Description
A quick and delicious Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with fresh asparagus and melty cheese for a healthy, flavorful weeknight dinner. This wholesome meal is packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, easy to prepare, and perfect for both family meals and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6–8 fresh asparagus stalks, thin and tender
- 4 oz mozzarella or goat cheese, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through, making sure the pocket is wide enough to comfortably hold the stuffing.
- Blanch the Asparagus: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus stalks for 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Immediately transfer the asparagus to ice water to preserve crispness and color.
- Assemble the Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, and chopped fresh herbs. Stuff each chicken pocket with a portion of this cheese mixture along with a few asparagus stalks.
- Season and Sear: Brush the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Bake to Finish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts when creating chicken pockets to avoid tearing.
- Do not overstuff chicken breasts to prevent filling leakage during cooking.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking for better browning and crispiness.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices.
- Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking and to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Asparagus stuffed chicken, healthy chicken recipe, stuffed chicken breast, weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken