Chicken and Mushroom Skillet in a Creamy Asiago and Mustard Sauce

This Chicken and Mushroom Skillet is an easy yet elegant dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with earthy mushrooms, all smothered in a rich, creamy Asiago and mustard sauce. It’s the perfect blend of savory, tangy, and creamy, making it a hit for dinner any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or hosting guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Mushrooms:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (white button, cremini, or a mix)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)

For the Creamy Asiago and Mustard Sauce:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1/2 cup Asiago cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (optional, for extra texture)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
• Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and golden brown.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. Make the Creamy Asiago and Mustard Sauce:

• Push the mushrooms to the side of the skillet. Add the butter to the empty space in the skillet and let it melt.
• Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter, whisking to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux and remove the raw flour taste.
• Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir until the mixture thickens.
• Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and whole-grain mustard (if using). Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further.
• Stir in the grated Asiago cheese and let it melt into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top.
• Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well coated and heated through.

5. Serve:

• Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce is creamy and thickened to your liking, remove from heat.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
• Serve the chicken breasts with the creamy mushroom sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Mushroom Skillet:

• Chicken: If you prefer a juicier chicken, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking. This will add extra flavor and tenderness.
• Mushrooms: You can use a variety of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello to create a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Creamy Sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or a splash of white wine to reach the desired consistency.
• Vegan Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a plant-based cheese alternative in place of Asiago. Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

Health Benefits:

• Chicken: A great source of lean protein, chicken helps build and repair muscles. It’s also a good source of essential B vitamins like niacin (B3) and B6, which play a vital role in metabolism.
• Mushrooms: Mushrooms are low in calories but packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They support immune health and are rich in vitamin D, which is important for bone health.
• Asiago Cheese: Asiago cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, both essential for maintaining bone strength and overall health.
• Mustard: Mustard seeds are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Mustard is also known to aid in digestion and promote heart health.

Conclusion:

Chicken and Mushroom Skillet in a Creamy Asiago and Mustard Sauce is a fantastic dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a tangy mustard kick. The earthy mushrooms and tender chicken pair perfectly with the sauce, making this an easy yet indulgent meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Enjoy making this delicious and comforting skillet meal! Let me know if you need any variations or further suggestions.