Mushroom Asiago Chicken

If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that feels special but is easy enough for any weeknight, you’ve come to the right place! This Mushroom Asiago Chicken recipe has stolen the show at many family gatherings and cozy dinners alike. It’s creamy, flavorful, and features tender chicken paired with earthy mushrooms and the rich taste of asiago cheese. Plus, it won the grand prize in the Meredith Corporation’s “Best of Food Blogger Recipes 2013,” which just goes to show how beloved it truly is!

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: This dish combines familiar flavors that kids and adults alike will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even steamed veggies – it adapts beautifully!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The flavors deepen if made a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! You won’t need anything fancy here—just simple, wholesome items that you can find easily at your local grocery store.

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 large)
• 1/2 cup seasoned flour
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp pepper (or to taste)

For the Sauce

• 2 cups mushrooms (cut in half)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 3 sprigs thyme
• 1 1/2 cups dry white grape juice
• 2 tbs butter
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup shredded asiago cheese

For Cooking

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this Mushroom Asiago Chicken recipe is how flexible it is! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Both will absorb those wonderful flavors beautifully!
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers during the sautéing step for added nutrition and color.
• Change up the cheese: If asiago isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute with parmesan or mozzarella for a different twist.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking for a little heat.

How to Make Mushroom Asiago Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breast between two sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap until it’s an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. After that, cut the chicken into serving-sized pieces—two or three pieces per breast works perfectly.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, melt butter with one tablespoon of olive oil. Dredge each piece of chicken in seasoned flour before adding them to the hot skillet. Sauté until golden brown on each side, about five minutes per side. This browning not only adds flavor but also helps seal in moisture.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Once your chicken is cooked and removed from the pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil along with your halved mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté these until they start to brown. Browning mushrooms enhances their umami flavor and gives your sauce depth.

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Thyme

Pour in the dry white grape juice while scraping up any browned bits stuck on the bottom of your pan—this process is called deglazing! It adds incredible flavor to your sauce. Next, bruise those fresh thyme sprigs by twisting them between your fingers or gently hitting them with a knife; this releases their fragrant oils before adding them to the mix.

Step 5: Simmer It All Together

Return your sautéed chicken back into the skillet and bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This step allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together while ensuring that your chicken remains tender.

Step 6: Create Your Creamy Sauce

After simmering, take out your chicken once more. Now it’s time to add heavy cream into the pan. Stir in shredded asiago cheese—if you love its bold flavor like I do, go ahead and use half a cup! Cook on low heat until melted and combined well.

Step 7: Final Touches

Bring back your chicken into this luscious sauce to warm through again before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an elegant touch.

And voilà—you’ve made an award-winning Mushroom Asiago Chicken! Enjoy every bite as you dig into this delightful meal that’s sure to become a favorite around your table!

Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Asiago Chicken

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Mushroom Asiago Chicken to a whole new level!

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensuring your chicken is of uniform thickness will help it cook evenly. This means juicy, tender bites every time!
• Don’t Rush the Deglazing: Take your time when adding the grape juice to the skillet. Scraping up those browned bits adds an incredible depth of flavor to your sauce.
• Balance the Cheese Flavor: Depending on your preference, adjust the amount of asiago cheese. If you’re unsure, start with less and add more as needed; you can always enhance but can’t easily take away!
• Simmer Gently: When you return the chicken to the pan, keep the heat low. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully without drying out the chicken.
• Experiment with Herbs: While thyme is lovely in this dish, feel free to explore other herbs like rosemary or parsley for a personal touch that complements your taste.

How to Serve Mushroom Asiago Chicken

When it’s time to serve your Mushroom Asiago Chicken, presentation can make all the difference! Here are some ideas to make it truly special.

Garnishes

• Fresh Thyme Sprigs: A few sprigs of fresh thyme not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a lovely aroma that excites the senses.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: For an extra touch of richness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top just before serving; it makes everything feel gourmet.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes infused with garlic perfectly soak up the delicious sauce from the chicken.
• Roasted Asparagus: The slight crunch and earthy flavor of roasted asparagus complement the creamy mushroom sauce beautifully.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet effective! Steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients while providing a healthy crunch alongside your meal.

With these serving suggestions and expert tips, you’re well on your way to making an unforgettable meal that everyone will love! Enjoy your culinary journey with Mushroom Asiago Chicken!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mushroom Asiago Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! It not only saves time during busy weeknights but also keeps well, making it a fantastic option for your lunch or dinner rotation.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of cream if needed to keep it moist.
• Alternatively, microwave on medium power until warmed, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up as you prepare this delicious dish!

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Asiago in Mushroom Asiago Chicken?

Absolutely! While Asiago adds a unique flavor, you can substitute with Parmesan or mozzarella for a milder taste.

How can I make Mushroom Asiago Chicken healthier?

To lighten this dish, consider using low-fat cream and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

What can I serve with Mushroom Asiago Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Can I make Mushroom Asiago Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce, then store them separately until you’re ready to reheat and serve. This makes it convenient for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Mushroom Asiago Chicken as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings together savory flavors and creamy goodness, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations – cooking should be fun! Happy cooking!