Description
A simple, fresh, and flavorful Asparagus Stuffed Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with crisp asparagus, melted cheese, and aromatic garlic. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a healthy, balanced meal perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8–10 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Seasoning & Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, ensuring not to cut all the way through so it can hold the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: Trim and blanch or lightly steam asparagus until tender-crisp. Mix asparagus with cheese, minced garlic, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken pocket with the asparagus and cheese mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Season and Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest on the outside. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Do not overstuff the chicken to avoid filling spilling and to ensure even cooking.
- Pound chicken breasts gently if needed to achieve even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Use fresh, thin asparagus stalks for best texture inside the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to keep juices locked in.
- Secure the pockets with toothpicks to prevent filling from falling out during cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Asparagus, stuffed chicken, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, gluten free chicken, baked chicken
