Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms

Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish to impress your family and friends? This Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms recipe is the perfect choice! It's packed with savory, cheesy goodness, rich umami flavors from the mushrooms, and tender, juicy chicken. Plus, it's all done in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Read on to learn how to create this mouthwatering dish that will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.

What is Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms?

Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms is a delightful, rustic dish where chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden brown and then simmered in a creamy Asiago cheese sauce, surrounded by earthy, tender mushrooms. The combination of the savory mushrooms with the sharp Asiago cheese creates a delicious balance of flavors, making it an ideal meal for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a dinner party with guests.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so special!

Ingredients List for Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms

To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You can use thighs if you prefer dark meat, but chicken breasts work perfectly in this recipe.
• 8 oz of mushrooms (cremini or button mushrooms): Mushrooms add an earthy flavor that complements the richness of the sauce.
• 1 cup of grated Asiago cheese: The star of the dish! Asiago has a sharp, nutty flavor that melds beautifully with the chicken and mushrooms.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds an aromatic punch and enhances the savory notes of the dish.
• ½ cup of chicken broth: This will deglaze the pan and create the base for the sauce.
• ½ cup of heavy cream: For a rich, creamy sauce.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil: For cooking the chicken and sautéing the veggies.
• 1 tablespoon of butter: Adds extra richness to the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to finish off the dish.

Substitutions and Variations for Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms

You can easily modify this recipe based on your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Substitute Asiago cheese: If you can’t find Asiago cheese, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can work as great alternatives. Both cheeses have a sharp, salty flavor that’s similar to Asiago.
• Mushroom options: You can swap out the cremini mushrooms for other types like shiitake or portobello if you want to add a deeper, more intense mushroom flavor.
• Chicken thighs instead of breasts: If you prefer more succulent, flavorful meat, boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts.
• Add spinach or kale: For some added greens, toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the final minutes of cooking.
• Lighten it up: If you’re watching calories, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even use a mixture of low-fat milk and cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make such a gourmet dish.

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the mushrooms and onions: In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the mushrooms and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and turn golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth simmer for a minute or two, then add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Lower the heat to medium and let the sauce cook for 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
5. Add the Asiago cheese: Stir in the grated Asiago cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat, garnish with fresh thyme (if using), and serve immediately.

How to Cook Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms is easier than you might think, especially since it all comes together in one pan. The key to success is to get a nice sear on your chicken breasts, which adds flavor and texture to the dish. Then, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the chicken and mushrooms brings everything together for a comforting, savory meal. The step-by-step process outlined above ensures that you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken, rich and flavorful sauce, and mushrooms that are cooked just right—tender, but not soggy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the chicken: Make sure to not overcook your chicken breasts. Since they are lean, chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Searing them for 4-5 minutes per side and then finishing them in the sauce helps to keep them juicy.
2. Not deglazing the pan: Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan with chicken broth. Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (called fond) are full of flavor, and they add depth to the sauce.
3. Using pre-grated cheese: Always grate your cheese fresh. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly into the sauce.
4. Rushing the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to thicken up. Rushing this step will result in a runny sauce that doesn’t cling to the chicken and mushrooms.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms, presentation is key! Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Use a cast iron skillet: If you have a cast iron skillet, serve the dish straight from the pan for a rustic, homey presentation.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Pair with sides: Serve the chicken with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.

How to Serve Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms

Serve this dish hot and straight from the skillet for maximum impact. Place a chicken breast on each plate, spooning a generous amount of the cheesy mushroom sauce over the top. Add some freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of extra Asiago cheese for a nice finishing touch.

Presentation Ideas for Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms

For a more elegant presentation, arrange the chicken and mushrooms on a large serving platter. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken, making sure to leave some visible pieces of mushroom for that rustic look. You can also place a few sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley around the dish for a burst of green color.

Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe Tips

• Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your skillet is too small, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the pan will result in steaming rather than searing the chicken.
• Let the cheese melt slowly: When adding the Asiago cheese to the sauce, reduce the heat to low and stir constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping or becoming grainy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish a few hours in advance. However, the sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.

Q: Can I freeze Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms?
A: While the chicken and mushrooms freeze well, the cream sauce may not. Cream sauces can separate when frozen and thawed. If you plan to freeze, consider making the sauce fresh when you reheat the chicken.

Q: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy Asiago sauce and mushrooms.

Conclusion

Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the richness of Asiago cheese with the earthiness of mushrooms and the tenderness of chicken breasts. This one-pan meal is simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve for guests. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delectable dish!

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