sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight comfort meal that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for busy evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1 pound asparagus, cut into 12 inch pieces

  • ¼ cup chopped onion

  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • ¾ cup heavy cream

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo works well)

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1½ cups shredded gouda or Swiss cheese

  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (reserve ¼ cup for topping)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a medium casserole dish and set aside.

  2. Place asparagus in a microwave-safe dish with ¼ cup water. Cover and steam for 3 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.

  3. In a large 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook 3–4 minutes. Turn and continue cooking another 3–4 minutes until fully cooked.

  4. Transfer chicken to the prepared casserole dish. Top evenly with steamed asparagus.

  5. In the same skillet, add onion and mushrooms. Sauté until softened.

  6. Reduce heat to medium. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper, thyme, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Whisk until combined.

  7. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.

  8. Pour sauce over the chicken and asparagus. Stir gently to coat. Mix in shredded gouda (or Swiss) and half of the parmesan.

  9. Sprinkle remaining parmesan over the top.

  10. Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the asparagus during steaming—it will continue cooking in the oven.

Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.

Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This casserole reheats beautifully for meal prep lunches.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of casserole)
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg

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