Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that brings elegance and wholesome goodness together effortlessly, this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a delightful harmony of tender chicken breasts enveloping fresh asparagus and melted cheese, seasoned to perfection with aromatic herbs and spices. Not only does it offer a satisfying blend of textures and flavors, but it also looks impressively gourmet without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe brings vibrant color, juicy tenderness, and just the right amount of zest to your dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe has a purpose, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden crust. These essentials are simple yet powerful, making the cooking process approachable and the results truly memorable.

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for stuffing, tender and easy to work with.
  • Asparagus spears: Adds a crisp, fresh bite and lovely green color inside the chicken.
  • Mozzarella or provolone cheese slices: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, savory filling.
  • Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear and enhances flavor while keeping it moist.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth to the seasoning.
  • Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the chicken.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning that brings all the flavors together.
  • Dried oregano and thyme: These herbs add a fragrant, earthy touch that complements both chicken and asparagus.
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine: Keeps the stuffed chicken securely closed during cooking.

How to Make Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature strikes the ideal balance to cook the chicken thoroughly while allowing the asparagus and cheese inside to soften and melt to perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Next, carefully slice a pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through. The goal is to create a perfect little cavity for the asparagus and cheese to nestle into. Then, tuck three asparagus spears and one slice of your chosen cheese inside each pocket. To keep everything snug, secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine—this little trick ensures all those delightful fillings stay put during cooking.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and thyme to create a fragrant seasoning blend. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of every stuffed chicken breast. This seasoning not only enhances the chicken’s natural flavor but also complements the fresh asparagus and rich cheese inside.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in the juices and adds a delicious texture contrast to the finished dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your skillet directly to the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). During this time, the cheese inside will melt luxuriously, and the asparagus will become tender but still pleasantly crisp.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. After that, your delicious Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is ready to wow!

How to Serve Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few lemon zest shreds can elevate your plate with a burst of color and brightness. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze also works wonders to add a touch of tangy sweetness, enhancing the smoky paprika and melted cheese.

Side Dishes

This stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with roasted baby potatoes, garlic mashed cauliflower, or even a fresh mixed greens salad. The dish’s rich, savory nature balances well with crisp or lightly seasoned sides, allowing the flavors of the chicken and asparagus to shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken into thick medallions to showcase that gorgeous asparagus and melted cheese center—it’s an irresistible presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties. Alternatively, serve whole breasts for a rustic, hearty vibe and let guests marvel at the filling inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before sealing to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze uncooked stuffed chicken breasts tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the cooking instructions as usual.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out the chicken, cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture and flavor of both the chicken and asparagus.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

While fresh asparagus is best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen asparagus if you thaw and drain it well before stuffing to avoid excess moisture that could make the chicken soggy.

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Mozzarella or provolone are fantastic choices because they melt smoothly and provide a mild, creamy flavor that complements the asparagus perfectly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is juicy and safe to eat without being overcooked.

Can I substitute other vegetables for asparagus?

Absolutely! Thin zucchini strips or bell pepper slices can be used, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetable’s water content and thickness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! The Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe holds up well when prepped ahead and reheated, making it a great option for busy weeknight dinners or packed lunches.

Final Thoughts

This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion every time you make it, yet it’s remarkably easy and quick to prepare. From the juicy chicken to the crisp asparagus and melty cheese center, it delivers on both flavor and presentation. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen—you’ll be wondering why you didn’t discover it sooner!

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Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 90 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A flavorful and healthy dinner featuring boneless chicken breasts stuffed with fresh asparagus spears and melty mozzarella or provolone cheese. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, seared to golden perfection in a skillet, and then baked to juicy tenderness. This easy-to-make, elegant dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests.


Ingredients

Chicken and Stuffing

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 asparagus spears, trimmed
  • 4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese

Seasonings and Oil

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Carefully slice a pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Stuff each pocket with 3 trimmed asparagus spears and 1 slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese. Secure the openings using toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
  3. Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each stuffed chicken breast to add robust flavor.
  4. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds texture.
  5. Bake: Transfer the oven-safe skillet directly into the preheated oven. Bake the chicken breasts for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
  6. Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy chicken.

Notes

  • Use fresh asparagus spears trimmed to fit inside the chicken breast pockets for best results.
  • If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before baking.
  • Feel free to switch mozzarella or provolone with your favorite melting cheese.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer to prevent undercooking.
  • Remove toothpicks or twine before serving to avoid any accidents.

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