Creamy Asiago Chicken Recipe

For those evenings when you’re craving something rich, savory, and just a little bit indulgent, this Creamy Asiago Chicken is the answer. Tender, pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a luxurious, creamy sauce that’s perfectly balanced with the nutty, sharp flavors of Asiago cheese. The addition of mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a touch of wine or chicken broth creates a savory, aromatic sauce that complements the chicken beautifully. Whether served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or simply with a side of vegetables, this dish is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.

What makes this recipe stand out is how quickly and easily it comes together. The simple, yet delicious, ingredients come together to create a creamy, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of two types of mustard—grainy and Dijon—adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese, while the thyme adds an earthy, herbaceous note. If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal but is simple enough to prepare at home, this Creamy Asiago Chicken is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful and Creamy: The Asiago cheese and creamy sauce make for a rich, indulgent meal that’s bursting with flavor.
2. Quick and Easy: Made in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re short on time.
3. Perfectly Balanced: The mustard and thyme provide a subtle contrast to the creaminess, elevating the dish without overwhelming it.
4. Customizable: You can serve it over rice, pasta, or veggies, making it a versatile dish for different sides.
5. Elegant Yet Simple: Looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish but with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Oil or butter
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
• Salt and pepper
• Mushrooms (sliced)
• Onion (diced)
• Garlic (chopped)
• Fresh thyme (chopped)
• Dry white wine or chicken broth
• Chicken broth
• Heavy/whipping cream
• Grainy mustard
• Dijon mustard
• Asiago cheese (grated)

Variations

• Use Different Cheese: Swap Asiago for Parmesan or Gouda if you prefer a different flavor profile.
• Add Vegetables: Spinach or peas can be added to the creamy sauce for more texture and color.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
• Herb Variations: Use rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for a different flavor.
• Low-fat Option: Use half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and chopped garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the onions are translucent.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Add the dry white wine or chicken broth to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cream

Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Stir in Mustard and Asiago

Whisk in the grainy mustard and Dijon mustard, then stir in the grated Asiago cheese. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted into the sauce and it’s creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Pan

Add the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to reheat and absorb some of the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh thyme and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensure the chicken is evenly pounded to avoid uneven cooking.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so be sure to cook them just until they reach 165°F.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme really makes a difference in the flavor of the sauce.
• Low and Slow: If your sauce is too thin, continue to cook it on low heat to reduce and thicken before adding the cheese.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve

This creamy Asiago chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of pasta or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, pair it with a crisp salad, sautéed greens, or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal. It’s also perfect with a side of garlic bread to help scoop up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chicken and sauce to cool before storing in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the cream sauce may slightly separate upon thawing. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will require longer cooking time. Be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. What can I substitute for white wine?

You can substitute dry white wine with chicken broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.

3. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, using half-and-half will make the sauce a bit lighter, but it won’t be as rich and creamy.

4. Can I make this without mushrooms?

Yes, you can omit the mushrooms or replace them with other vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, then store in the fridge. Simply reheat and serve when ready.

6. What type of mustard should I use?

You’ll need both grainy mustard and Dijon mustard to get the right tangy flavor. You can experiment with other mustard varieties, but this combination works best.

7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F at its thickest point.

8. Can I use a different cheese?

While Asiago gives this dish its signature flavor, you can swap it with Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or Gruyere if you prefer.

9. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low and avoid boiling the sauce once the cream is added. Stir frequently to ensure smoothness.

10. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Creamy Asiago Chicken is the perfect combination of rich, comforting flavors and simple ingredients that come together in one skillet. With tender chicken, a smooth, creamy sauce, and a touch of mustard for tang, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves creamy, cheesy chicken dinners. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious, savory meal.

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