Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Trust me, you’re going to love this veggie-packed delight!
- This one’s a game-changer for picky eaters.
- It’s a fun way to sneak in those greens!
- Perfect for family dinners and impressing guests.
- Quick and easy to make, even on busy nights!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and garnished with parsley! |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the delicious Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast!
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – the main protein base for your dish
- 8 asparagus spears – trimmed for a fresh, crunchy filling
- 4 oz cream cheese – adds a creamy texture and flavor
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella – for that cheesy goodness
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing and flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder – brings in a lovely aroma
- 1/2 tsp paprika – adds a hint of warmth and color
- Salt and pepper to taste – for seasoning
- Fresh lemon zest – for a zesty finish
- Chopped parsley for garnish – adds a pop of color
How to Make Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook. Allow a little extra time for resting before serving. Your family will love this veggie-packed meal!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 2: Butterfly the Chicken
Carefully butterfly each chicken breast to create a pocket. This is where the magic happens!
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Stuff each chicken pocket with 2 asparagus spears and a generous amount of the cheese mixture. Yum!
Step 5: Secure and Brush
Secure the openings with toothpicks and brush the outside with olive oil for a golden finish.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Place the stuffed chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast!
Pro Tips for Making Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Choose fresh asparagus for the best flavor and crunch.
- Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken evenly for even cooking.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.
- Seal the chicken well to keep the filling from leaking out.
- Let the stuffed chicken rest before slicing for juicier results.
How to Serve this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Serve with a side of roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet contrast.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
- Accompany with quinoa or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- Top with a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve alongside steamed broccoli or green beans for more veggies.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a tangy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast with ease:
Storing Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Leftovers
- Allow the chicken to cool completely.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place in an airtight container for extra protection.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Cool the chicken completely before freezing.
- Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then in foil.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil.
- Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet For baking the stuffed chicken.
- 1 Mixing bowl For mixing the cheese filling.
- 1 Toothpicks To secure the chicken pockets.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts The main protein base for your dish.
- 8 spears asparagus Trimmed for a fresh, crunchy filling.
- 4 oz cream cheese Adds a creamy texture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella For that cheesy goodness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing and flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Brings in a lovely aroma.
- 1/2 tsp paprika Adds a hint of warmth and color.
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest For a zesty finish.
- to garnish chopped parsley Adds a pop of color.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly cooked chicken.
- Step 2: Carefully butterfly each chicken breast to create a pocket. This is where the magic happens!
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Stuff each chicken pocket with 2 asparagus spears and a generous amount of the cheese mixture. Yum!
- Step 5: Secure the openings with toothpicks and brush the outside with olive oil for a golden finish.
- Step 6: Place the stuffed chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 5g |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus?
Absolutely! While asparagus is a delicious choice, you can easily substitute it with other veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or even broccoli. Just make sure to chop them finely and sauté them briefly before stuffing to ensure they cook through with the chicken.
2. How do I ensure the chicken stays moist while cooking?
To keep your chicken breast juicy, consider marinating it for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can use a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. Additionally, cooking the chicken at a moderate temperature and using a meat thermometer to check for doneness can help prevent it from drying out.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time! Just assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests, as you can simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to cook.
4. What can I serve with Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with a fresh salad, roasted potatoes, or steamed rice. You can also add a light sauce or gravy to enhance the flavors. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Final Thoughts
As you gather around the table to enjoy this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast, remember the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. It’s simple, delicious, and a fantastic way to sneak in those veggies! So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and watch your kids delight in every bite. Happy cooking!