Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms
If you’re craving a quick, comforting meal that bursts with flavor, the Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms is a guaranteed winner. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with earthy mushrooms, all bathed in a luscious Asiago cheese-infused cream sauce with a tangy kick of mustard. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is both simple and satisfying, making it a favorite everyone will ask for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights when time is short but flavor matters.
- Rich and Comforting: The creamy Asiago cheese sauce elevates the dish to a cozy, indulgent level without being heavy.
- Balanced Flavors: The mustard provides a tangy contrast to the cheesy cream and mushrooms, creating a perfectly harmonious bite.
- One-Pan Wonder: The skillet method means less cleanup but maximum flavor as all ingredients meld together beautifully.
- Versatile and Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this dish easily adapts for different tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken breasts to the earthy mushrooms and sharp Asiago cheese, everything comes together seamlessly.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless for quick cooking and tender results.
- Asiago Cheese: Offers a tangy, nutty richness that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms add an earthy component and lovely texture.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Vital for creating that luscious, velvety sauce that coats the chicken and mushrooms.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
- Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing, enhancing both flavor and moisture.
- Fresh Herbs: Thyme or parsley for a fresh herbal punch and beautiful garnish.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning to taste and balancing the dish.
Variations for Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms
Feel free to tweak the Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms to suit your pantry, preferences, or dietary restrictions. This recipe is delightfully flexible, letting you create a unique twist every time.
- Vegetarian Swap: Use tofu or cauliflower steaks in place of chicken for a meat-free option.
- Cheese Variations: Substitute Asiago with Parmesan or Gruyere for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a mild heat boost.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with rosemary or sage alongside thyme to deepen the herbal notes.
How to Make Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, add a little more oil or butter if needed, then toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute and sauté until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, followed by the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. Gradually add grated Asiago cheese, stirring constantly to melt it smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce and mushrooms over the top. Cover and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld and the chicken absorb the sauce’s richness. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms
- Use Room Temperature Chicken: For even cooking, let the chicken sit out briefly before cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sauté mushrooms in batches if necessary to avoid steaming and to get better browning.
- Choose Fresh Asiago: Freshly grated Asiago melts better and offers a more vibrant flavor.
- Control Cream Thickness: Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling and achieve perfect creaminess.
- Adjust Mustard to Taste: Add mustard gradually and sample the sauce so it’s tangy but not overpowering.
How to Serve Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves add a vibrant pop of color and a burst of fresh herbal aroma that complements the richness of the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes, garlic roasted vegetables, or even a light mixed green salad to balance the creamy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken skillet directly in the pan for rustic family-style dining, or plate it elegantly with drizzles of extra sauce and a sprinkle of Asiago cheese on top for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days to maintain maximum freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but to preserve texture, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers without fresh herbs. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid drying out the chicken or curdling the creamy sauce. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Asiago?
Absolutely! Parmesan, Gruyere, or even sharp cheddar can work well, though Asiago gives a distinct tang and nuttiness unique to this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, but always double-check mustard brands for hidden gluten if sensitive.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Cremini mushrooms are ideal due to their firm texture and earthy taste, but white button mushrooms or even shiitake can also be delicious substitutes.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce into the cream sauce to add a gentle heat that complements the tangy mustard.
Final Thoughts
With its creamy, tangy, and deeply comforting qualities, the Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms is a true crowd-pleaser that feels both special and easy to make. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a weekly favorite in your kitchen – it’s like a warm hug served on a plate!
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Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms
Creamy Asiago & Mustard Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms is a quick, flavorful weeknight meal that features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich Asiago cheese-infused cream sauce with earthy mushrooms and a tangy mustard kick. This one-pan dish is comforting yet light, with balanced flavors and minimal cleanup, making it perfect for families and busy cooks alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup grated Asiago cheese (freshly grated preferred)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Essentials & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add more oil or butter if needed, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cook until they release moisture and start browning, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking and sauté until fragrant.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Dijon mustard, then add the heavy cream. Simmer gently, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. Gradually add the grated Asiago cheese, stirring constantly until melted smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce and mushrooms over them. Cover the skillet and cook an additional 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the sauce’s richness. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing mushrooms to ensure proper browning.
- Freshly grated Asiago melts better and enhances flavor.
- Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling and achieve ideal creaminess.
- Adjust the mustard gradually to maintain balanced tanginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Creamy Asiago Chicken, Mustard Chicken Skillet, Mushroom Chicken, Quick Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Gluten-Free Chicken Recipe
