For those evenings when cooking feels like a chore, having a quick, easy, and delicious recipe in your arsenal is a lifesaver. The Creamy Keto Chicken and Asparagus Casserole is a one-pan meal that takes only 30 minutes to prepare and satisfies everyone at the table. This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also caters to those following a keto or low-carb diet.
Why This Casserole Is a Must-Try
This casserole revamps traditional recipes with lighter, healthier ingredients while maintaining a creamy, comforting texture. Chicken, a versatile protein, pairs perfectly with asparagus, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce, enriched with heavy cream, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and a generous blend of cheddar and Gruyere cheese, elevates the dish to gourmet status.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, gather these key ingredients:
- 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
- 6 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 10 ounces asparagus spears, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Optional Ingredients and Variations
- Fresh green beans: Ensure they are washed and snapped.
- Brussels sprouts: Slice them in half before adding.
- Xanthan gum: For thickening the sauce (use sparingly).
- Erythritol: A sugar substitute for those monitoring blood sugar.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparation
- Measure and Prepare: Begin by measuring out all the ingredients and preparing them as specified. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables
- Sauté Chicken: In a frying pan, add half the olive oil and the diced chicken. Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then remove it from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Asparagus: Add the remaining olive oil to the pan, followed by the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened.
- Add Mushrooms and Asparagus: Introduce the sliced cremini mushrooms and chopped asparagus to the pan. Stir to combine well and sauté over low to medium heat for 2-4 minutes.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
- Combine Liquids: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and almond milk. Stir to combine well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the pan and stir until it melts and blends smoothly into the sauce. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Remove from Heat: Take the pan off the heat. Stir in the Greek yogurt, Gruyere cheese, and cheddar cheese until everything is well combined.
Finishing and Serving
- Broil: Place the pan in the oven and broil until the cheese has just melted and is bubbly.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven and serve the Keto Creamy Chicken Asparagus Casserole immediately.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Casserole
Trimming Asparagus
There are several ways to trim fresh asparagus:
- Peel the bottom until the tough, woody exterior is removed, leaving the tender, juicy part.
- Pinch the end and bend until it snaps at the natural breaking point.
- Line up the asparagus spears on a cutting board and chop off the ends.
Achieving the Best Sauce
- Whisking: Use a whisk while cooking the sauce to ensure all ingredients mix together smoothly.
- Thickening: If needed, thicken the sauce with xanthan gum, using it sparingly as it thickens as it sits. Start with ½ teaspoon and let it sit for a few minutes before adding more. Alternatively, use a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water.
- Creaminess: For extra creaminess, add ½ cup of sour cream to the sauce.
Cooking the Chicken
- Searing: Sear the chicken breasts on both sides in butter and olive oil. Allow the chicken to sit on one side for 3-5 minutes before turning to get a good sear. If the chicken sticks to the skillet, it is not ready to be turned.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken isn't overcrowded in the skillet to promote even cooking. Use a 12-inch cast iron skillet for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile casserole can be served with a variety of sides, both low-carb and traditional:
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Low-carb: Zucchini noodles, riced cauliflower, roasted or steamed cauliflower, steamed or air-fried broccoli, or a side salad with keto-friendly dressing.
- Traditional: Fresh green salad or chunked-up fresh vegetables.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Make Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time and enjoyed later.
- Refrigerate: It will keep for approximately 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: Reheat slowly to prevent the sauce from separating. In the microwave, reheat on ½ power. If reheating in a skillet, add a splash of fresh cream to the pan before rewarming on low.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to the high content of heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheese in the sauce.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes a total of 4 servings of Keto Creamy Chicken Asparagus Casserole. The nutritional information is approximate and should be calculated based on the specific brands and ingredients used. Erythritol carbs (sugar substitutes) are not included in the carbohydrate counts.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese: Gruyere cheese can be substituted with cheddar, Colby Jack, or Swiss cheese.
- Milk: Reduced-fat milk can be replaced with whole milk or half-and-half for a richer sauce.
- Cream Cheese: Reduced-fat cream cheese can be substituted with full-fat.
- Vegetarian: Make a vegetarian asparagus casserole by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables.
One-Pan Cooking
To simplify cleanup, make this casserole a one-pan meal by using an ovenproof skillet. After finishing the sauce, add the chicken and asparagus back to the pan, ensuring they are covered in the sauce. Top with cheese and bake.
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