Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Stuffing: The combination of asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese gives each bite a burst of flavor.
- Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein and vegetables, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Perfectly Tender Chicken: The chicken is seared to a perfect golden brown, then baked to tender, juicy perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb.)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 asparagus stalks, ends trimmed
- 1 ounce sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on a clean chopping board. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
3. Create Pockets:
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through. The pocket will hold the stuffing.
4. Prepare the Stuffing:
Trim and wash the asparagus stalks. Lay three sprigs of asparagus and a couple of pieces of sun-dried tomatoes on top of one slice of mozzarella cheese. Roll it up and stuff each chicken breast with the roll. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
5. Secure the Pockets:
Use toothpicks to close the pockets and secure the stuffing inside each chicken breast.
6. Sear the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet (preferably a cast-iron skillet) over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should no longer be pink inside.
8. Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and discard the toothpicks. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Variations
- Cheese: Substitute mozzarella cheese with provolone, cheddar, or any cheese of your choice.
- Veggies: Swap asparagus with broccoli or spinach for a different twist.
- Oil: You can use any oil of your choice, such as avocado oil or coconut oil.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them the next day.
2. Can I freeze the stuffed chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed and seared chicken before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen for about 25-30 minutes.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will add more flavor and juiciness.
4. Can I add other fillings to the chicken?
Feel free to add other ingredients to the stuffing, such as cream cheese, spinach, or mushrooms, for additional flavor and texture.
5. What should I serve with this chicken?
This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a side of rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a crowd-pleasing, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The combination of asparagus, mozzarella cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a delicious stuffing that pairs perfectly with tender chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast, featuring tender chicken filled with a flavorful stuffing of asparagus, mozzarella cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb.)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sea salt and pepper, to taste
For the Stuffing:
12 asparagus stalks, ends trimmed
1 ounce sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
4 slices mozzarella cheese
For Cooking:
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Create Pockets:
- Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
- Prepare the Stuffing:
- Trim and wash the asparagus stalks. Lay three sprigs of asparagus and a couple of pieces of sun-dried tomatoes on top of one slice of mozzarella cheese. Roll it up and stuff each chicken breast with the roll.
- Secure the Pockets:
- Use toothpicks to close the pockets and secure the stuffing inside each chicken breast.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven, discard toothpicks, and serve hot.
Notes
You can substitute mozzarella cheese with provolone, cheddar, or any cheese of your choice.
For a variation, swap asparagus with broccoli or spinach.
Avocado oil or coconut oil can also be used for searing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
