Mushroom Asiago Chicken

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious dish that will impress family and friends, look no further than this Mushroom Asiago Chicken recipe. This dish has a special place in my heart because it won the grand prize in the Meredith Corporation’s “Best of Food Blogger Recipes 2013.” It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor thanks to the delightful combination of mushrooms and asiago cheese.

Whether you’re whipping this up for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, Mushroom Asiago Chicken is sure to become a beloved favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and ingredients, you can have this dish ready in about 40 minutes!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The creamy sauce and tender chicken are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep the chicken in advance and just toss it all together when you’re ready to cook.
• Delicious Flavor: The earthy mushrooms combined with the sharp asiago create an irresistible taste that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Mushroom Asiago Chicken recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need!

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

One of the great things about this Mushroom Asiago Chicken recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Change up the cheese: If asiago isn’t available, parmesan or gouda can work beautifully too.
• Add greens: Toss in some spinach or kale during cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.

How to Make Mushroom Asiago Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound the chicken breast with a meat mallet between two sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. This step ensures even cooking and helps keep the chicken juicy. Cut them into serving-sized pieces—typically two or three pieces per breast.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, heat the butter along with one tablespoon of olive oil. Dredge each piece of chicken in seasoned flour before adding them to the hot oil/butter mixture. Sauté until golden brown on each side for about five minutes, then remove from the pan. This gives your chicken a lovely crispy exterior while keeping it tender inside.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic

Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the halved mushrooms and minced garlic until they start to brown. The browning process adds depth and flavor that will enhance our sauce later on.

Step 4: Deglaze with Grape Juice

Pour in the dry white grape juice to deglaze the skillet, scraping up those flavorful browned bits stuck at the bottom—this is where all that goodness lies! Bruise your fresh thyme by twisting it between your fingers before adding it into the pan along with the mushrooms.

Step 5: Simmer Together

Return your sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring your chicken is cooked through.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Once cooked, take out the chicken again. Add heavy cream to your mushroom mixture and heat through. Stir in asiago cheese according to your preference for flavor strength—more for boldness or less for subtlety! Cook over low heat until melted and combined nicely.

Step 7: Final Touches

Add your chicken back into this luscious sauce and let it warm through again. Finally, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving—this makes for a lovely presentation!

Serve this delightful Mushroom Asiago Chicken over pasta or alongside rice for an easy yet elegant meal that will surely be remembered! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Asiago Chicken

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, especially when preparing a dish as flavorful as Mushroom Asiago Chicken. Here are some handy tips to elevate your cooking experience:

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: By ensuring the chicken is of uniform thickness, you guarantee even cooking throughout, preventing any dry or overcooked spots.

• Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms not only enhance the flavor but also provide a better texture compared to canned ones. Opt for varieties like cremini or shiitake for an extra depth of taste.

• Deglaze Thoroughly: Scraping up those brown bits at the bottom of the pan adds incredible flavor to your sauce. Don’t rush this step; it’s where much of the dish’s character comes from!

• Adjust Cheese to Taste: Asiago can be quite strong, so feel free to start with less and add more if desired. This allows you to customize the flavor profile according to your preference.

• Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs like thyme not only brighten up the presentation but also enhance the aroma, making each bite more inviting.

How to Serve Mushroom Asiago Chicken

Presenting your Mushroom Asiago Chicken beautifully can turn a simple dinner into a special occasion. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious dish:

Garnishes

• Fresh Thyme Sprigs: A few sprigs of fresh thyme not only look stunning but also complement the dish’s earthy flavors.
• Parmesan Shavings: Adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can elevate the dish further and add another layer of richness.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting pairing that balances out the rich sauce.
• Steamed Asparagus: Bright green asparagus adds a refreshing crunch and color contrast, enhancing both nutrition and presentation.
• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings sweetness and earthiness that complements the savory chicken well.
• Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, a quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber offers a refreshing side that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Mushroom Asiago Chicken is sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mushroom Asiago Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance and enjoy delicious, comforting meals throughout the week. Here are some tips on how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Portion the chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of cream if needed for moisture.
• Alternately, microwave in short intervals until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Mushroom Asiago Chicken that might help you out!

Can I use other types of cheese instead of asiago?

Absolutely! While asiago cheese gives this dish a delightful flavor, you can substitute it with Parmesan or Gruyère for a similar taste profile.

How do I make Mushroom Asiago Chicken gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your heavy cream is also free from additives containing gluten.

What can I serve with Mushroom Asiago Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even a fresh green salad. Feel free to get creative!

Is Mushroom Asiago Chicken suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep as it stores well and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Mushroom Asiago Chicken recipe! It’s not just about cooking; it’s about creating warm memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, I’m sure you’ll love every bite. Enjoy trying this delightful dish, and happy cooking!