Are you looking for a hearty, creamy, and savory chicken dish that’s perfect for any dinner? Look no further than Creamy Asiago Chicken! This indulgent recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce made from Asiago cheese, garlic, and herbs, delivering a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare and a surefire hit for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish and why it’s so irresistible.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Asiago Chicken
- Rich Flavor: Asiago cheese brings a bold, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, creating a deliciously rich dish.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful, with a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Creamy Asiago Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Creamy Asiago Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and both Asiago and Parmesan cheeses. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to soak up the flavors and ensure it’s heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your choice of pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Asiago Chicken
- Chicken Substitutes: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option, or even swap the chicken for turkey if preferred.
- Add Extra Veggies: Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes in the skillet before adding the garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
- Adjust the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the chicken back in. If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the heavy cream and use half-and-half instead.
Pairing Suggestions
Creamy Asiago Chicken pairs wonderfully with:
- Pasta: Serve it over fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for a satisfying meal.
- Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or garlic butter green beans make excellent side dishes to round out the meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Asiago Chicken is the epitome of comfort food with a luxurious twist. Its creamy, cheesy sauce is rich and flavorful, while the tender chicken is perfectly cooked. This dish is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is quick, simple, and absolutely delicious.
Serving and Storage Tips for Creamy Asiago Chicken
Serving Tips:
- Sides: To elevate your meal, pair Creamy Asiago Chicken with delicious sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a light salad. The richness of the sauce complements the freshness of green veggies perfectly.
- Garnishing: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a touch of color and freshness to the dish. You can also drizzle a bit of extra grated Asiago cheese on top for an added burst of flavor.
- Bread: Serve the dish with warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra creamy sauce. Garlic bread or a soft baguette are excellent choices.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy flavor of this dish. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir works well.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating: Leftover Creamy Asiago Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Freezing: While the sauce may not be as creamy after freezing, you can freeze Creamy Asiago Chicken for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
- Reheating: To reheat the chicken and sauce, place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of cream or milk to help bring back the creaminess. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t separate. Alternatively, you can microwave the chicken, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.
By following these storage and serving tips, you can enjoy Creamy Asiago Chicken both immediately and as leftovers, ensuring it remains flavorful and delicious!
1. Can I use a different cheese instead of Asiago?
Yes, you can substitute Asiago cheese with Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even Gruyère for a similar creamy texture and savory flavor. However, Asiago offers a unique nutty flavor, so the taste may differ slightly depending on your choice of cheese.
2. Can I make Creamy Asiago Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time! Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce, then store the two components separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce, combining them in a skillet to bring back the creaminess. It’s a great option for meal prep!
3. Is Creamy Asiago Chicken gluten-free?
The basic recipe for Creamy Asiago Chicken is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no flour or gluten-based ingredients. However, if you’re serving it with pasta or certain sides, make sure to choose gluten-free options to keep the meal entirely gluten-free.
4. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to cook the vegetables before adding them to the sauce to ensure they’re tender and flavorful.
Creamy Asiago Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Asiago Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, garlicky Asiago cheese sauce. This restaurant-quality meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Asiago cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Lightly coat them in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Asiago cheese, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and sauce:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm the chicken and meld the flavors.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot over pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Substitute Parmesan or Romano cheese for Asiago if preferred.
- For a lower-calorie version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.