Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Introduction

This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious and elegant meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. Tender chicken breasts are filled with fresh asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella for a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb.)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Sea salt and pepper
• 12 asparagus stalks (ends trimmed)
• 1 ounce sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on a clean board and season evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Carefully cut each chicken breast lengthwise to create a pocket, taking care not to slice all the way through.
4. Step 4: Trim and wash the asparagus stalks. Place three asparagus stalks and some chopped sun-dried tomatoes on each slice of mozzarella cheese, then roll the cheese around the filling.
5. Step 5: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the rolled cheese, asparagus, and tomato mixture, then secure with a toothpick to keep it closed.
6. Step 6: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side.
7. Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts for 30 minutes before seasoning.
• Substitute mozzarella with provolone or Swiss cheese for a different taste.
• If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan then transfer to a baking dish for the oven step.
• Try adding fresh basil or spinach inside the pocket for added freshness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Fresh asparagus is best for stuffing because it holds its texture and flavor well. If you use frozen asparagus, make sure to thaw and dry it thoroughly before stuffing to avoid excess moisture.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is no longer pink inside. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness.

Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

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This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with fresh asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. Seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then seared and baked to juicy perfection for an elegant and wholesome meal.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Chicken & Seasonings

• 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb.)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Filling

• 12 asparagus stalks, ends trimmed
• 1 ounce sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese

Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
2. Season Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a clean board and evenly sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and pepper on each chicken breast.
3. Create Pockets: Carefully slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create a pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through.
4. Prepare Filling: Trim and wash the asparagus. Arrange three asparagus stalks on each slice of mozzarella cheese, add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then roll the cheese to hold the filling inside.
5. Stuff Chicken Breasts: Insert the rolled filling into each chicken breast pocket and secure with a toothpick to keep the filling inside.
6. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the oven (or place chicken in an oven-safe dish) and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and no pink remains inside.
8. Serve: Remove toothpicks and serve the asparagus stuffed chicken breast hot and enjoy your flavorful meal.

Notes

• Be careful when slicing the chicken breasts to avoid cutting all the way through.
• You can substitute mozzarella cheese with provolone or Swiss cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juices.
• If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use any oven-safe skillet or sear on stovetop then transfer to a baking dish.

Keywords: asparagus stuffed chicken breast, baked chicken breast, stuffed chicken recipe, Italian chicken, healthy chicken dinner, mozzarella stuffed chicken