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