Ultimate Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms and Asiago Sauce: Your New Favorite Dinner
– A comforting and indulgent chicken dish for any night of the week –
Chicken is a true weeknight hero in many households, and ours is no exception. We find ourselves enjoying chicken dishes at least three times a week, always searching for new, exciting ways to prepare this versatile protein. So, when a recipe comes along that truly captivates everyone, earning rave reviews and demands for an encore, it’s something worth celebrating! This Chicken with Mushrooms & Asiago Cream Sauce recipe is exactly that – a culinary discovery so good, you’ll want to share it from the rooftops (though perhaps with less risk of getting chilly!).
What makes this dish so special? It’s the harmonious blend of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luxurious, rich Asiago cream sauce. The flavors are sophisticated yet incredibly comforting, making it perfect for a special occasion, but easy enough for a busy Tuesday evening. The balance of savory chicken, the umami depth from the mushrooms, and the sharp, creamy notes of the Asiago cheese create a symphony on your palate that you won’t soon forget.
The Magic of Mushrooms and Asiago
Mushrooms are a beloved ingredient in our kitchen, with five out of six family members being enthusiastic fans. The one holdout is remarkably skilled at picking them out, so everyone wins! Lately, I’ve been particularly fond of using baby Bella mushrooms, also known as cremini. Their slightly firmer texture and deeper, more robust flavor compared to white button mushrooms add a wonderful richness to the sauce. Of course, I’m generally an advocate for all types of fungi – it’s rare to find a mushroom I disapprove of!
The choice of Asiago cheese is crucial to the distinctive flavor profile of this dish. Asiago, particularly aged Asiago, offers a delightful nutty and slightly sharp taste that melts beautifully into a velvety smooth cream sauce. It provides a more complex and interesting dimension than a simple Parmesan, elevating the entire meal. When combined with fresh garlic, fragrant oregano, and a touch of white wine, the sauce transforms into an exquisite embrace for the chicken and mushrooms.
Effortless Elegance: Preparing Your Creamy Chicken Dish
Despite its gourmet presentation, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings when you crave something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen. The entire process, from prep to table, can be completed in just about 30 minutes. The visual appeal of this dish is undeniable – golden-brown chicken nestled in a luscious cream sauce with glistening mushrooms makes for a truly inviting plate.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and a Velvety Sauce
- Pounding the Chicken: Don’t skip this step! Pounding the chicken breasts to about 1/2-inch thickness ensures even cooking and creates wonderfully tender, bite-sized pieces that soak up the sauce beautifully. It also significantly reduces cooking time.
- Seasoned Flour: Dredging the chicken in seasoned flour not only helps achieve that beautiful golden crust but also aids in thickening the sauce slightly, adding body and flavor.
- Browning for Flavor: Sautéing the chicken until it’s golden on all sides is crucial for developing deep, rich flavor. Those delicious browned bits left in the pan after the chicken is removed are the foundation for your incredible sauce.
- Deglazing with Wine: Adding white wine after sautéing the mushrooms and garlic helps deglaze the pan, incorporating all those flavorful fond bits into your sauce. Choose a dry white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to avoid adding unwanted sweetness. If you prefer to cook without alcohol, you can use additional chicken stock or a splash of white grape juice with a tiny bit of vinegar.
- Building the Cream Sauce: Once the chicken stock and lemon juice are added, let the mixture simmer to allow the flavors to meld. The final addition of heavy cream and shredded Asiago cheese should be done over low heat. Stir gently until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling the cream once the cheese is added, as this can cause it to separate.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors even further.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. I often serve it over perfectly cooked penne pasta, allowing the pasta to soak up every drop of that incredible Asiago cream sauce. A vibrant side of steamed asparagus adds a lovely freshness and crunch, complementing the richness of the main course. For those who prefer rice, this chicken dish would be equally delightful served over a bed of fluffy white rice or even a more flavorful wild rice pilaf.
Other Delicious Pairing Ideas:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort pairing, mashed potatoes would be perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Beyond asparagus, consider roasted broccoli, green beans, or even Brussels sprouts for a healthy and flavorful side.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette is essential for mopping up any leftover sauce – you won’t want to leave a single drop!
- Gnocchi or Risotto: For an even more indulgent meal, serve it with soft potato gnocchi or a creamy mushroom risotto.
Customizing Your Dish:
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You could easily incorporate a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving also adds a lovely aromatic touch. If you don’t have Asiago, a good quality aged Parmesan or even a sharp provolone could work in a pinch, though the unique flavor of Asiago truly shines here.
The Recipe: Chicken with Mushrooms & Asiago Cream Sauce
So, without further ado, here is the recipe that promises to become a beloved staple in your home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning, flavorful, and surprisingly easy chicken dish!
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Print Recipe
Chicken with Mushrooms & Asiago Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 16 ounce package of Baby Bella mushrooms rinsed and halved
- 3 teaspoons garlic puree or 3 cloves fresh minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1/2 cup white wine not sweet
- 1/2 cup flour seasoned with salt and pepper
- 1/2 stick of butter
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Asiago cheese shredded
- Additional Salt & Pepper for seasoning to taste
Instructions
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Pound chicken breasts with a meat mallet until about 1/2″ thick. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken cook faster and more tenderly. Cut the pounded chicken into bite-sized pieces for easier serving and sautéing.
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In a shallow dish, dredge the chicken pieces thoroughly in the seasoned flour. Ensure each piece is evenly coated, which will help create a golden crust and contribute to the sauce’s thickness.
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Heat the butter and the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the floured chicken pieces to the skillet. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
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Using the same skillet with the leftover drippings, add the rinsed and halved baby Bella mushrooms and garlic puree (or minced fresh garlic). Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms begin to brown and soften, releasing their earthy aromas.
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Pour the white wine into the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (deglazing). Stir for a couple of minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly and its flavors to infuse. Then, add the chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, and oregano to the pan, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, ensuring they are coated in the simmering sauce. Continue to cook on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the rich flavors and the sauce to further develop.
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Finally, stir in the heavy cream. Once combined, add the shredded Asiago cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened to a luxurious, creamy consistency. Keep the heat on low during this step to prevent the cream from curdling.
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Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately over your choice of hot pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or linguine) or fluffy rice for a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you loved this creamy chicken dish, you’re in luck! Chicken recipes are a cornerstone of our culinary repertoire here, and we have a fantastic collection awaiting your discovery. Whether you’re seeking quick weeknight meals or impressive dishes for entertaining, you’ll find plenty of inspiration.
For a super easy and incredibly satisfying weeknight dinner, be sure to check out our 5-ingredient Chicken Parmesan Bake. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights and consistently gets rave reviews. Or, if you’re looking for a broad range of ideas, explore our comprehensive list of over 20+ Family Favorite Chicken Recipes, all conveniently compiled in one place to make meal planning a breeze.
This recipe was adapted from The Midnight Baker, a wonderful source of culinary inspiration.