Chicken Asparagus And Mushroom Skillet Recipe

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and delectable dish to impress your family or guests? Look no further! This Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet Recipe is the perfect blend of savory flavors, wholesome ingredients, and easy preparation. Read on to discover everything you need to create this mouthwatering meal from start to finish.

What is a Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet?

A Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet is a one-pan dish that combines tender chicken breasts, fresh asparagus, and earthy mushrooms with a rich, flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in no time.

Ingredients List for Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet

1. Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. Asparagus: 1 pound, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3. Mushrooms: 8 ounces, sliced (baby bella or cremini are great choices)
4. Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
5. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
6. Butter: 2 tablespoons
7. Chicken Broth: 1 cup (low sodium preferred)
8. Heavy Cream: ½ cup
9. Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated
10. Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
11. Salt and Pepper: To taste
12. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
13. Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of heat)

Ingredients List for Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet

1. Chicken Breasts: Ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
2. Asparagus: Choose bright green stalks that are firm and snap easily.
3. Mushrooms: Clean with a damp cloth instead of washing to avoid sogginess.
4. Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor; avoid pre-minced if possible.
5. Olive Oil and Butter: This combination provides a balanced flavor and aids in browning.
6. Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium to control the saltiness of the dish.
7. Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious texture and richness to the sauce.
8. Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the flavor.
9. Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens the dish and adds a tangy note.
10. Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
11. Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of color and freshness.
12. Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for those who like a hint of spice.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They add a richer flavor and remain juicy.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth and other ingredients for hidden gluten sources.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a unique flavor twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Trim and cut the asparagus, slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the garlic and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
5. Add the Asparagus: Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
6. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
7. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
8. Combine Everything: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Cook Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients Start by preparing all your ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking process and helps prevent overcooking or burning. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Clean and slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic cloves. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt and start bubbling. The combination of olive oil and butter ensures the chicken browns nicely without burning.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and slightly browned.

Step 5: Add the Asparagus Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender-crisp but still bright green.

Step 6: Make the Sauce Pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, incorporating them into the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 8: Combine Everything Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Allow everything to cook together for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve Before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking, which can make it dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
• Soggy Vegetables: Do not overcook the asparagus and mushrooms. They should be tender but still have a bit of bite.
• Curdled Sauce: When adding the cream, make sure the skillet isn’t too hot to prevent curdling. Stir continuously to combine smoothly.
• Underseasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning. A bland dish can be transformed with the right amount of salt and pepper.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving this dish is as important as cooking it. Here are some tips to make your Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet look as amazing as it tastes:

How to Serve Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet Serve the chicken breasts whole or sliced, fanned out on a plate with the asparagus and mushrooms arranged around. Spoon the creamy sauce generously over the chicken and vegetables.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet

• Use a large, shallow serving dish for a family-style presentation.
• Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley for a professional touch.
• Serve with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet Recipe Tips

• Uniform Chicken Pieces: Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking.
• Deglaze the Pan: Scrape up any bits stuck to the pan when you add the chicken broth and lemon juice; they add incredible flavor.
• Heavy Cream Alternative: If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Fresh Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
• Cookware Choice: A heavy-bottomed skillet, like cast iron, ensures even cooking and browning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables? A1: Fresh vegetables are best for this recipe, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess water in the dish.

Q2: How do I store leftovers? A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A3: Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving. The sauce can be made a day in advance.

Q4: What can I serve with this dish? A4: Serve with rice, quinoa, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Q5: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? A5: Ensure the skillet isn’t too hot when adding the cream, and stir continuously. Remove from heat once the sauce has thickened to prevent overcooking.

Conclusion

The Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow the steps carefully, and don’t forget to experiment with substitutions and variations to make this recipe truly your own. Happy cooking!

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