Mushroom Asiago Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table, you’re in for a treat with this Mushroom Asiago Chicken recipe. This dish has a special place in my heart as it won the grand prize in the Meredith Corporation’s “Best of Food Blogger Recipes 2013.” Imagine tender chicken bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, with earthy mushrooms adding that perfect touch. It’s not just delicious; it also works wonderfully for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Mushroom Asiago Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your home. It’s easy to prepare and filled with flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pasta or rice, making it versatile enough for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready to serve in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy sauce and tender chicken, making it a perfect choice for family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it until you’re ready to cook the chicken.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of asiago cheese and fresh thyme elevates this dish, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the simple ingredients that make this dish so special! Each item is wholesome and easy to find at your local grocery store. Gather these up, and let’s get cooking!

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 large)
• 1/2 cup seasoned flour
• 2 tbs butter
• 2 tbs olive oil

For the Sauce

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

For Seasoning

• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Variations

This Mushroom Asiago Chicken recipe is flexible and can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a different flavor profile.
• Add some greens: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
• Change up the cheese: If asiago isn’t available, use parmesan or gouda for a unique twist on flavor.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you’re looking to cut down on calories without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Mushroom Asiago Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound your chicken breasts with a meat mallet between two sheets of waxed paper until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This step ensures even cooking and tenderness. Cut them into serving-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a deep skillet over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, dredge your chicken pieces in seasoned flour before placing them in the skillet. Sauté until golden brown on each side, about 5 minutes per side. This creates that lovely crust while locking in moisture.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

After removing the chicken from the pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté your mushrooms along with minced garlic until they start to brown. This step enhances their flavor through caramelization, making them irresistibly tasty.

Step 4: Deglaze with Grape Juice

Pour in your dry white grape juice while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this process is called deglazing and adds depth to your sauce. Add bruised thyme sprigs at this stage; crushing them releases their oils, enhancing their fragrance and flavor.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return your sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat and covering it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This gentle simmer allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Remove your chicken once it’s cooked through, then stir heavy cream into the skillet along with shredded asiago cheese. Cook over low heat until melted and slightly reduced—this is where all that creamy goodness comes together!

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Finally, add your chicken back into that luscious sauce just long enough to heat through again. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving over pasta or rice for a comforting meal everyone will love!

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Mushroom Asiago Chicken!

Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Asiago Chicken

Making Mushroom Asiago Chicken is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your dish to perfection!

• Pound the chicken evenly: Ensuring that your chicken breast is of uniform thickness helps it cook evenly. This prevents some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked.

• Don’t skip the deglazing: Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan not only adds flavor but also creates a rich base for your sauce. This step enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Adjust cheese to your taste: Asiago can be quite strong, so feel free to adjust the amount you add based on your preference. Whether you like it cheesy or just want a hint of flavor, this flexibility makes the dish cater to everyone’s palate.

• Simmer gently: Cooking at a lower temperature allows the flavors to meld beautifully without overcooking the chicken. This will ensure that each bite is tender and juicy.

• Serve with love: Presentation matters! A well-plated dish garnished thoughtfully not only looks appetizing but also adds to the overall dining experience.

How to Serve Mushroom Asiago Chicken

Presenting your Mushroom Asiago Chicken can be as enjoyable as preparing it! Here are some ideas to make it visually appealing and delicious.

Garnishes

• Fresh thyme sprigs: Simple yet elegant, fresh thyme adds a pop of color and hints at the flavors in the dish.
• Shaved asiago: A light sprinkle of additional asiago cheese on top just before serving can create an eye-catching finish.

Side Dishes

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery, garlic mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that complements the richness of the asiago sauce perfectly.

• Steamed broccoli: Bright green broccoli not only adds color but also provides a lovely crunch and freshness that balances the creamy chicken.

• Butter sautéed green beans: Quick and flavorful, sautéed green beans tossed in butter add a satisfying texture alongside your chicken.

• Herbed rice pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice pilaf with herbs brings an aromatic element to your meal and works beautifully with the savory sauce.

Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish, knowing that you’ve created something truly special!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mushroom Asiago Chicken recipe is fantastic for meal prep! It not only tastes great but also gets better as the flavors meld together. Here’s how to store it effectively:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.
• If possible, separate the sauce from the chicken to maintain texture.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To prevent freezer burn, remove as much air as possible from the bag.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also microwave it; just make sure to cover it and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Mushroom Asiago Chicken recipe:

Can I use other types of cheese instead of asiago?

Absolutely! While asiago adds a delightful flavor, you can substitute it with parmesan or gouda for a different twist. Just keep in mind that each cheese will bring its unique taste.

How do I make Mushroom Asiago Chicken gluten-free?

To make this delicious dish gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your ingredients (like broth or grape juice) are certified gluten-free.

What can I serve with Mushroom Asiago Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. The creamy sauce complements any side you choose!

Can I prepare Mushroom Asiago Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine them when ready to serve for maximum freshness.

What makes Mushroom Asiago Chicken special?

Winning the Grand Prize at Meredith Corporation’s “Best of Food Blogger Recipes 2013” showcases its delicious flavor and comforting nature. It’s a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want on your dinner table!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Mushroom Asiago Chicken as much as I do! This recipe is special because it brings together rich flavors that family and friends will love. Plus, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping during busy weeks. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your own twists on this dish—happy cooking!