Description
This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with fresh asparagus spears and melted mozzarella or provolone cheese. Seasoned with garlic, paprika, and herbs, then seared and baked to juicy perfection, this dish is a delightful and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 asparagus spears, trimmed
- 4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Carefully slice a pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Stuff each pocket with 3 trimmed asparagus spears and one slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Evenly rub this seasoning blend over both sides of each stuffed chicken breast to infuse flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust, which adds flavor and texture.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes. This step helps retain juices and ensures the meat remains moist. Remove toothpicks or twine before serving. Enjoy your delicious asparagus stuffed chicken breast!
Notes
- Use fresh asparagus for the best texture; trim the woody ends before stuffing.
- You can substitute mozzarella or provolone with other mild, melty cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Swiss.
- For easy slicing and serving, let the chicken rest after baking to redistribute the juices.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear in a regular pan and transfer to a baking dish for the oven step.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
