Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Description

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a juicy, flavorful dinner idea that combines tender chicken breasts with fresh asparagus, melty cheese, and a burst of garlic-herb seasoning. Perfectly pan-seared and baked, it’s a healthy yet indulgent dish that’s low-carb, keto-friendly, and full of color and texture.

Ingredients for Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

• 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 12 fresh asparagus spears (trimmed)

• 4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese (or ½ cup shredded)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

• Toothpicks (to secure)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.

2. Stuff the chicken:

   • Place 3 asparagus spears and 1 slice of cheese inside each chicken breast.

   • Secure the opening with toothpicks.

3. Season:

   • Mix garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

   • Rub this mixture evenly on both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts.

4. Sear:

   • Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

5. Bake:

   • Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve:

   • Remove toothpicks, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve warm.

Notes

• You can use Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.

• Substitute asparagus with green beans or bell pepper strips if desired.

• Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.

Tips

• Don’t overstuff—too much filling can cause the chicken to burst open during cooking.

• For extra flavor, marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before stuffing.

• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear in a pan then transfer to a baking dish.

Servings

4 servings — Each serving = 1 stuffed chicken breast.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Protein: 39g

• Carbohydrates: 3g

• Fat: 16g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Sodium: 430mg

Benefits

• High in protein to support muscle repair and satiety.

• Low-carb and keto-friendly for those on carb-conscious diets.

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K from asparagus.

• Calcium boost from cheese for bone health.

Q & A

Q1: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff and season the chicken ahead of time, store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then cook when ready.

Q2: Can I grill instead of baking?
Yes, sear first, then grill over indirect heat until cooked through.

Q3: What sides go well with this dish?
Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Q5: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and let it rest before slicing to retain juices.