The Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal is an absolute game-changer for weekday dinners! Imagine tender chicken nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce with crisp asparagus—all brought together effortlessly in one skillet. It’s not only delicious but also a time-saver for when you crave something heartwarming and quick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Skillet Wonder: Enjoy less cleanup with this delightful dish that cooks everything in a single pan.
- Creamy Delight: The blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese creates a luscious sauce that clings to every bite.
- Asparagus Boost: Asparagus adds a fresh, crunchy texture and a pop of color to the meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal requires a few key ingredients to create magic in the kitchen. You’re only steps away from a flavorful dish that balances creaminess with a bit of crunch.
- Olive Oil: The base for sautéing adds a rich flavor and keeps things heart-healthy.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Pounded thin for quick and even cooking, ensuring juicy, tender bites.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Offers unparalleled richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Asparagus: A vibrant vegetable that adds crispness and balances the creamy sauce.
Variations
This dish is as adaptable as it is delicious, allowing you to tweak it according to what you have on hand or your specific dietary needs. Get creative and make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out chicken for tofu or chickpeas while still enjoying the creamy sauce.
How to Make Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in your skillet. Add sliced onions and minced garlic, allowing them to gently sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, filling your kitchen with their mouth-watering aroma.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Remove the onions and garlic from the skillet, then introduce the butter. Once melted, sear your pounded chicken breasts to achieve that lovely golden color on each side.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Take your chicken out of the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, and your choice of cheeses. Whisk them together with the sautéed onions and garlic until you have a creamy, unified sauce.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish
Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it nestle into the sauce. Simmer covered for ten minutes, then add asparagus, cooking for another twelve until everything melds together superbly.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal
- Searing Secret: Make sure your skillet is hot to get that perfect golden crust on the chicken.
- Sauce Perfection: Whisk continuously to avoid cheese clumps and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Cut of Asparagus: Chop asparagus into uniform pieces for even cooking.
How to Serve Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh parsley and a light dusting of Parmesan cheese over the dish just before serving. It adds a touch of freshness and enhances the presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad. Consider serving alongside some herbed rice or a quinoa salad for a delightful and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Place the skillet directly on the table from which your guests can serve themselves. Alternatively, transfer the meal to a large serving dish and surround it with roasted cherry tomatoes for color and taste elevation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
Freezing
If you wish to freeze, place the cooled meal in a sealed container. It can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the dish gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if the sauce is too thick. Alternatively, you can reheat using a microwave, covered, to retain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add even more flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
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Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream and cheeses with coconut milk and a vegan cheese alternative to make this meal dairy-free.
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How do I keep my chicken from getting dry?
Ensure your chicken breasts are pounded evenly for consistent cooking. Also, avoid overcooking on high heat to maintain their juiciness.
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Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate veggies such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for additional flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy this Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal as much as I do. It’s a splendid combination of simplicity and flavor, perfect for bringing everyone together around the table. Happy cooking!
Print
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: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal combines tender, seared chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy sauce and crisp asparagus, all cooked in a single skillet for an easy, flavorful dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a comforting and healthy option with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 1 oz cream cheese
- 2/3 cup Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb asparagus, chopped
Pantry Staples and Seasonings
- 1 TB olive oil
- 1 TB butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 TB Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, add olive oil, sliced onions, and minced garlic; cook until the onions are tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sear chicken: Remove the sautéed onions and garlic temporarily, add butter to the skillet, then sear the chicken breasts on each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Cook the sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the sautéed onions and garlic. Whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth, about 3 minutes.
- Simmer chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low for 10 minutes to finish cooking through.
- Add asparagus: Uncover and stir in the chopped asparagus. Cover again and simmer on low for another 12 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish and serve: Remove the lid, simmer a few more minutes if needed to thicken the sauce, then serve hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Ensure chicken is pounded thin for even cooking and faster preparation.
- Chopped spinach or cherry tomatoes can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
