Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

 

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Welcome to a culinary delight that combines elegance and comfort: Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast. This recipe features tender chicken breasts stuffed with fresh asparagus and a savory cheese mixture, then baked to perfection. It’s an ideal dish for a special dinner or a sophisticated weeknight meal. Let’s dive into this flavorful and impressive recipe!

Ingredients

For the Stuffing:

• 12-15 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Asparagus:
   • Blanch the Asparagus: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed asparagus spears and blanch for about 2 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Prepare the Stuffing:
   • Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
   • Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
   • Assemble the Filling: Spread a portion of the cheese mixture evenly over one side of each chicken breast.
   • Add Asparagus: Place 3-4 blanched asparagus spears on top of the cheese mixture.
   • Roll and Secure: Carefully roll up each chicken breast around the stuffing, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed. Repeat for the remaining chicken breasts.
5. Bake the Chicken:
   • Prepare the Baking Dish: Place the stuffed chicken breasts seam-side down in a baking dish.
   • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
   • Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks and slicing.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
   • Serve: Serve the asparagus stuffed chicken breasts with your favorite side dishes. They pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Tips for Perfection

• Chicken Thickness: Ensuring an even thickness of the chicken breasts will help them cook uniformly and make them easier to stuff.
• Stuffing Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the stuffing.
• Toothpick Trick: If you have trouble keeping the chicken rolled, use kitchen twine instead of toothpicks for a more secure hold.

Conclusion

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a sophisticated and delicious dish that combines tender chicken with fresh asparagus and a creamy cheese filling. It’s perfect for a special dinner or a refined weeknight meal. With its elegant presentation and flavorful filling, this recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy this delightful dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious!