Asparagus & Bacon Chicken Potato Casserole

This hearty chicken and potato casserole brings together juicy seared chicken, soft potatoes, smoky bacon, and fresh asparagus in a creamy thyme-seasoned sauce. Finished with a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese, it bakes to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s a delicious, comforting meal that combines everything you need for a satisfying dinner in one dish.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 cups potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the oven.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

2. Cook the bacon.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave some of the bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor.

3. Sauté the aromatics.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to develop.

4. Sear the chicken.
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into strips.

5. Soften the potatoes.
Add the diced potatoes to the same skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

6. Layer the casserole.
Spread half of the partially cooked potatoes across the prepared baking dish. Arrange the chicken strips, crispy bacon, and asparagus pieces on top, followed by the remaining potatoes.

7. Prepare the creamy sauce.
In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, and fresh thyme until combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole ingredients.

8. Add the cheese and bake.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden and the potatoes are tender. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

9. Rest and serve.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and the flavors to come together.

Enjoy this creamy, cheesy casserole as a complete family dinner, packed with savory bacon, tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and fresh asparagus.