Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Succulent Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe For Dinner Joy

Crafting a delightful asparagus-stuffed chicken breast requires more than just basic cooking skills.

Fresh green spears nestled inside tender meat create a magical combination that surprises the palate.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate this elegant dish for its simplicity and flavor.

Crisp asparagus brings a vibrant texture that complements the juicy chicken perfectly.

Seasonal ingredients make this recipe shine with minimal effort.

Each bite promises a delectable experience that connects you to wholesome, nutritious eating.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next meal with this irresistible culinary creation.

Why You’ll Love Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Why You’ll Love Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
  • Boost Nutrition: Pack your meal with protein-packed chicken and nutritious asparagus, creating a balanced and wholesome dinner that supports healthy eating goals.
  • Master Gourmet Techniques: Learn professional cooking skills by searing and stuffing chicken, elevating your culinary expertise with restaurant-quality presentation.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, making this recipe flexible for different taste buds and dietary needs.
  • Impress Without Stress: Create a sophisticated dish that looks complicated but requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings with minimal preparation time.

What’s In Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the primary base for this delicious stuffed recipe.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy texture to the stuffing mixture.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Add a melty and savory flavor to enhance the chicken's taste.
  • Garlic: Brings a robust and aromatic flavor to the cheese mixture.
Vegetable:
  • Asparagus: Adds a fresh, green vegetable element and provides a tender, nutritious filling for the chicken.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Contribute depth and balanced flavor to the overall dish.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps in searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.
  • Toothpicks: Used to secure the chicken pocket and keep the stuffing in place during cooking.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Herbs: Provide a final touch of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

How To Make Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to 375°F. This prepares the perfect cooking environment for your delicious chicken creation.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these ingredients:
  • Cream cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend everything until smooth and well-mixed.

Step 3: Craft Chicken Pockets

Slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a deep pocket. Be careful not to cut completely through – you want a nice cozy space for the filling.

Step 4: Fill and Secure Chicken

Carefully spoon the cheese mixture into each chicken pocket. Gently tuck asparagus spears inside. Use toothpicks to close the opening and keep the filling tucked in.

Step 5: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and wonderfully juicy.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for an extra pop of flavor. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips That Help With Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

  • Optimize Cheese Filling: Mix ingredients at room temperature for smoother, lump-free blending that ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the stuffing.
  • Select Fresh Asparagus: Choose bright green, firm asparagus spears with tight tips to guarantee maximum crispness and nutritional value in your chicken dish.
  • Prevent Chicken Dryness: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely, avoiding overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender chicken breast texture.
  • Control Portion Size: Slice chicken breasts carefully and evenly to create uniform pockets, which helps achieve consistent cooking and balanced filling in each serving.
  • Enhance Herb Flavor: Chop fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before garnishing to release maximum aromatic oils and provide a vibrant, fresh finish to the dish.

Fun Spins On Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

  • Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Replace asparagus with thinly sliced zucchini ribbons for a different vegetable texture while maintaining low-carb profile.
  • Mediterranean Greek Version: Substitute cream cheese with feta, add sun-dried tomatoes and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use cashew cream cheese instead of traditional cream cheese, pair with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Remove mozzarella, increase Parmesan, stuff with spinach and add extra herbs to create a protein-packed ketogenic meal.

Good Sides With Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the light, fresh asparagus and creamy cheese flavors. These wines cut through the richness while enhancing the chicken's delicate taste.
  • Create Mediterranean Salad Side: Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese with a lemon vinaigrette. This fresh accompaniment balances the rich, cheesy chicken and adds vibrant colors to the plate.
  • Serve with Roasted Herb Potatoes: Cube small red potatoes, toss with rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until golden and crispy. Their earthy flavor and crunchy texture perfectly match the tender, stuffed chicken breast.

Storage Tips For Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

  • Wrap cooled chicken tightly in aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
  • Carefully place chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature periodically to avoid overcooking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs On Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

  • What makes this stuffed chicken recipe healthy?

The recipe incorporates fresh asparagus, which is low in calories and packed with nutrients like fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. Using lean chicken breast and controlling the amount of cheese also contributes to its healthier profile.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for mozzarella and Parmesan, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or Swiss. Just ensure they melt well and complement the chicken and asparagus flavors.

  • How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking, which can make the meat dry.

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Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken breast meets garden-fresh asparagus in this elegant French-inspired main course. Delicate herbs and creamy cheese elevate this protein-packed dinner, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each perfectly balanced bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup (1012 spears) fresh asparagus, trimmed

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Garnish:

  • Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F, creating the ideal temperature for a perfectly cooked chicken dish.
  2. Craft a rich, creamy filling by blending cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-incorporated.
  3. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast, creating a delicate pocket without cutting completely through the meat.
  4. Generously stuff the chicken pockets with the prepared cheese mixture, then gently insert asparagus spears inside. Secure openings with toothpicks if necessary to prevent filling from escaping.
  5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear stuffed chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor and creates an appetizing appearance.
  6. Transfer skillet directly to preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring both safety and optimal juiciness.
  7. Remove from oven and allow chicken to rest briefly. This crucial step helps redistribute juices and maintain tenderness. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs to enhance visual appeal and add a final flavor dimension.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, thin asparagus spears to ensure they cook quickly and remain tender inside the chicken breast.
  • If asparagus is too thick, blanch it briefly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to soften before stuffing into the chicken.
  • Use a sharp knife to create a clean pocket in the chicken breast, being careful not to cut completely through the meat.
  • Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a richer, more luxurious filling that melts beautifully during cooking.
  • Swap out mozzarella with goat cheese or feta for a tangier flavor profile that complements the asparagus.
  • For a low-carb version, replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to reduce calories.
  • Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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