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Asparagus Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken recipe is a quick, delicious, and elegant dinner option. Featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with fresh asparagus, creamy cheese, and aromatic seasonings, it offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s simple to prepare yet looks and tastes gourmet.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 to 12 fresh asparagus spears
Cheese and Seasonings
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish or stuffing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each breast horizontally to create a pocket for the stuffing without cutting all the way through.
- Blanch the Asparagus: Trim the ends off the asparagus and blanch them in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to preserve their vibrant green color and texture.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and flavorful.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spread the cheese mixture inside each chicken breast pocket, then arrange 3 to 4 asparagus spears over the cheese. Fold the chicken closed and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the stuffed chicken breasts on each side until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the skillet or the chicken breasts to a baking dish and finish cooking in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute. Remove toothpicks before slicing or serving.
Notes
- Choose even-sized chicken breasts to ensure consistent cooking and easier stuffing.
- Don’t overstuff the chicken to prevent it from opening during cooking.
- Secure the chicken pockets well using toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Blanch asparagus to maintain bright color and avoid soggy texture inside the chicken.
- Rest the chicken after cooking to keep it tender and juicy.
- 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
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg