Description
This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts seasoned with Italian spices, stuffed with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh asparagus. Searing in a skillet and finishing in the oven ensures a golden crust and juicy, flavorful meat perfect for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb.)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Stuffing
- 12 asparagus stalks (ends trimmed)
- 1 ounce sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Season the chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on a clean board and evenly sprinkle Italian seasoning mix, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and pepper on both sides for a flavorful base.
- Create pockets in chicken: Carefully slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create a pocket without cutting all the way through, allowing space for stuffing.
- Prepare the stuffing: Trim and wash the asparagus stalks. Place three asparagus spears and a few pieces of chopped sun-dried tomatoes on one slice of mozzarella cheese, then roll the cheese around the filling to hold it together.
- Stuff the chicken breasts: Insert the cheese roll with asparagus and tomatoes into the pocket of each chicken breast. Secure the opening with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side for 3-5 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake to finish: Transfer the skillet or move the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove toothpicks before serving and enjoy your delicious asparagus stuffed chicken breasts hot.
Notes
- Be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts when making pockets.
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken pockets to keep the stuffing inside while cooking.
- Searing the chicken before baking helps lock in juices and adds a beautiful crust.
- If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, any oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work for the baking step.
- Check the internal temperature of chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast, Stuffed Chicken, Italian Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Dinner, Baked Chicken Breast
