Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms

Craving a mouth-watering, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress? Look no further than this Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms recipe. Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this savory meal hits the spot. Juicy chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, and creamy Asiago cheese come together in a sizzling skillet to create a meal that's rich in flavor and hearty in texture. Want to learn how to make this perfect dish? Keep reading to discover the ingredients, steps, and tips that will have you cooking up an unforgettable meal!

this Recipe

What is Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms?

Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms is a one-pan dish where tender chicken breasts are sautéed to perfection, combined with mushrooms and simmered in a rich sauce made with Asiago cheese. This combination of flavors creates a meal that is both savory and comforting, yet sophisticated enough for any special occasion. Asiago cheese, known for its bold, nutty taste, takes center stage in this recipe, providing a creaminess that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms and the juicy texture of the chicken.

Now, let’s dive into the details of what you’ll need to make this delectable dish.

Ingredients List for Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms

To create this delicious skillet recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose medium-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. You can also use chicken thighs for a more flavorful option.
• 8 oz of mushrooms (cremini or baby bella): These mushrooms offer a rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy Asiago sauce.
• ½ cup of grated Asiago cheese: Asiago adds a nutty, tangy flavor that’s essential to this recipe.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic brings an aromatic element to the dish that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 cup of chicken broth: This forms the base of the sauce, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
• ½ cup of heavy cream: Cream is used to thicken the sauce and add richness to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and mushrooms to perfection.
• 1 tablespoon of butter: Butter enhances the sauce’s flavor and creates a silky texture.
• ½ teaspoon of dried thyme: Thyme provides a subtle herbal note that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Substitutions and Variations

Not every kitchen is stocked with every ingredient, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a version of this dish. Here are some common substitutions and variations to try:

• Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts: Chicken thighs offer a more tender, flavorful option due to their higher fat content.
• Use different types of mushrooms: If you don’t have cremini or baby bella mushrooms, you can substitute them with white button mushrooms or even portobello mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
• Swap Asiago for Parmesan: If Asiago cheese isn’t available, you can use Parmesan as a close alternative. It will still add the same nutty, savory flavor.
• Add spinach: For a bit of color and extra nutrients, toss in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Low-carb option: Skip the cream and use a lighter broth-based sauce if you're looking to cut back on calories or fat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms is simple, even for beginner cooks. Here’s how to make it from start to finish:

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sauté the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the mushrooms and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. Add garlic and thyme: Once the mushrooms are cooked, stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits from cooking the chicken and mushrooms. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add the cream and Asiago: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Asiago cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Return the chicken: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce and mushrooms over the top. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
8. Serve: Once everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and serve immediately.

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

For those who like breaking down steps even further, here's an easy-to-follow, detailed guide on how to cook this delicious skillet dish:

1. Start with high-quality ingredients: Fresh chicken, mushrooms, and cheese will elevate the flavors of this dish, so opt for organic or locally sourced ingredients when possible.
2. Season generously: Seasoning the chicken properly with salt and pepper before cooking ensures the flavors penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat your skillet: A well-heated skillet is key to creating a good sear on the chicken and mushrooms. Make sure your oil and butter are hot before adding anything to the pan.
4. Deglaze the pan: Use the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet after cooking the chicken and mushrooms. This releases all the flavorful browned bits that have stuck to the bottom.
5. Keep stirring the sauce: When you add the cream and cheese, be sure to stir constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping or the sauce from separating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When cooking Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms, it's important to avoid a few common pitfalls:

• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so be sure to remove them from the heat once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Not reducing the sauce enough: If you don’t let the sauce simmer and thicken, it will be too watery. Allow it to reduce for a few minutes for a perfect consistency.
• Undercooking the mushrooms: Make sure your mushrooms are fully cooked and browned before adding other ingredients. This helps to bring out their rich, umami flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The presentation of this dish can turn it from a simple dinner to a restaurant-quality experience. Here are a few ideas to make your Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms look as good as it tastes:

1. Serve in the skillet: A rustic presentation can make a dish feel homier and more comforting. Serve the meal directly in the skillet at the table, letting everyone scoop out their portion.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the dish before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
3. Pair with side dishes: This dish goes beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

How to Serve Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms

Serving Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms is straightforward, but here are some tips to elevate the dining experience:

• Serve with pasta or rice: The rich sauce pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Use rustic bread: Serve with crusty bread on the side for a satisfying texture contrast and to help mop up the creamy sauce.
• Plate individually: For a more elegant presentation, plate each chicken breast individually and spoon the sauce and mushrooms artfully on top.

Presentation Ideas for Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms

1. Use white plates: White plates can help the colors of the dish stand out, especially the golden chicken and browned mushrooms.
2. Layering technique: Place the chicken on a bed of mashed potatoes or polenta and spoon the sauce with mushrooms over the top for a beautifully layered presentation.
3. Drizzle extra sauce: Don't be afraid to drizzle a little extra sauce around the plate for a more gourmet look.

Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe Tips

• Season as you go: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the salt and pepper levels as needed.
• Thin the sauce if needed: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
• Cheese melts best at lower heat: Keep the heat on low when stirring in the cheese to avoid clumping or curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • Yes, Parmesan or even Gruyère can be substituted for Asiago in this recipe.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the chicken and mushrooms ahead of time and reheat them in the skillet with the sauce before serving.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • While the chicken can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion

Skillet Asiago Chicken and Mushrooms is a fantastic recipe that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich Asiago cheese sauce to create a savory, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, this one-skillet dish will not disappoint. Now that you have the step-by-step guide, substitutions, and tips, it's time to bring this flavorful dish to your kitchen!

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