Name: Creamy Asiago Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 600 g boneless and skinless chicken breasts; 50 g all-purpose flour (for coating); 30 g unsalted butter; 15 ml olive oil; 150 ml chicken broth; 120 ml heavy cream; 100 g Asiago cheese, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 5 g Italian seasoning; 5 g salt; 3 g black pepper; 10 g fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Introduction

Savor the rich and cheesy flavors of this Creamy Asiago Chicken, a perfect dish for a cozy meal. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious Asiago cheese sauce, offering a mix of savory and creamy textures that are sure to delight your taste buds.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– 600g chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– 50g all-purpose flour
– 30g unsalted butter
– 15ml olive oil
– 150ml chicken broth
– 120ml heavy cream
– 100g Asiago cheese, grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 5g Italian seasoning
– 5g salt
– 3g black pepper
– 10g fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Indulge in this Creamy Asiago Chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of chicken and a rich, cheesy sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once seasoned, lightly coat the chicken with all-purpose flour, ensuring an even layer to create a nice crust when cooked.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, combine unsalted butter and olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once the mixture is hot and the butter has melted, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, achieving a beautiful caramelized exterior. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence into the air.

Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This step builds depth in the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the broth reduce slightly.

Step 5: Add Cream

Reduce the heat to low and incorporate the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir gently and allow the mixture to meld together for an additional 2-3 minutes, transforming into a rich and creamy base.

Step 6: Incorporate Asiago Cheese

Gradually sprinkle in the grated Asiago cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely, resulting in a smooth and velvety sauce. The aroma will be irresistible, showcasing the cheese’s nutty flavors.

Step 7: Return the Chicken

Carefully return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are well coated with the creamy Asiago sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring that it warms through and absorbs the delicious flavors.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top of the sauce for a burst of color and freshness. This touch not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of brightness to the dish.

Notes

Flavor Variations

For a spice kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. This will give the dish an extra layer of warmth.

Cheese Substitutes

Asiago cheese can be replaced with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile, though it may alter the creaminess slightly.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Cook Techniques

Seasoning

To enhance the flavors of the chicken, season it well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking. This helps to build a savory foundation for the dish.

Coating

Lightly coating the seasoned chicken breasts in flour before cooking adds a slight crispness to the exterior, creating a nice texture when seared in the skillet.

Sautéing

Sauté the chicken in a mixture of olive oil and butter. This technique allows the chicken to brown evenly while the butter adds richness.

Deglazing

After cooking the chicken, deglaze the skillet by adding chicken broth to scrape up any caramelized bits. This process enhances the flavor of the sauce.

Simmering

Simmer the broth to concentrate the flavors before adding cream. This step incorporating the essence of the chicken and garlic into the sauce.

Melting Cheese

Add the grated Asiago cheese gradually and stir continuously until it’s melted. This ensures a smooth, creamy sauce without clumps.

Garnishing

Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh parsley. This not only adds color but also a fresh burst of flavor that complements the rich sauce.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Asiago with other cheeses like Parmesan or Fontina, but the flavor and texture of the sauce may vary.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Reheat it gently before serving to maintain the creamy texture.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, you can add a bit more flour to create a roux or let it simmer longer to reduce its volume.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would pair nicely with the creamy sauce.

What do I serve with Creamy Asiago Chicken?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, as well as a side of steamed vegetables or salad.

Conclusion

Creamy Asiago Chicken is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. With its tender chicken and rich cheese sauce, it satisfies cravings for hearty meals while being easy to prepare. This recipe not only highlights the versatility of Asiago cheese but also allows for creativity in pairing and serving.

Asiago Chicken Pasta

Combine Creamy Asiago Chicken with your favorite pasta for a fulfilling meal. Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce and serve with a sprinkle of additional grated Asiago cheese.

Stuffed Asiago Chicken

Create a stuffed version by filling chicken breasts with a mixture of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Asiago cheese before cooking. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes for a beautiful presentation.

Asiago Chicken and Vegetables

Sauté seasonal vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers in the skillet after cooking the chicken, then pour the creamy sauce over them. This adds nutrition and color to the dish.

Asiago Chicken Sandwiches

Transform the Creamy Asiago Chicken into a delicious sandwich by placing it on a toasted brioche bun. Add arugula or spinach for crunch and freshness.

One-Pan Asiago Chicken and Rice

Cook rice in the same skillet after preparing the chicken. Stir in the creamy Asiago sauce and let the rice absorb all the flavors for an easy one-pan meal.

Asiago Chicken Salad

Let the cooked Creamy Asiago Chicken cool, then slice it thinly and serve over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. The creamy chicken adds a rich touch to the salad.