Asparagus Bacon Chicken Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
03 -
6 slices of bacon, chopped
04 -
3 cups of diced potatoes (about 1/2-inch cubes)
05 -
1 medium onion, diced
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 cup heavy cream
08 -
1 cup chicken broth
09 -
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
10 -
1/2 teaspoon paprika
11 -
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
12 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
13 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
03 -
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
04 -
Push the onion and garlic to the side, increase the heat to medium-high, and add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
05 -
Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it into strips. In the same skillet, combine the diced potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
06 -
Layer half of the potatoes into the prepared baking dish. Top with the seared chicken strips, cooked bacon, and then the asparagus pieces.
07 -
Combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, and thyme in a bowl, then pour the mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish.
08 -
Sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
09 -
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
# Notes:
01 -
To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, omit the bacon and chicken, and substitute with a can of drained and rinsed white beans or chickpeas.
02 -
Feel free to mix in other herbs such as rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
03 -
If you want to add a little crunch, sprinkle the top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese 10 minutes before the end of baking.
04 -
To make this dish ahead of time, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook it.