Chicken stuffed with asparagus

Introduction

Impress your dinner guests or treat your family to a delightful meal with Chicken Stuffed with Asparagus! This dish features juicy chicken breasts filled with tender asparagus and creamy cheese, creating a flavorful combination that’s both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is simple to prepare yet looks and tastes gourmet. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Filling: The combination of asparagus and cheese adds a delicious twist to classic stuffed chicken.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and vegetables, this dish is both wholesome and satisfying.
Elegant Presentation: Stuffed chicken looks beautiful on the plate, making it perfect for entertaining.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can have a gourmet meal ready in no time.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the filling for an extra flavor boost.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your choice of cheese)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or your favorite herbs)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Sauté the asparagus: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and asparagus pieces, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the sautéed asparagus, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Butterfly the chicken: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, but do not cut all the way through.
Stuff the chicken: Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the asparagus and cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Sear the chicken: In the same skillet (or a clean one), heat a little more olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Bake: Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and place in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Serve

Garnish and enjoy: Remove the toothpicks from the chicken (if used) and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm, and enjoy this delicious stuffed chicken with your favorite sides!

Conclusion

This Chicken Stuffed with Asparagus is a delightful dish that combines flavors and textures in a beautiful way. Easy to prepare yet elegant enough for any occasion, it’s sure to impress everyone at your table. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor every delicious bite of this gourmet meal! 🍗✨