This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious combination of tender chicken, melted mozzarella, and vibrant asparagus, perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection. Enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of umami and a golden crust for added texture, it’s an impressive meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a wholesome and satisfying dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and nutrient-rich sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Impressive Yet Simple: With just a few steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your kitchen.
Versatile Pairings: It goes beautifully with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad, making it adaptable for any occasion.
Juicy and Flavorful: The searing locks in the juices, while the baking ensures perfectly cooked chicken with gooey, cheesy goodness.
Key Ingredients
Chicken Breasts: The foundation of the dish, chicken breasts provide a lean yet filling base for the flavorful stuffing.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a creamy, gooey layer that perfectly complements the savory filling.
Asparagus: Adds a fresh, crisp bite that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese and chicken.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and slightly sweet, these tomatoes add a burst of bold flavor to the stuffing.
Italian Seasoning Mix: A blend of herbs that enhances the chicken’s flavor profile with minimal effort.
Garlic Powder and Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and a subtle smokiness to the chicken, making every bite irresistible.
Olive Oil: Used for searing, it helps create a golden, flavorful crust on the chicken breasts.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to finish cooking the chicken after searing.
Season the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts flat on a clean cutting board.
Evenly sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with:
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
Sea salt
Ground black pepper
Create Pockets
Slice the Chicken
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being cautious not to slice all the way through. The goal is to create a deep pocket for the filling.
Stuff the Chicken
Prepare the Filling:
Lay out slices of mozzarella cheese.
Place 3 asparagus stalks and a few pieces of chopped sun-dried tomatoes onto each slice of mozzarella.
Roll up the mozzarella with the asparagus and tomatoes to form a compact bundle.
Stuff the Chicken:
Place one mozzarella bundle into the pocket of each chicken breast.
Use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breasts, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
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Sear the Chicken
Heat the Skillet
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Sear the Chicken
Carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet.
Sear for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds a flavorful crust.
Bake the Chicken
Transfer to Oven
Move the skillet with the chicken breasts to the preheated oven.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken.
Serve
Remove Toothpicks
Carefully take out the toothpicks from the stuffed chicken breasts before serving.
Presentation
Serve the chicken hot, garnished with additional chopped herbs if desired. Pair it with:
Rice
Pasta
Fresh green salad
Enjoy your flavorful, stuffed chicken masterpiece!
Serving Suggestions
Classic Sides: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery risotto for a comforting meal.
Light and Fresh: Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or lemony quinoa for a lighter option.
Pasta Lover’s Dream: Enjoy alongside garlic butter spaghetti or fettuccine Alfredo for an indulgent pairing.
Low-Carb Option: For a keto-friendly meal, pair with cauliflower rice or a simple sautéed spinach side.
Storage Tips
Refrigerating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for quicker reheating.
Freezing
Freeze stuffed chicken breasts before cooking for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then cook as directed. If freezing after cooking, allow the chicken to cool completely, wrap tightly, and reheat in the oven to retain its texture.
Variations
Cheese Swap: Replace mozzarella with provolone, goat cheese, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
Herb Explosion: Add fresh basil, thyme, or parsley to the stuffing for an herby twist.
Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with a slice of bacon before searing and baking for an extra indulgent touch.
Mediterranean-Inspired: Add a sprinkle of feta cheese and black olives to the filling for a Mediterranean vibe.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat lovers.
Conclusion
This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a true gem of a recipe—packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. With its cheesy center, tender chicken, and vibrant asparagus, it’s a dish that tastes as amazing as it looks.
Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a little culinary luxury, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it up with your favorite sides, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy every flavorful bite.
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts about 1 1/2 lb.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- sea salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- 12 asparagus stalks ends trimmed
- 1 oz sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready to finish cooking the chicken after searing.
- Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board and evenly sprinkle both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and ground black pepper.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without slicing all the way through. This creates space for the filling.
- Lay out slices of mozzarella cheese. Place 3 asparagus stalks and some chopped sun-dried tomatoes on each slice. Roll the mozzarella around the asparagus and tomatoes to form a compact bundle.
- Stuff each mozzarella bundle into the pocket of a chicken breast. Secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling in place during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove toothpicks before serving. Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped herbs if desired. Pair with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.