Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious and elegant dish that is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are filled with fresh asparagus and melted mozzarella cheese, then coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection. This recipe combines simplicity with gourmet flavor, ensuring a satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
• 1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12-16 asparagus stalks, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
• 10 ounces baby spinach
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, julienne cut, packed in oil

Instructions

1. In a shallow, wide bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
2. In another shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Pound the chicken to about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, place 3-4 asparagus spears on top, and add another layer of mozzarella cheese.
5. Roll the chicken around the asparagus and secure with toothpicks.
6. Dip the rolled chicken in the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
8. Melt the butter and heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
9. Brown the chicken on both sides in the skillet.
10. Transfer the chicken to an oven-proof plate and bake for 10 minutes or until cooked through.
11. While the chicken bakes, sauté the spinach and sundried tomatoes in the skillet until the spinach is wilted.
12. Remove the toothpicks from the chicken and serve it alongside the sautéed spinach.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve the Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast immediately while it’s warm. Remove the toothpicks before plating. Pair it with sautéed spinach and sundried tomatoes, roasted potatoes, steamed rice, or a light pasta salad for a complete meal. You can also drizzle a little olive oil or balsamic glaze over the chicken for added flavor.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to maintain its crispy breadcrumb coating. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the breadcrumbs soggy.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken before baking. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Variations

1. Cheese Variations
   • Swap mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or Gruyère for a richer, more decadent flavor.
   • Add a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan inside the chicken for extra creaminess.
2. Herb Enhancements
   • Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture or sprinkle on top before baking for added aroma and flavor.
   • Mix dried Italian herbs into the filling for a more robust taste.
3. Spicy Kick
   • Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture to give the chicken a mild heat.
4. Prosciutto Wrap
   • Wrap the chicken breast in prosciutto before breading for an extra layer of savory flavor and a slightly crisp texture on the outside.
5. Vegetable Substitutions
   • Replace asparagus with zucchini spears, roasted red peppers, or green beans if you want to vary the vegetable stuffing.
   • Mix in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a heartier filling.
6. Low-Carb Option
   • Skip the breadcrumbs entirely and simply sear and bake the stuffed chicken for a keto-friendly version while still enjoying the cheesy asparagus filling.
7. Gourmet Touch
   • Serve with balsamic glaze drizzle or roasted cherry tomatoes to add a touch of sweetness and elevate the presentation.
   • Top with a little Parmesan after baking and broil briefly to create a golden crust.
8. Stuffed with Pesto
   • Spread a thin layer of pesto inside the chicken before adding cheese and asparagus for an herby, flavorful twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed before pounding and stuffing to ensure even cooking.
2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
   Pound the chicken evenly to 1/4 inch thick, don’t overbake, and make sure to sear it in the skillet before finishing in the oven.
3. Can I use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach?
   Yes, just cook it a little longer until it wilts completely.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking.
5. What sides pair well with this chicken?
   Roasted potatoes, rice, pasta, or a light salad all complement this dish perfectly.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, Gruyère, fontina, provolone, or even a mix of cheeses work well.
7. How do I make it gluten-free?
   Simply substitute regular Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
8. Can I freeze the stuffed chicken?
   Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. Bake from frozen, adding extra 10–15 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through.
9. What temperature should I bake the chicken?
   Bake at 350°F (175°C) until fully cooked, usually about 10 minutes after searing. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
10. Can I add extra flavor with herbs or spices?
    Yes, fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, as well as spices like crushed red pepper or paprika, can enhance the flavor.

This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is easy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, offering a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.

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