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Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a simple yet impressive dish combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with fresh, crisp asparagus and creamy cheese filling. This healthy and flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a balanced meal with lean protein and nutritious vegetables. Easy to prepare and customizable with various herbs and cheeses, it delivers an elegant presentation that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Filling

  • 812 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed to fit inside chicken pockets
  • 4 oz cream cheese or goat cheese, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or rosemary

Seasoning and Cooking

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, for seasoning
  • Optional spices for additional flavor (e.g., paprika, chili flakes)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Trim and butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing horizontally through each breast to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. This will create space to stuff the filling.
  2. Prepare the Filling: Trim asparagus to lengths that fit inside the pockets. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and any desired fresh herbs until well combined.
  3. Stuff the Chicken: Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture into each chicken pocket. Place asparagus spears in the center, then fold the chicken back over carefully to enclose the filling.
  4. Season and Sear: Brush the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional additional spices. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, to lock in juices and build flavor.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the asparagus is tender-crisp.

Notes

  • Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts gently to ensure uniform thickness and even cooking.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh asparagus and quality cheese enhance flavor dramatically.
  • Avoid Overfilling: Keep cheese and asparagus filling moderate to prevent tearing or leaking.
  • Rest After Cooking: Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to preserve juices.
  • Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks if needed to hold chicken pockets closed during cooking.
  • Variations: Swap cheeses (mozzarella, feta, parmesan), add herbs, wrap with prosciutto, or adapt for keto or vegan diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asparagus, Stuffed Chicken Breast, Healthy Dinner, Gluten Free, Easy Recipe, Chicken, Cream Cheese, Weeknight Meal