Creamy Asiago Chicken is this super tasty meal that mixes soft chicken with a thick, cheesy sauce so good you just wanna keep eating. The Asiago cheese gives it a nutty, almost buttery taste that turns plain chicken dinner into something special. Plus that sauce goes great with lots of sides, so it works for a quick weeknight or a big family get-together.
Over the last few years, everyone seems to be trying Creamy Asiago Chicken because it’s simple to make and really comforting. You’ll see people adding sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or a bit of garlic to make it their own. If you need a fast dinner or wanna impress your friends, this dish is just right.
Besides tasting awesome, Asiago cheese has calcium and protein in it, so you get some good stuff while you eat. Whether you pick fresh Asiago for a milder sauce or aged Asiago for a sharper bite, it helps the sauce stick to the chicken and makes each bite rich and filling.
In this write-up, we’re gonna cover everything about Creamy Asiago Chicken. We’ll give you the full recipe, break down the ingredients, and share tricks to make it just right. We’ll also talk about different versions and the nutrition info so you can tweak it for diet needs. Let’s dive into this cheesy journey!
What is Creamy Asiago Chicken?
Creamy Asiago Chicken is basically chicken pieces cooked and then covered in a cheesy, creamy sauce made from Asiago cheese. The sauce is thick and nutty, wich makes every forkful just melt in your mouth. First you sauté the chicken so it gets some color then you add the sauce so all the flavors mix.
Asiago cheese comes from Italy and can be soft and mild when fresh or firmer and sharper when it’s aged. That change in taste really defines the dish and makes it interesting each time you try it. You’ll often find garlic, onion, and herbs in the sauce to give it more flavor.
Originally Asiago cheese was a part of old Italian cooking, but now home cooks everywhere use it to make Creamy Asiago Chicken for both casual dinners and special nights.
Ingredients for Creamy Asiago Chicken
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: You can use chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts are leaner but thighs got more flavor since they got a bit more fat.
- Asiago Cheese: Fresh Asiago is softer and milder, aged Asiago is sharper and nuttier. Pick whichever you like best.
- Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce thick and velvety. If you want it lighter, try half-and-half or even coconut cream, but it will change the taste a bit.
Aromatics and Seasonings
- Garlic and Onion: They give the sauce a strong flavor base when sautéed.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley add a bright note that cuts through the creaminess.
- Salt and Pepper: Super important to balance out all the cheeses and cream.
Optional Add-ins
- Veggies: Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes work well and add color and nutrients.
- Suggested Sides: Pasta, rice, or roasted veggies soak up the sauce perfectly.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Creamy Asiago Chicken
Making the best Creamy Asiago Chicken is easy if you follow these steps. Below you’ll see prep times, cook times, and tips to nail it.
Preparation Time
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Cook time: about 25 minutes
Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, lay the chicken in the pan and cook 6-8 minutes per side until golden and done through. Take the chicken out and set it aside so it stays warm.
Step 2: Making the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in chopped garlic and onion. Cook 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Turn the heat down and pour in the heavy cream slowly, stirring all the time. Then sprinkle in the grated Asiago cheese little by little, stirring till it melts into a smooth sauce.
Step 3: Combining Chicken and Sauce
Put the chicken back in the skillet, let it simmer in the sauce for 4-5 minutes so it soaks up all the cheesy goodness. If the sauce looks too thick, splash in some chicken broth or water to thin it to your liking.
Step 4: Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken topped with sauce over pasta or alongside roasted veggies for a full meal. A bit of chopped parsley on top adds a fresh touch and color.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Cooking Times Vary: If your chicken pieces are thick or thin, adjust times so the inside hits 165°F (75°C).
- Cheese Melting: Add cheese slowly and keep heat low so the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t separate.
- Make Ahead: You can mix up the sauce earlier and fridge it. When you need it, just warm it up and add cooked chicken. It even freezes okay for busy nights.
Nutrition Information
Creamy Asiago Chicken tastes great and gives you some good nutrients. Here’s roughly what’s in each serving:
- Calories: Around 480–500 calories (depends on what you use exactly).
- Macros: Roughly 35g protein, 30g fat, 10g carbs. You get a lot of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the cream and cheese.
Asiago cheese gives you calcium for strong bones and protein for muscles. So it’s filling and can fit into a balanced diet.
Variations and Substitutions
You don’t have to stick to the classic version—here are some ideas to change it up:
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use a dairy-free cheese.
- Protein Swaps: Try turkey, tofu, or tempeh for a lighter or meatless option.
- Flavor Twists: Add smoked paprika, chili flakes, or greens like kale or arugula for a new taste.
Serving Suggestions
To level up your meal, try these sides:
- Salads: A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances out the rich sauce.
- Starches: Pasta, rice, or quinoa soaks up every drop of sauce.
- Wine Pairings: A crisp white like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc goes well if you’re serving guests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Common Queries
What’s the best cheese for this dish?
Both fresh and aged Asiago work great. Fresh Asiago is smoother, aged Asiago is sharper.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Keep chicken and sauce separate in the fridge, then warm and combine when you wanna eat.
How do I store leftovers?
Put them in an airtight container and chill for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove so the sauce stays creamy.
Is it gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free broth and don’t thicken the sauce with flour.
Conclusion
Hope this guide to Creamy Asiago Chicken makes your dinners easier and tastier. Enjoy the cheesy, nutty flavors and let us know how you made it your own!
Creamy Asiago Chicken
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
- 1 whisk
- 1 wooden spoon
- 4 serving plates
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1.5 pounds total.
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Asiago cheese Plus extra for garnish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley For garnish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Make sure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Asiago cheese, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the breasts. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Asiago cheese before serving.
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