Chicken And Mushroom Skillet With Smoked Paprika Asiago Mustard Cream

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? This Chicken and Mushroom Skillet with Smoked Paprika Asiago Mustard Cream is your answer! It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers a restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious, creamy sauce infused with smoky paprika and sharp Asiago cheese – what’s not to love? This recipe is perfect served with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce, or alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or rice. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Lineup

• 500g (1 lb) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: We’re using chicken breast for its lean protein and quick cooking time. Cutting it into 2cm (¾-inch) cubes ensures even cooking and maximum sauce coverage.
• 250g (9 oz) Mixed Mushrooms: A blend of mushrooms – such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster – adds depth and complexity to the flavor. Slicing them allows them to brown beautifully and release their earthy aromas.
• 1 Medium Onion: Finely diced, the onion forms the aromatic base of our sauce. Approximately 150g (5 oz) provides the perfect balance of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• 2 Cloves Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent and savory note to the skillet. Freshly minced is always best for optimal flavor.
• 30g (2 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter: Butter provides richness and helps to create a beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken and mushrooms. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• 15ml (1 Tbsp) Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a fruity undertone and helps to prevent the butter from burning. It also contributes to a healthier fat profile.
• 120ml (½ cup) Chicken Stock (Low-Sodium): Low-sodium chicken stock provides a flavorful liquid base for the sauce. Using low-sodium allows you to adjust the salt level to your preference.
• 120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates the luxurious, velvety texture of the sauce. Its high fat content ensures a rich and decadent finish.
• 80g (¾ cup) Grated Asiago Cheese: Asiago cheese offers a nutty, slightly sharp flavor that complements the mushrooms and smoked paprika beautifully. Grated Asiago melts seamlessly into the sauce, creating a creamy and flavorful base.
• 2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.
• ½ tsp Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika is the star spice in this dish, lending a smoky and vibrant flavor. It adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• ½ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a subtle heat and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• ½ tsp Salt (or to taste): Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to your preference.
• 30g (¼ cup) Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a crispy and golden-brown topping, adding textural contrast to the creamy sauce.
• 1 Tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional): A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese mixed with the panko breadcrumbs adds an extra layer of savory flavor and helps the topping to brown beautifully.
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme: Dried thyme adds an earthy and herbaceous note to the skillet.
• Fresh Parsley Leaves (≈2 Tbsp): Chopped fresh parsley provides a bright and fresh garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor.
• 1 tsp Lemon Zest (Optional): A touch of lemon zest brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Chicken and Mushroom Skillet

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the 500g (1 lb) of boneless, skinless chicken breast cubes dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season generously with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp smoked paprika. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Setting the seasoned chicken aside allows the flavors to meld while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet (cast iron is ideal for even heat distribution) over medium-high heat. Add 30g (2 tbsp) of unsalted butter and 15ml (1 tbsp) of olive oil. The combination of butter and oil provides flavor and prevents the butter from burning. Once the butter is foaming, carefully add the chicken cubes in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. The goal isn’t to cook the chicken through at this stage, but to develop a rich, flavorful crust. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the finely diced medium onion and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until translucent. This builds a flavorful base for the sauce. Add the minced garlic and sliced 250g (9 oz) of mixed mushrooms. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their juices and begin to brown. Don’t rush this step; allowing the mushrooms to brown properly intensifies their flavor.
4. Toast the Crumbs and Spices: Sprinkle the remaining ½ tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 30g (¼ cup) of panko breadcrumbs over the vegetables. Stir well to combine, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated. Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the crumbs turn golden brown and fragrant. This adds texture and a nutty flavor to the dish.
5. Deglaze and Create the Sauce: Deglaze the pan with 120ml (½ cup) of low-sodium chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits (fond) are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in 120ml (½ cup) of heavy cream, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 80g (¾ cup) of grated Asiago cheese.
6. Simmer and Thicken: Simmer gently, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and the Asiago cheese melts completely, about 3-4 minutes. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the Asiago cheese is salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more if necessary.
7. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cook together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Broil (Optional): If desired, sprinkle 1 tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese mixed with the remaining panko breadcrumbs over the top of the skillet. Place the skillet under a pre-heated broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, until the topping is crisp and lightly browned.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley leaves and a pinch of smoked paprika. For a bright finish, sprinkle with 1 tsp of lemon zest. Drizzle a thin stream of high-quality olive oil around the plate for added shine and flavor.

Why Smoked Paprika Makes All the Difference

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the smoked paprika. Unlike sweet paprika, smoked paprika is made from peppers that have been smoked over oak fires, imparting a deep, smoky flavor that elevates the entire skillet. It complements the earthy mushrooms and rich Asiago cheese beautifully, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The combination of smoked paprika and Dijon mustard in the cream sauce adds a unique depth that sets this recipe apart from standard chicken and mushroom dishes.

Selecting the Right Mushrooms

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of mushrooms! While a mixed variety is recommended for textural and flavor complexity, consider incorporating wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a more intense, umami-rich flavor. Cremini mushrooms (baby bellas) are a readily available and affordable option that work well in this recipe. Just ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and sliced before adding them to the skillet.

The Importance of a Good Sear

Achieving a good sear on the chicken is paramount to building flavor. A proper sear creates the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that results in a complex, savory flavor. To ensure a good sear, make sure the chicken is dry, the skillet is hot, and you don’t overcrowd the pan. Working in batches is preferable to steaming the chicken.

Asiago Cheese: A Flavorful Substitute Guide

Asiago cheese provides a nutty, slightly sharp flavor that pairs exceptionally well with mushrooms and chicken. If you can’t find Asiago, Parmesan cheese is a good substitute, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile. Pecorino Romano is another option, offering a saltier, more pungent taste. Adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly if using a saltier cheese.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

This Chicken and Mushroom Skillet is incredibly versatile. It’s delicious served on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like asparagus or Brussels sprouts), or a simple green salad. For a wine pairing, consider a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of cream?

While heavy cream provides the richest and thickest sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. You may need to simmer it for a longer period to achieve the desired consistency.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

While best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce and sautéed vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before adding the chicken. The chicken should be cooked fresh for optimal texture.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Ensure your chicken stock and Dijon mustard are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Mushroom Skillet with Smoked Paprika Asiago Mustard Cream is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors is truly irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access later! [Pinterest Save Button/Link]

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