This Easy Creamy Asiago Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce made from Asiago cheese. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor!
I love serving this dish with pasta or veggies. The sauce is so good, you’ll want to get every last bite, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, thighs are juicier and work well too. You could even use turkey breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
Asiago Cheese: This cheese adds a delightful tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can be good substitutes, keeping in mind that they might be a bit saltier.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms offer a deeper flavor, but white mushrooms work perfectly too. For a different taste, you could try using shiitake or portobello mushrooms.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be used instead. Just note that the sauce won’t be as rich, so you might want to compensate with more cheese.
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Creamy Sauce?
Making a creamy sauce might seem tricky, but it’s all about timing and temperature. After cooking the mushrooms and garlic, it’s important to lower the heat before adding the cream. This helps prevent the cream from curdling.
- Once you add the cream and bring it to a simmer, stir consistently to avoid sticking.
- Add cheese gradually, allowing it to melt fully for a smooth texture.
- If the sauce is too thick, slowly add chicken broth to adjust the consistency without losing flavor.
Remember to taste as you go, adjusting seasoning as needed for the perfect balance!
Easy Creamy Asiago Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Sauce:
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce if needed)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Creamy Asiago Chicken will take about 30 minutes in total, including prep and cooking time. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor. This is a crucial step for making sure your chicken tastes delicious.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. If they’re thick, make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and tender. Mushrooms add wonderful texture and flavor, so don’t rush this step!
4. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. This will bring a beautiful aroma to your dish!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine everything and let it come to a light simmer. This is where the magic happens!
6. Melt in the Cheese:
Add the grated Asiago cheese and Italian seasoning into the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add chicken broth a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the rich sauce with mushrooms over the chicken pieces. This will allow the chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors!
8. Simmer and Serve:
Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. When ready, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy!
Serve your rich, creamy Asiago chicken hot alongside pasta, rice, or your favorite vegetables. Enjoy every savory bite!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Asiago Chicken
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will give you a richer flavor and are often juicier than breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, consider substituting half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat version for fewer calories.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the creamy sauce and cook the chicken a day ahead. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove and combine, adding a bit of broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftover Creamy Asiago Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on low in a pan or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.
