Hey there, friends!
Craving a delicious dinner that’s both easy and satisfying? I’ve got you covered!
Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for chicken breast with asparagus and cheese.
It’s a total winner—tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and melty cheese all in one dish.
Perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests!
Let’s dive into this tasty goodness!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each, pounded thin)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked paprika can add a nice depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
For the stuffing:
- 12 asparagus stalks (trimmed, woody ends removed)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (provolone can also be used)
For serving:
- fresh lemon juice
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure it’s ready for finishing the chicken.
On a cutting board, place the chicken breasts and cut ¾ way through each breast to form pockets.
Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Season the chicken generously with garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Stuff and Secure the Chicken
Stuff each chicken breast pocket with mozzarella slices and a few stalks of asparagus.
Once stuffed, secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling in place during cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts to the pan.
Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is seared and lightly browned.
This step helps to lock in the flavors and start the cooking process.
Step 4: Finish in the Oven
After the chicken is seared, transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
This ensures that the chicken is safe to eat and thoroughly cooked.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the toothpicks from the cooked chicken breasts.
Drizzle with fresh lemon juice to add a burst of flavor.
Serve immediately while hot.
Enjoy your deliciously stuffed and perfectly cooked chicken breasts!
