Description
Succulent asparagus stuffed chicken breast combines tender poultry with crisp green vegetables in a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish. Herbs and cheese elevate this protein-packed meal that promises both nutrition and incredible flavor for home cooks seeking elegant dinner options.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 asparagus stalks (ends trimmed)
- 1 oz (28 g) sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and organize kitchen workspace with essential cooking tools.
- Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and ground black pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution.
- Pocket Creation: Carefully slice a subtle cavity along the side of each chicken breast without cutting completely through, creating a space for the filling.
- Filling Assembly: Construct mozzarella rolls by positioning asparagus stalks and sun-dried tomatoes within cheese slices, then delicately wrapping to form compact bundles.
- Stuffing and Searing: Nestle mozzarella bundles into chicken breast pockets, securing with toothpicks. Heat an oven-safe skillet with olive oil and sear chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown crust.
- Roasting: Transfer skillet directly to preheated oven, roasting for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finishing: Remove from oven, let chicken rest briefly, extract toothpicks, and plate. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs and serve alongside complementary side dishes like rice, pasta, or salad.
Notes
- Pocket Precision: Create a clean, shallow cut along the chicken breast’s side without slicing completely through, ensuring a perfect stuffing pocket.
- Cheese Rolling Technique: Lay cheese slices flat, place asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes in the center, then roll tightly to prevent filling from spilling during cooking.
- Searing Secret: Use medium-high heat and a brief 3-5 minute sear on each side to lock in moisture and develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Temperature Safety: Always check that chicken reaches the critical 165°F internal temperature to eliminate harmful bacteria and ensure juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg