Introduction:
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious and elegant dish that combines the savory taste of chicken with the freshness of asparagus. The chicken breasts are carefully sliced and stuffed with tender asparagus spears, cheese, and herbs, then baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion and can be paired with various sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or a light salad.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12-16 asparagus spears, trimmed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Stuff the chicken: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture and 3-4 asparagus spears, depending on the size of the pocket.
Secure the chicken: Use toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts and keep the stuffing in place.
Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil or butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear each stuffed chicken breast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Bake the chicken: Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Optional Parmesan topping: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the chicken with Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Description:
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines lean chicken with the crisp, green taste of asparagus. The creamy cheese stuffing adds richness, while the garlic and lemon zest infuse the dish with aromatic flavors. This stuffed chicken is baked to perfection, making it a simple yet elegant meal for any occasion.
Tips:
Make sure not to overstuff the chicken breasts to avoid the stuffing spilling out during cooking.
If you don’t have asparagus, you can substitute with spinach, mushrooms, or other veggies of your choice.
You can also marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for extra flavor before stuffing them.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve with a light side like roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
Variations:
Spinach and Cheese: Substitute the asparagus with spinach for a creamy, rich alternative.
Bacon-wrapped: Wrap the stuffed chicken breasts with bacon for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Different cheese: Swap out the mozzarella for goat cheese, cream cheese, or Swiss cheese for varied flavor profiles.
Pesto Stuffing: Add a spoonful of pesto to the stuffing mixture for an Italian twist.
Herb variation: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or parsley to elevate the flavor.
Corrections:
Ensure that the chicken breasts are thin enough to cook evenly. If needed, you can gently pound them out with a meat mallet to an even thickness.
Be cautious not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken, as this can affect the browning. Sear the chicken in batches if necessary.
Enjoy:
Now that you’ve perfected your Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast, sit back, relax, and enjoy the deliciously tender chicken, the creamy filling, and the fresh asparagus in every bite! It’s sure to impress your family or guests.