Andy Montoya
Juicy, tender, and oozing with cheese, asparagus-stuffed chicken breast is a simple yet impressive dish that can be made in under an hour. The chicken is stuffed with a combination of asparagus, tangy goat's cheese, and gooey mozzarella, and seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The chicken is then seared in a skillet before being baked in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 375°F-425°F |
| Chicken breast cut | Lengthwise, leaving one side intact |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, chilli powder |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, goat cheese, provolone, ricotta, Parmesan, cheddar |
| Number of asparagus stalks | 3-4 per chicken breast |
| Other ingredients | Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, toothpicks |
| Cooking time | 15-20 minutes in the oven, 3-5 minutes per side in the skillet |
| Calories | 191-543 kcal |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken breast preparation
Once the chicken breasts are prepared, they can be stuffed. However, before stuffing, the chicken breasts should be seasoned. Seasoning can vary according to taste, but a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a popular choice. Lemon zest can also be added to the interior of the chicken breast.
After seasoning, the chicken breasts are ready to be stuffed. A variety of cheeses can be used, including goat cheese, mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, or provolone. The asparagus should be trimmed and washed before being placed into the chicken breast pocket. Sun-dried tomatoes can also be added for extra flavour. To secure the stuffing, toothpicks can be used to attach the edges of the chicken together.
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Filling the chicken breast
Once you have your filling ingredients prepared, you can begin to stuff the chicken breasts. Most recipes suggest cutting the chicken breast in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, creating a pocket to stuff. One recipe suggests slicing the chicken breast about 3/4 of the way and then pounding each side to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Now that your chicken breasts are prepared, you can begin to fill them. Some recipes suggest spreading goat cheese inside each chicken breast pocket, topping it with asparagus, and then adding mozzarella. Another recipe suggests placing asparagus spears down the centre of each chicken breast, topping them with mozzarella, and then rolling the chicken around the fillings to create compact rolls. If you're using sun-dried tomatoes, you can add them to the cheese and asparagus before rolling it up inside the chicken breast.
Finally, secure the chicken breasts closed with toothpicks. This will ensure the filling stays inside during cooking. Some recipes suggest using 2-3 toothpicks, while others recommend using enough toothpicks to secure the edges all around the chicken breast.
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Cooking the chicken breast
To cook the chicken breast, you will need to preheat your oven to 400°F or 425°F. You can also preheat a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
First, prepare your chicken breasts by seasoning them with salt and pepper, and other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and chilli powder. You can also brush the chicken breasts with mayonnaise. Next, cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, creating a pocket to stuff.
Now, you can stuff the chicken breasts with your desired fillings. Most recipes call for a combination of cheese and asparagus. You can use mozzarella, goat cheese, Parmesan, or cream cheese for the cheese component. For the asparagus, trim and wash the stalks, and place 3-4 spears inside each chicken breast. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavour.
Once the chicken breasts are stuffed, secure them closed with toothpicks. This will ensure that the filling stays inside while cooking. Then, sear the chicken breasts in the hot skillet for 2-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Be careful not to burn or stick, and use tongs to carefully flip the chicken breasts.
Finally, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with aluminium foil or transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and cover with foil before placing in the oven. Bake until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155-165°F.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Your cheese and asparagus stuffed chicken breasts are now ready to be enjoyed!
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Chicken breast seasoning
Seasoning Instructions:
Before seasoning, it is recommended to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This helps ensure even cooking and allows for better stuffing. You can place the chicken breast between two sheets of heavy plastic or freezer bags before pounding.
For seasoning, you can use a variety of spices and herbs, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar. Combine these ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Generously rub the spice mixture on each side of the chicken breasts. Make sure to get into the crevices and coat the chicken evenly.
Some recipes suggest brushing the chicken breasts with mayonnaise before applying the seasoning. This adds moisture and helps the breadcrumbs stick better. Additionally, you can sprinkle Italian breadcrumbs on top of the chicken after applying the seasoning for an extra crispy texture.
Stuffing and Cooking:
After seasoning, you can proceed with stuffing the chicken breasts. Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff the pockets with your desired fillings, such as cheese, asparagus, and sun-dried tomatoes. Secure the pockets with toothpicks to prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.
Finally, cook the chicken according to your chosen recipe. You can sear the chicken in a skillet with olive oil to achieve a golden brown colour, and then bake it in the oven until cooked through. The baking time and temperature may vary depending on the specific recipe and oven settings.
Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your preferred flavour profile for chicken breast seasoning. Enjoy your delicious and flavourful asparagus-stuffed chicken breast!
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Chicken breast serving suggestions
Chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions specifically for asparagus and cheese-stuffed chicken breast:
- Rice or Salad: While the chicken is cooking, prepare a side dish of rice or a fresh salad. This can include leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favourite salad dressing.
- Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes are a great option to pair with the chicken. The potatoes can be seasoned with herbs and spices, such as rosemary and garlic, and baked until golden brown.
- Vegetables: Asparagus is already included in the dish, but you can also serve the chicken with a variety of other vegetables. Steamed or roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans would make tasty and nutritious sides.
- Bread: To soak up the juices and flavours of the dish, serve your chicken breast with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls.
- Sauce: Create a complementary sauce to go with the chicken. A creamy mushroom or peppercorn sauce can enhance the flavours and moisture of the dish.
This stuffed chicken breast dish is a tasty and juicy meal that can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The chicken is packed with flavour and has a gorgeous golden hue, making it a beautiful and impressive dish to serve to guests or enjoy as a weeknight treat.
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