Frederic Melton
Chicken stuffed with cheddar cheese and asparagus is a delicious and simple dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The juicy chicken, tangy cheese, and slightly bitter asparagus create a flavorful combination that's sure to impress. This recipe is also keto-friendly and can be made even more elegant with the addition of ham and sage. With just a few simple steps, you can create a mouth-watering meal that's sure to become a favorite. So, get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this easy and tasty dish!
Characteristics and Values Table for Chicken Stuffed with Cheddar Cheese and Asparagus
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken breast, cheddar cheese, asparagus, flour, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, butter, oil, Dijon mustard, sage, ham, salt, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano |
| Cookware | Shallow bowls, skillet, square baking dish, toothpicks, kitchen string, cutting board, air fryer |
| Preparation | Flatten chicken breast, season, place asparagus and cheese in the center, fold or tie closed, coat with flour, dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs, brown in skillet, transfer to baking dish, cook |
| Cooking Time | 20-35 minutes |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days |
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What You'll Learn
- Chicken preparation: Flatten, cut pockets, season with salt, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, and lemon pepper
- Stuffing ingredients: Cheddar, mozzarella, goat, or ricotta cheese, and asparagus
- Cooking methods: Sear, bake, air fry, or grill
- Cooking time: 20-30 minutes
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze leftovers
Chicken preparation: Flatten, cut pockets, season with salt, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, and lemon pepper
To prepare the chicken, start by placing a chicken breast between sheets of waxed or parchment paper. Using a French-style rolling pin (without handles), gently roll the chicken breast until it's flattened to about half an inch thick. Alternatively, you can use a meat mallet or a small cast-iron pan to pound the chicken to the desired thickness.
Once the chicken is flattened, it's time to create the pockets for the stuffing. Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and use a sharp chef's knife to make a small slit in the thickest part of the breast. Insert the knife tip first, then carefully widen the pocket with your fingers to about 3 inches. Be careful not to cut all the way through the breast or make the hole too large, as you want the filling to stay securely inside during cooking.
Now it's time to season the chicken! In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, and lemon pepper. You can adjust the quantities of each spice according to your taste preferences. Mix the spices until they are well combined, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over the chicken breasts. Make sure to coat both sides evenly.
At this stage, you can also brush the chicken with melted butter or olive oil before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and add a bit of extra flavour and moisture to the chicken.
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Stuffing ingredients: Cheddar, mozzarella, goat, or ricotta cheese, and asparagus
There are several types of cheese that can be used as stuffing for chicken, along with asparagus. Here are some options:
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for stuffed chicken breasts. To prepare this dish, you can place around three asparagus spears in the centre of each flattened chicken breast and top it with cheddar cheese. You can use kitchen string to secure the chicken or simply fold the chicken over the asparagus and secure it with toothpicks.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is another excellent option for stuffing chicken. It pairs well with asparagus and creates a gooey, tasty filling. You can use mozzarella slices or shreds, depending on your preference. If you're using larger pieces of mozzarella, be sure to fold or roll the chicken carefully so that the cheese doesn't touch the skillet during searing.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, also known as chevre, offers a tangy flavour that complements the asparagus. It creates a creamy and tangy combination when paired with mozzarella. Goat cheese can be substituted with ricotta, blue cheese, crumbled feta, or Boursin if you're looking for a different flavour profile.
Ricotta
Ricotta cheese is a versatile option that can be used in place of goat cheese or in combination with other cheeses. It has a mild, creamy flavour that blends well with the asparagus and other ingredients.
When preparing stuffed chicken with any of these cheeses and asparagus, you'll want to brown or sear the chicken on both sides until it's golden. Then, transfer it to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, typically around 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
You can also add additional ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as mustard, ham, sage, or a bread crumb coating. Seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper can also be used to add extra depth to the dish.
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Cooking methods: Sear, bake, air fry, or grill
Searing is a great way to get a golden brown crust on your chicken. Place your stuffed chicken in a large skillet with butter and oil and sear it on both sides until golden brown. Be gentle when flipping to prevent the stuffing from falling out. After searing, transfer the chicken to a baking dish and finish cooking it in the oven.
Baking is an excellent option for cooking your stuffed chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut pockets into the chicken breasts, stuff them with cheese and asparagus, and secure them with toothpicks or kitchen string. Place the chicken in a baking dish, add a small amount of water, cover, and bake for about 20 minutes.
Air frying is a convenient and quick way to cook your stuffed chicken. Prepare the chicken as you would for baking, then place it in your air fryer basket and cook for around 25 minutes.
Grilling stuffed chicken can be a bit tricky due to the risk of the cheese melting and falling through the grill grates. If you wish to grill your stuffed chicken, it is recommended to wrap it in foil to prevent any mess and ensure even cooking.
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Cooking time: 20-30 minutes
To make asparagus and cheddar cheese-stuffed chicken, you'll need to set aside 20-30 minutes for cooking time. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this delicious meal:
Preparation
Start by preparing your ingredients. You'll need boneless chicken breasts, asparagus spears, cheddar cheese, flour, eggs, bread crumbs or crackers, olive oil, butter, and cooking spray.
Stuffing and Seasoning
Take your chicken breasts and cut them open to create a pocket for stuffing. Place 2-4 asparagus spears and a generous amount of cheddar cheese in each chicken breast. You can also add other ingredients like deli ham, Dijon mustard, or sage for extra flavour. Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen string. Season the chicken with lemon pepper or other seasonings of your choice.
Cooking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a skillet or frying pan, heat some olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed chicken in the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it's golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serving
Remove the toothpicks and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. You can drizzle some fresh lemon juice over the chicken for added flavour. Serve the chicken with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and enjoy!
With this recipe, you can have a delicious and impressive meal ready in no time!
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Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze leftovers
To store your leftover chicken stuffed with cheddar cheese and asparagus, you should let it cool down to room temperature. This will take around an hour for a whole chicken or less for individual portions. Then, separate it into meal-sized portions. This will make it easier to freeze and use only what you need. It will also promote faster and more even freezing, preserving the quality of the chicken.
Next, seal the chicken in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness. Removing excess air will ensure a longer shelf life and preserve the flavour and texture of the chicken. If you are using freezer bags, try to make the chicken as flat as possible. This will reduce defrosting time. Clearly, label each container or bag with the date of freezing and a brief description of the contents. This will help you keep track of how long the chicken has been in the freezer and ensure you use the oldest items first.
Your chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months. If you are storing it in the fridge, make sure to put it in there within 2 hours of cooking. Bacteria can multiply quickly when the meat's temperature lingers in the "Danger Zone", which is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).
When you are ready to eat your frozen chicken, it is best to defrost it in the microwave or in a bowl of water in the fridge. You can then reheat it on the hob or in the oven until it is piping hot.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use about 2 oz of cheddar cheese, or 3 slices per chicken breast.
A combination of garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, oregano, and salt are great seasonings to use for this dish. Lemon pepper is also a good option.
Fresh asparagus spears are recommended for this recipe.
The total cooking time is around 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked until it is a nice golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Yes, you can make this recipe in advance and freeze the leftovers for future meals. When you're ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
