Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delectable, elegant dish perfect for a special occasion or a healthy weeknight dinner. This recipe involves tender chicken breasts filled with fresh asparagus and melty cheese, all seasoned to perfection and baked to golden brown deliciousness. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Ingredients

• 4 large chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 12 asparagus spears, ends trimmed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese you prefer, such as Swiss or provolone)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional for serving: lemon wedges, fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare a Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.

2. Prep the Chicken

• Butterfly the Chicken Breasts: Start by placing a chicken breast on a cutting board. Hold your knife parallel to the cutting board and slice the chicken breast horizontally, stopping just before you cut through; you should be able to open it like a book.
• Season: Open up the chicken breasts and season the inside with salt, pepper, half of the garlic powder, and half of the paprika.
• Fill: Place 3 asparagus spears and a generous amount of cheese in the center of each chicken breast.

3. Roll and Secure

• Roll the Chicken: Carefully roll the chicken breast up, keeping the asparagus and cheese inside. You can use toothpicks to secure the ends and the seam to keep everything inside.
• Season Again: Season the outside of the chicken rolls with the remaining garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Sear (Optional)

• Heat Olive Oil: In a large, oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken rolls, seam side down, and sear for about 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. Then, turn and sear the other side. This step is optional but adds a nice texture and color to the chicken.

5. Bake

• Bake: If you’ve used an oven-proof skillet, you can directly transfer it to the oven. If not, move the chicken rolls to the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the middle. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

6. Serve

• Rest: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking, then remove any toothpicks.
• Serve: Slice the rolls to show off the beautiful asparagus and cheese stuffing. Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• Thin the Chicken: For thicker chicken breasts, you may want to pound them to an even thickness after butterflying for more uniform cooking.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses for various flavors; goat cheese or feta can add a nice tanginess.
• Customize: Feel free to add additional fillings along with the asparagus, such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers, for extra flavor.

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is not just a meal; it’s a statement. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a delicious and nutritious dinner. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that this dish brings to your table!