Stuffed Chicken Breast with Asparagus: A Delicious Springtime Delight
As spring emerges, there’s a certain vegetable that takes the culinary world by storm – asparagus! Its earthy, fresh flavor paired with juicy chicken and creamy mozzarella is a trio made in heaven. In this recipe, we’ll be taking a deep dive into creating a dish that’s not only pleasing to the eye but also utterly delicious:
Chicken Breast Stuffed with Asparagus.
Quick Facts:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 large free-range organic chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 asparagus stalks, trimmed
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
Ready the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF.
Prepare the Chicken: Carefully cut each chicken breast in half, lengthwise. This will allow you to create a pocket in each piece. Be cautious not to cut all the way through.
Seasoning the Pockets: Lay the chicken breasts flat on your work surface. Season the inside generously with lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Stuff Away: Place a slice of mozzarella cheese and neatly tuck 3 asparagus stalks inside each chicken breast. Fold the chicken over to encase this delicious filling.
Spice it Up: In a small mixing bowl, blend together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Season the outer side of the chicken breasts with this aromatic spice mix.
Golden Sear: Heat up a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high flame. Pour in the olive oil. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 3-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet with the chicken into the preheated oven. Let it bake for approximately 20 minutes. The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165ºF when done. This ensures that it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs beautifully with a light lemon butter pasta or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion:
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked chicken breast that’s filled with the flavors of spring. With every bite, you’re greeted by the creamy mozzarella, crunchy asparagus, and the well-seasoned chicken. It’s a dish that promises a burst of flavors and is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
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