If you’re looking for a dish that’s both elegant and comforting, this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy blend of cheeses and fresh asparagus spears, making each bite a delightful burst of texture and flavor. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, offering a restaurant-quality meal that’s achievable in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe truly starts with some simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that luscious filling, juicy chicken, and vibrant color on your plate.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose uniform sizes for even cooking and easy stuffing.
- Asparagus spears: Fresh, trimmed spears add a bright, fresh crunch that complements the creamy cheese filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, comforting texture (goat cheese works for a tangy contrast).
- Cream cheese: Adds richness and helps bind the filling together smoothly.
- Dijon mustard (optional): Adds a subtle tang and depth to the cheese mixture.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the filling with a warm, savory note without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Brings out a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
- Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal touch to balance the creamy filling.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden crisp outside before baking.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top brings a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Make Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing a baking dish. This ensures your chicken doesn’t stick and bakes evenly to perfection.
Step 2: Create a Pocket for Stuffing
Take a sharp knife and carefully cut a horizontal slit through the thickest part of each chicken breast to form a pocket. Be careful not to slice all the way through—these little pouches will cradle the delicious filling, so keep the edges intact.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, optional Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until you have a creamy, well-blended mixture that will melt into ooey-gooey goodness inside the chicken.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Using a spoon or your fingers, carefully fill each chicken pocket with the cheese mixture. Then nestle 3 to 4 asparagus spears into the cheese, depending on the size of your breasts. If needed, use toothpicks to seal the pocket and keep the filling from escaping during cooking.
Step 5: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown, locking in juices and flavor.
Step 6: Bake Until Juicy and Done
Transfer your skillet directly to the oven or move the chicken to your prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). This step ensures your chicken is fully cooked, tender, and juicy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the toothpicks to avoid any surprises and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top if you like a pop of color and brightness. Now your Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is ready for plating and enjoying!
How to Serve Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley can brighten the dish’s presentation while adding a hint of fresh herbal flavor. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of lemon juice or a dusting of finely grated Parmesan can elevate the overall taste and make your meal look absolutely gourmet.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. The vibrant asparagus inside the chicken offers a delightful contrast, so think colorful sides to round out the plate visually and nutritionally.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, slice the stuffed chicken breasts on a slight angle to reveal the beautiful asparagus and melted cheese inside. Serve on a platter with extra asparagus tips steamed on the side or sprinkle your plate with toasted nuts for added crunch and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making for a quick and tasty next-day dinner or lunch.
Freezing
If you’d like to make this recipe in advance, wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a preheated 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the creamy filling’s texture and keeps the chicken juicy without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
Fresh asparagus is best for this recipe because it holds its texture during cooking, but if you only have frozen, be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid watery filling.
What cheese works best in the stuffing?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and keeps the filling creamy, but goat cheese adds a tangy twist if you want to mix things up flavor-wise.
How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer—165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) is the golden number for perfectly cooked chicken breasts.
Can I prepare this recipe without searing the chicken first?
While searing locks in flavor and creates a nice crust, you can skip it if short on time. Just bake the stuffed chicken longer, but be mindful to avoid drying out the meat.
Is the Dijon mustard necessary in the filling?
It’s optional but highly recommended. Dijon adds a subtle depth and slight tang that balances the creamy cheese and bright asparagus beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with a stunning and delicious meal every time. It’s approachable yet special, with fresh ingredients and comforting flavors that make for an unforgettable dinner. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes to impress family and friends alike.
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Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy blend of cheese and fresh asparagus, seared to perfection and oven-baked for a flavorful, elegant meal that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
Chicken and Stuffing
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12–16 asparagus spears, trimmed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or goat cheese for a tangy twist)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast without cutting all the way through, creating a pouch for the stuffing to go inside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, optional Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Stuff Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the cheese mixture followed by placing 3-4 trimmed asparagus spears inside. Secure with toothpicks to keep the stuffing intact during cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, locking in juices and flavor.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven or move chicken to a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks carefully. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, substitute mozzarella with goat cheese.
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts to hold the stuffing securely.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices.
- To speed up cooking, you can butterfly the chicken thinner but reduce baking time accordingly.
- Ensure asparagus spears are trimmed properly to fit inside the chicken pockets.
