Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious and elegant dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful stuffing of asparagus and mozzarella cheese. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a beautiful presentation. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning, then baked to perfection. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and learn how to make Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bunch of asparagus (chopped into approximately 3-inch pieces)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded or grated)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Butterfly Chicken Breasts:
- Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken.
- Season Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly inside and outside the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Stuff the Chicken
- Add Asparagus and Cheese:
- Stuff each chicken breast with a few pieces of chopped asparagus and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Secure with Toothpicks:
- Close the chicken breasts and secure the open sides with toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat Olive Oil:
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Sear Chicken:
- Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
- Bake Chicken:
- 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). If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet after searing and bake.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Remove the toothpicks before serving. Garnish with minced fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chicken: Choose chicken breasts that are large enough to accommodate the stuffing. If they are too small, they may not hold the stuffing well.
- Cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, but you can use other cheeses like provolone or Swiss if you prefer.
- Asparagus: Ensure the asparagus pieces are not too long to fit comfortably inside the chicken breasts.
Variations
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
- Use Spinach:
- Substitute the asparagus with fresh spinach leaves for a different flavor and texture.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
- Add Ham:
- Include a slice of ham along with the cheese for a cordon bleu-inspired variation.
Serving Suggestions
With Sides
- With Rice:
- Serve with steamed rice or a rice pilaf for a complete meal.
- With Vegetables:
- Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
With Salads
- With Green Salad:
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- With Caesar Salad:
- Pair with a Caesar salad for a classic combination.
With Bread
- With Garlic Bread:
- Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls for a comforting addition.
- With Baguette:
- Pair with slices of crusty baguette to soak up any juices.
Beverages
- With White Wine:
- Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a classic pairing.
- With Iced Tea:
- Serve with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen asparagus? A: Yes, you can use frozen asparagus, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before stuffing the chicken breasts.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I grill the stuffed chicken? A: Yes, you can grill the stuffed chicken breasts. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, you can use any melting cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or Swiss.
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, melty cheese, and fresh asparagus, this recipe is sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast with your family and friends!
