Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Tender Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe For Dinner Magic

Succulent chicken breasts meet their match with a delightful asparagus stuffed chicken breast recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

Tender, juicy chicken transforms when fresh asparagus spears nestle inside its gentle folds.

Every bite delivers a burst of green vegetable goodness wrapped in perfectly seasoned meat.

The combination creates a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily craft in your own kitchen.

Simple ingredients come together to produce an elegant meal that looks complex but requires minimal effort.

Crisp asparagus and moist chicken make this recipe a weeknight dinner winner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Is a Delight

  • Culinary Adventure: Transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet dish with surprising flavors and elegant presentation that will impress dinner guests.
  • Quick and Simple Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Combine lean protein from chicken with nutrient-rich asparagus and tasty sun-dried tomatoes for a balanced, wholesome meal that supports healthy eating goals.
  • Versatile Weeknight Winner: Adaptable recipe that works for casual family dinners, date nights, or special occasions, offering maximum flavor with minimal complexity.

Ingredients for Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean protein that serves as the base for this delicious stuffed recipe.
Stuffing Ingredients:
  • Asparagus Sprigs: Fresh green vegetable that adds a crisp texture and nutritional value to the chicken.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated tomato pieces that provide a tangy and sweet flavor profile.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Soft cheese that melts beautifully and creates a creamy filling for the chicken.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A harmonious mix of herbs and spices that enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
Additional Cooking Ingredient:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a golden-brown sear on the chicken and prevents sticking to the skillet.
Cooking Accessory:
  • Toothpicks: Used to secure the stuffed chicken breast and keep the filling inside during cooking.

How to Cook Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F, getting it ready for some serious cooking action.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Lay out the chicken breasts and shower them with a flavor explosion of:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 3: Create Flavor Pockets

Gently slice each chicken breast lengthwise, creating a cozy pocket for delicious fillings.

Be careful not to cut all the way through.

Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing Rolls

Create tasty rolls by:
  • Placing asparagus sprigs inside each roll
  • Adding sun-dried tomato pieces
  • Wrapping with a slice of mozzarella

Step 5: Secure the Stuffed Chicken

Tuck the mozzarella rolls into the chicken breast pockets.

Use toothpicks to keep everything snug and secure.

Step 6: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Sizzle the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown, about 3-5 minutes on each side.

Step 7: Bake to Completion

Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven.

Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

Pro Tips for Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Slice chicken breasts carefully to create a deep pocket without cutting through, ensuring a sturdy base for stuffing.
  • Mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly to infuse maximum flavor into the chicken before stuffing.
  • Use toothpicks to secure the chicken pocket closed, preventing the delicious mozzarella and asparagus from spilling out during cooking.
  • Brown the chicken in a cast-iron skillet before baking to lock in juices and create a beautiful golden exterior that adds extra flavor and texture.
  • Check chicken is fully cooked by ensuring no pink remains inside, with an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Flavor Variations for Asparagus Stuffed Chicken

  • Keto-Friendly Swap: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with bell peppers for lower carb content, using cream cheese instead of mozzarella to maintain high-fat macros.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute mozzarella with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast, using vegan-friendly olive oil spray for searing and keeping protein-packed chicken moist.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with thick portobello mushroom caps, stuffing with asparagus, herbs, and plant-based cheese for a hearty vegetarian main course.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate feta cheese, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired version of the original recipe, maintaining the core cooking technique.

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Gourmet Plate Presentation: Slice the chicken breast diagonally to showcase the vibrant asparagus and melted mozzarella interior, creating an elegant visual appeal.
  • Mediterranean Feast Companion: Serve alongside a fresh Greek salad with cucumber, olives, and feta cheese to complement the sun-dried tomato and herb flavors.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the light, fresh chicken and earthy asparagus notes.
  • Colorful Side Option: Add roasted cherry tomatoes or a quinoa pilaf with fresh herbs to balance the protein and create a nutritionally complete meal.

How to Store Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring optimal taste and safety.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 2 months, preventing freezer burn and maintaining flavor.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and maintaining moisture.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and avoid overcooking. The stuffing helps keep the chicken moist, and searing before baking locks in the juices.

  • Can I use different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, try provolone, Swiss, or feta for different flavor profiles. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes.

  • What if I don't have a cast-iron skillet?

Use any oven-safe skillet or transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing. The key is to get a golden-brown exterior before finishing in the oven.

Print
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Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken breasts harbor a delightful secret with this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe, showcasing fresh asparagus nestled inside juicy chicken. Crisp herbs and golden-brown edges complete this elegant dish that promises to elevate your dinner experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 skinless (boneless) chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 12 asparagus stalks (ends trimmed)
  • 1 ounce (28 grams) sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Fat:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Activate the oven to 400°F, preparing a hot cooking environment for the chicken.
  2. Position chicken breasts on a cutting surface and generously season with Italian herbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper across all surfaces.
  3. Create a careful horizontal incision along each chicken breast, forming a deep pocket without piercing completely through the meat.
  4. Craft compact rolls by wrapping mozzarella slices around asparagus spears and sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring a tight, secure bundle.
  5. Gently tuck the prepared cheese and vegetable rolls into the chicken breast pockets, using toothpicks to seal and prevent filling from escaping.
  6. Warm olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for initial chicken searing.
  7. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, developing a golden-brown exterior for approximately 3-5 minutes on each side.
  8. Slide the entire skillet into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly cooked and internal temperature reaches safe consumption levels.

Notes

  • Select firm, fresh asparagus spears that are crisp and bright green to ensure optimal flavor and texture in the stuffed chicken.
  • Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts to create a wide, even pocket without piercing through, which helps prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
  • Use toothpicks strategically when sealing the chicken pocket to keep the delicious mozzarella and asparagus filling securely inside during searing and baking.
  • Consider alternative protein options like turkey breasts or plant-based chicken substitutes for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 312 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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