Description
Succulent chicken breasts embrace creamy asparagus cheese filling in this irresistible recipe. Delicate flavors merge seamlessly, promising a gourmet experience you’ll savor with every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Components:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 stalks asparagus, ends trimmed
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, preparing a workspace for chicken preparation.
- Carefully slice chicken breasts lengthwise, creating a deep pocket without cutting completely through the meat.
- Blend garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, and salt to create a robust seasoning mixture, thoroughly coating both interior and exterior of chicken pockets.
- Delicately stuff each chicken pocket with fresh mozzarella cheese and tender asparagus spears, ensuring even distribution.
- Secure the stuffed chicken openings with toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, creating a hot surface for searing.
- Carefully place chicken in the skillet, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Transfer the entire skillet directly into the preheated oven, baking for approximately 15 minutes.
- Verify chicken’s doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- Remove toothpicks before serving the stuffed chicken, allowing the melted cheese and roasted asparagus to be revealed.
Notes
- Choose fresh, crisp asparagus spears for the best texture and flavor in your stuffed chicken.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts carefully to create an even pocket without cutting completely through the meat.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure the herbs and spices stick properly and create a delicious crust.
- Use toothpicks strategically to keep the filling inside and prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- For a low-carb option, substitute mozzarella with goat cheese or feta for added tanginess.
- Consider grilling instead of baking for a smoky flavor and beautiful char marks on the chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg