This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious and healthy meal packed with flavor. The juicy chicken is stuffed with tender asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese, making for a mouthwatering dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!
Servings & Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving โ Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 40g
(Nutritional values will vary depending on ingredients used.)
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb.)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 asparagus stalks, ends trimmed
- 1 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How to Make Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket in the middle of each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through. -
Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, inside and out. -
Stuff the Chicken:
Place 3 asparagus stalks and a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes inside each chicken breast pocket. Add a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the asparagus and tomatoes. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2โ3 minutes on each side, until the chicken is browned. -
Bake:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20โ25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (75ยฐC). -
Serve:
Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the stuffed chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a salad.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cooked, stuffed chicken breasts for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! You can substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a different flavor.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can stuff and season the chicken breasts a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake them when ready to cook.
Q: What can I serve this dish with?
A: This chicken pairs well with roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
A: Absolutely! You can grill the stuffed chicken over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, until the chicken reaches 165ยฐF.
Conclusion
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying dish thatโs simple to prepare but impressive enough for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese makes each bite deliciously creamy and savory.