Cheese-Asparagus Stuffed Chicken: Cooking Time And Recipe

Chicken breasts stuffed with asparagus and cheese is a simple yet impressive dish that can be prepared in under an hour. The chicken is seasoned, stuffed with asparagus and cheese, seared, and then baked in the oven. The whole process takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on the recipe. The oven temperature varies across recipes, with some recommending 350°F, others 375°F, and some as high as 425°F. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 155-165°F.

Chicken preparation: how to cut and season the chicken

To prepare your chicken for stuffing, you'll need to start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it in half lengthwise, leaving one side intact. This will create a pocket for your stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through the breast. The pocket should be deep and wide enough to hold the filling without being too large, as this could cause the filling to fall out during cooking.

Once you've created the pocket, it's time to season the chicken. Start by drying the chicken thoroughly with paper towels. Then, season the inside of the pocket with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like lemon zest, garlic powder, or paprika. Be generous with the seasoning, as this will add flavour to your dish.

After seasoning the pocket, it's time to fill it. For asparagus and cheese stuffed chicken, lay 3-4 asparagus spears and a slice of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, inside each breast. You can also add other ingredients like cream cheese or Parmesan. Once filled, fold the chicken over, enclosing the filling, and secure the seam with toothpicks or kitchen twine if needed.

Finally, season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can use the same seasonings you used for the inside or mix it up with something different. Be sure to coat all sides of the chicken generously.

Now your chicken is cut, stuffed, and seasoned, and it's ready for the next step—searing in a hot pan before transferring to the oven to bake.

Stuffing ingredients: which cheeses and vegetables to use

When it comes to stuffing ingredients for chicken with asparagus, cheese is a popular choice. You can opt for mozzarella, as in some recipes, or choose from a range of other cheeses, including ricotta, cream cheese, goat cheese, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, feta, or Brie.

For the vegetables, asparagus is the star of the show, but you can also add other veggies to the mix, such as baby spinach, frozen spinach, kale, green beans, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes. These additional vegetables will complement the asparagus and chicken beautifully.

Cooking methods: oven temperatures and timings

The oven temperature and timings will depend on the recipe you are following and the number of ingredients used. For example, a simple recipe with only chicken, asparagus, and cheese will have a shorter cooking time than a recipe with additional ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes.

Most recipes recommend preheating the oven to a temperature between 350°F and 425°F. The higher the temperature, the shorter the cooking time.

For an oven temperature of 425°F, you should bake the chicken for around 20 minutes. This will result in a cooking time of around 35 minutes in total, including the time spent searing the chicken in a skillet before placing it in the oven.

If you are cooking at 375°F, the total cooking time will be around 40 minutes, including 5-10 minutes of searing in a skillet.

One recipe recommends baking at 375°F for 25 minutes without searing the chicken in a skillet first.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the number of ingredients used. To ensure the chicken is cooked properly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F.

Sealing the chicken: how to keep the stuffing inside

Sealing the chicken to keep the stuffing inside is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here are some detailed tips and tricks to ensure your cheese and asparagus filling stays securely in place:

The first method is called the "slice and stuff." Start by placing the chicken breast on a cutting board and making a one-inch incision in the thickest part of the breast, cutting about three-quarters of the way through. Be careful not to cut all the way through, as you want to create a pocket for the filling. Use your fingers to gently widen the pocket, ensuring it's deep and wide enough to hold the filling without making the hole too large. This technique allows you to generously stuff the chicken while minimising the risk of spills during cooking.

The second method is the "pound and roll." Place the chicken breast in a freezer bag and use a heavy object to pound it, starting at the thickest part, until it's of uniform thickness. This method helps achieve a more even cook. Place your chosen filling in the centre of the chicken and roll the flattened meat around it. If you've pounded the chicken a little too enthusiastically and there are any frayed bits, simply trim them off.

Once you've stuffed your chicken using either of these methods, it's time to secure the seam. You can use toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the seam closed and prevent the filling from escaping. This step ensures that your chicken stays neatly stuffed and helps to maintain an elegant presentation.

Remember, when it comes to the filling, don't skimp on the stuffing, but also avoid overfilling to prevent any spills during cooking. The key is to find the perfect balance so that your chicken is generously stuffed without becoming overloaded.

Serving suggestions: what to eat alongside the chicken

There are several sides you could serve with your asparagus and cheese-stuffed chicken. Here are some ideas:

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted asparagus, green beans, or acorn squash would make a delicious and balanced meal alongside your chicken.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting and classic side dish that would complement your chicken well.

Salad

A simple mixed green salad, such as an arugula salad, would add a fresh element to your meal.

Carbs

Your chicken would also go well with some carbs, such as garlic pasta, fluffy rice, beans, couscous salad, or quinoa salad.

Potato

Some type of potato, such as roasted potatoes, is a great side dish to serve with your chicken.

Frequently asked questions