Welcome to our guide on making Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast. This delicious dish features tender chicken breasts stuffed with fresh asparagus and cheese, then baked to perfection. It’s a perfect meal for a special occasion or a delightful dinner any night of the week. Let’s get started with this flavorful and elegant recipe!
Ingredients
To prepare Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 asparagus spears, trimmed
- 4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Toothpicks
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the chicken breasts like a book.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
- Assemble the Stuffing: Place 3 asparagus spears and a slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese in the center of each butterflied chicken breast.
- Secure the Chicken: Fold the chicken breasts over the asparagus and cheese to enclose the stuffing. Secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside during cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken Breasts
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. Be careful when flipping to keep the stuffing inside.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken Breasts
- Sprinkle Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the seared chicken breasts.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve
- Rest and Remove Toothpicks: Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks.
- Serve: Serve the asparagus stuffed chicken breasts hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Cheese Options: Try different cheeses such as Swiss, cheddar, or Gruyère for varied flavors.
- Seasoning: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the seasoning for extra flavor.
- Bacon-Wrapped: For an indulgent twist, wrap each stuffed chicken breast in bacon before searing and baking.
- Vegetable Stuffing: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the stuffing for more variety.
Conclusion
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or a delightful dinner. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures tender, juicy chicken with a delicious filling of asparagus and cheese. Enjoy making and sharing this impressive dish with your family and friends.
Key Takeaway
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast offers a delicious, tender, and elegant meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. This versatile recipe can be customized with various cheeses, herbs, and vegetables to suit your taste. Enjoy the sophisticated and satisfying goodness of this stuffed chicken dish!
