Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Flavorful & Healthy Delight
As busy parents, we’re always searching for quick, healthy meals our families will love. That’s why we’re excited to share this tasty Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and is full of flavor. This dish pairs tender chicken with fresh asparagus and melted provolone cheese, making it a hit.
With a few easy steps, we can make a nutritious and tasty dinner fast. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a good meal without spending hours cooking.
Key Takeaways
- This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a quick and healthy dinner option that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
- The dish combines tender chicken breast with fresh asparagus and melty provolone cheese for a delicious and low-carb meal.
- The chicken is pan-seared and then finished in the oven, resulting in a juicy and flavorful final product.
- This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to experiment with different cheese or vegetable combinations to suit your family’s tastes.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools
To make our tasty Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast, we need some important ingredients and tools. We’ll use big, juicy chicken breasts, fresh asparagus spears, and different cheese options like provolone, Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella.
Main Components
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 200g / 7 oz. each)
- 1 lb of fresh asparagus spears
- 4 slices of mild cheddar cheese
Optional Ingredients and Substitutions
For extra flavor, try these optional add-ins and substitutions:
- Lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note
- Cream cheese for a creamier filling
- Herb seasonings like thyme or rosemary for an earthy aroma
For cooking, you’ll need an oven-safe skillet (a cast-iron pan is great), a sharp knife, a meat pounder (optional), and a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is cooked just right.
“The key to a successful Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is having all the right ingredients and tools on hand for a seamless cooking experience.”
Preparation and Stuffing Technique
Preparing asparagus-stuffed chicken breasts needs some care, but it’s worth it. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Then, butterfly cut the chicken breasts to make a pocket for the stuffing. Season the inside with salt, pepper, and lemon zest to enhance the flavors.
After that, place a few asparagus stalks and mozzarella cheese in each breast. Mixing the cheese with cream cheese makes stuffing easier. Fold the chicken over to seal the tasty stuffing. Season the outside with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for extra flavor.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Butterfly cut the chicken breasts to create a pocket for stuffing.
- Season the inside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Place 3-4 asparagus stalks and shredded mozzarella cheese in each chicken breast pocket.
- Fold the chicken breasts over to enclose the filling.
- Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
By carefully stuffing and seasoning the chicken, we’re setting the stage for a mouthwatering and visually stunning dish that’s sure to impress. Let’s move on to the cooking process and bring these butterfly cut, seasoned, and stuffed chicken breasts to life!
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast: Cooking Method
To make the asparagus stuffed chicken breasts, we start with a quick pan-sear. Then, we finish them in the oven for a juicy result. Let’s explore the cooking steps:
Pan-Searing Steps
First, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil once it’s hot. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet, searing the top for 3-5 minutes until golden.
Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 3-5 minutes.
Oven-Baking Instructions
After pan-searing, cover the skillet with foil and put it in a preheated 425°F (218°C) oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature hits 155°F (68°C).
Then, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, covered. This step is key for keeping the juices in and ensuring the chicken is tender.
The whole cooking time, including pan-searing and oven-baking, is about 25-30 minutes.
Remember, the secret to perfectly cooked stuffed chicken breasts is to check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making juicy, flavorful chicken is an art. We have the tips to help you get it right. First, use toothpicks to keep the filling in place. Then, remove them before you serve. Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through to keep it moist and flavorful.
For more flavor, try different seasonings. Lemon zest adds a bright citrus taste. Cajun or Ranch spices bring a bold, savory flavor. Mixing cheese with cream cheese makes the filling creamier.
- Use toothpicks to secure chicken, removing before serving
- Baste chicken with pan juices halfway through baking
- Experiment with seasonings like lemon zest, Cajun, or Ranch
- Mix cheese with cream cheese for a creamier filling
Even cooking is crucial for perfect chicken. Pound the chicken to make it even. This prevents dry or undercooked spots. With these cooking tips, you’ll get juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Ingredient | Quantity | Nutrition Facts |
---|---|---|
Chicken Breast | 4 boneless, skinless | Protein: 39g, Fat: 22g, Cholesterol: 127mg |
Asparagus | 1 lb, trimmed | Vitamin A: 650IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Fiber: 1g |
Cheese | 1 cup, shredded | Calories: 371, Carbohydrates: 3g, Sodium: 777mg |
Follow these cooking tips for juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Try different flavor enhancement techniques to make it your own.
“The key to perfect juicy chicken is all in the preparation and attention to detail.”
Conclusion
This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a tasty and healthy choice. It’s great for those following a low-carb diet. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook, making it perfect for busy nights.
The mix of tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and melted cheese is amazing. It’s a dish that will impress anyone. You can also change it up by using different cheeses or seasonings.
Chicken breasts can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 3 months. This makes it a great option for meal prep. Pair it with pasta, oven-fried potatoes, or a green salad for a full meal.
If you’re looking for a new dinner idea or something to wow your guests, try this recipe. It’s a perfect mix of savory chicken and tender asparagus in every bite.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe?
The main ingredients are large chicken breasts, asparagus stalks, and provolone cheese. You’ll also need olive oil and seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
What kitchen tools are needed to make this dish?
You’ll need an oven-safe skillet, a sharp knife, a meat pounder (optional), and a meat thermometer.
How do you prepare and stuff the chicken breasts?
Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half to make a pocket. Season the inside with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Then, place cheese and asparagus inside each breast and fold to seal.
What are the steps for cooking the Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast?
First, pan-sear the chicken top-side down for 3-5 minutes until golden. Flip and sear the other side. Then, cover the skillet with foil and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 15 minutes. The chicken should reach 155°F (68°C) inside. Let it rest for 5 minutes to reach 160°F (71°C).
What tips are provided for achieving the perfect results?
Use toothpicks to keep the chicken closed (remove before serving). Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through baking. Also, pound the chicken to make it even for cooking.
How versatile is this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe?
This recipe is very versatile. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. You can also change up the cheese and seasonings to your liking. It’s great for low-carb diets too.