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 (10–12 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
- Preheat oven to 375°F, creating the ideal temperature for a perfectly cooked chicken dish.
- Craft a rich, creamy filling by blending cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Carefully butterfly each chicken breast, creating a delicate pocket without cutting completely through the meat.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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