Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Looking for a flavorful and impressive dish to serve for dinner? Try our Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe, featuring tender chicken breasts filled with savory asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 4 Skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb)
• 1 Tsp Italian seasoning mix
• 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 Asparagus stalks, ends trimmed
• 1 oz Sun-dried Tomatoes, chopped
• 4 slices Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a clean chopping board. Sprinkle them evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and pepper.
3. Create Pockets: Carefully cut each chicken breast lengthwise to create a pocket, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff the Chicken: Take 3 asparagus stalks, a few pieces of sun-dried tomatoes, and a slice of mozzarella cheese. Roll them together and stuff them into each chicken breast pocket. Secure with toothpicks to hold the stuffing inside.
5. Sear the Chicken: In a large cast-iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side.
6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the toothpicks and serve the Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the chicken for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Pair with Side Dishes: Serve your stuffed chicken breasts with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
3. Presentation Matters: For an elegant presentation, slice the stuffed chicken diagonally before serving. This showcases the filling and makes for a beautiful plate presentation.
4. Sauce Options: Consider serving with a light lemon-butter sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: If you want to freeze the stuffed chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast whenever you please, whether fresh from the oven or as a convenient leftover meal.

Variations :

1. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken: Replace the asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes with fresh spinach leaves and crumbled feta cheese. Sauté the spinach briefly before stuffing to wilt it slightly.
2. Mushroom and Swiss Stuffed Chicken: Substitute the asparagus with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese slices. Add a touch of thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
3. Caprese Stuffed Chicken: Stuff the chicken breasts with sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for a Mediterranean twist.
4. Pesto and Provolone Stuffed Chicken: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto inside the chicken breast pockets and stuff with provolone cheese slices and roasted red peppers.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken: Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with strips of bacon before searing and baking. This adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture.
6. Vegetarian Option – Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers: For a vegetarian twist, stuff bell peppers with a mixture of cooked quinoa, diced vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots), and your favorite cheese. Bake until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
7. Mexican-Inspired Stuffed Chicken: Fill the chicken breasts with a mixture of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded Mexican cheese blend. Serve with salsa and guacamole on the side.
8. Greek Stuffed Chicken: Stuff with spinach, Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and crumbled feta cheese. Season with Greek seasoning blend or oregano.
9. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken: Combine chopped spinach, canned artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan for a rich and savory filling.
10. Hawaiian Stuffed Chicken: Stuff with sliced ham, pineapple chunks, and Swiss cheese. Brush with a teriyaki glaze before baking for a sweet and savory twist.
11. Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken: Fill with spinach, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Season with oregano and drizzle with olive oil before baking.
12. Brie and Apple Stuffed Chicken: Stuff with thinly sliced apples, Brie cheese, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve with a drizzle of honey after baking for a delightful sweet-savory combination.
13. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed: Mix cooked shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
14. Thai Peanut Stuffed Chicken: Fill with a mixture of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and chopped peanuts. Serve with a side of Thai peanut sauce for dipping.
15. Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Chicken: Stuff with Cajun-seasoned cooked shrimp, diced bell peppers, and pepper jack cheese. Serve with a Creole mustard sauce.
16. Herb and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken: Combine goat cheese with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Add a squeeze of lemon juice before baking for brightness.
17. Pesto and Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken: Spread pesto inside the chicken breast pockets and stuff with sundried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Serve with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
18. Sausage and Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken: Fill with cooked crumbled sausage, diced green chilies, and pepper jack cheese. Top with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

FAQs :

1. Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. Thaw and pat dry before stuffing to prevent excess moisture.
2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
   • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Can I prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
4. What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
   • You can substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers or caramelized onions for a different flavor profile.
5. Can I bake the chicken without searing it first?
   • Searing the chicken before baking adds color and flavor, but you can skip this step if preferred. Adjust baking time accordingly.
6. How should I store leftover stuffed chicken?
   • Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   • Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time as needed, as thighs may require longer to cook through.
8. What sides pair well with asparagus stuffed chicken breast?
   • Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad are excellent side dishes to complement the flavors of the stuffed chicken.
9. How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
   • Ensure the chicken breasts are sealed properly with toothpicks and handle them carefully during cooking to prevent the filling from leaking out.
10. Can I grill the stuffed chicken instead of baking it?
    • Yes, you can grill the stuffed chicken breasts over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

These FAQs provide helpful information and solutions to common queries that readers may have when preparing and serving “Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast.” They enhance the article’s value by addressing practical concerns and ensuring a positive cooking experience for your audience.

With its blend of tender chicken, flavorful asparagus, and melted mozzarella, our Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish offers both simplicity and elegance in every bite. Try it today and delight in a dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!