Let me introduce you to your next favorite dinner — the delightful and comforting Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal. This dish combines succulent chicken, tender asparagus, and a creamy cheese sauce in just one pan, promising both flavor and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: This entire meal simmers in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and saving you time.
- Creamy Indulgence: The rich cheese sauce is both comforting and luxurious, wrapping each bite in creamy goodness.
- Flavorful Combo: The pairing of chicken with asparagus adds a delightful crunch and flavor balance.
- Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, it’s a perfect choice for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal is a cinch with these straightforward and essential ingredients that infuse the dish with amazing flavor, texture, and aroma.
- Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base and helps to cook the aromatics to perfection.
- Onion & Garlic: Infuses the dish with classic savory notes that enhance every bite.
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the meal, offering lean protein and a hearty base.
- Heavy Whipping Cream & Cheeses: The trio of cream, cheddar, and parmesan creates a lush, velvety sauce.
- Asparagus: Adds a fresh, green element that complements the richness of the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend that brings out the Mediterranean essence in the dish.
Variations
This dish is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to tailor the Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal to your tastes or dietary preferences with these easy swaps.
- Vegetable Swap: Trade asparagus for broccoli or green beans for a different crunch and flavor profile.
- Lighter Option: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter yet still creamy sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist to tantalize your taste buds.
How to Make Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and minced garlic, letting them sauté until they become fragrant and tender. This creates a flavor-packed base for your dish, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Remove the garlic and onions from the skillet and add butter to sear the chicken breasts. Ensure each side is a lovely golden brown. Once browned, set the chicken aside—the marvel doesn’t end here!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese, with your earlier sautéed onions and garlic. Allow these to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce that’s the heart of the meal.
Step 4: Bring it Together
Return the chicken to the skillet simmering gently in the sauce for about 10 minutes. Then sprinkle in the chopped asparagus, cover, and simmer until they’re tender and join the chicken in living in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Final Touches
Uncover and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking. The dish is now ready, inviting you to indulge!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal
- Time it Right: Make sure not to overcook the asparagus; it should be bright green and tender-crisp.
- Cheese Blend: Grate your own Parmesan and Cheddar for a smoother sauce that’s free from preservatives.
- Perfect Sear: Use medium-high heat to achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken for flavor and texture.
- Watch the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness—patience is key for richness!
How to Serve Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley atop your Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal. A wedge of lemon on the side can also add a bright, zesty contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside buttery mashed potatoes or al dente pasta. Both options aptly soak up the luscious cheese sauce, keeping each bite moist and delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic charm, serve this meal directly from the skillet. Alternatively, plate the chicken and asparagus against a backdrop of the sauce and sides for an elegant dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure it is thoroughly cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you plan to freeze this meal, transfer it to a freezer-safe container once cooled. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat in a skillet for best results. You may also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, to avoid hotspots and ensure an even warm-up.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cheddar and parmesan, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Asiago or Gruyere for different flavor profiles.
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Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, by substituting almond milk or coconut cream for the heavy cream, and using plant-based cheeses and tofu chicken, you can enjoy a vegan version.
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What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If the sauce doesn’t thicken as desired, continue to simmer uncovered to evaporate excess liquid, or add a cornstarch slurry for a quick fix.
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Can I use frozen asparagus?
Frozen asparagus can work in a pinch. Be sure to thaw it and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal is a must-try for anyone in search of a simple, luscious, and wholesome dinner option. Give it a whirl, and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
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Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with fresh asparagus in a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick, hearty dinner, it’s cooked entirely in one skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor infusion.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb asparagus, chopped
Proteins
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded thin (approx 6 chicken breasts)
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 TB butter
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 oz cream cheese
- 2/3 cup Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 TB Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables and Aromatics: In a large skillet, add olive oil, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove Aromatics: Transfer the cooked onions and garlic to a plate and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the chicken breasts on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: To the skillet, add chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, cooked onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk continuously over medium-low heat until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes to cook through.
- Add Asparagus: Place the chopped asparagus in the skillet surrounding the chicken. Cover and simmer on low for another 12 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Thicken Sauce: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired and serve hot from the skillet.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh asparagus with frozen if fresh is not available—just add a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Ensure the chicken is pounded thin for even cooking and quick preparation.
- This dish pairs well with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
