Description
A light and elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with fresh asparagus, melted mozzarella, and flavorful herbs, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, butterflied
Stuffing
- 12 asparagus spears, trimmed
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
Seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken breasts evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the stuffing.
- Stuff Chicken: Place 3 trimmed asparagus spears inside each chicken breast along with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the stuffing intact during cooking.
- Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the outside of each stuffed chicken breast for enhanced flavor.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese melts beautifully.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks carefully, let rest briefly, then serve the stuffed chicken breasts warm for an elegant entree.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly butterflied to allow for easy stuffing and even cooking.
- Use fresh, firm asparagus for the best texture after baking.
- To prevent drying, you can lightly brush the chicken with olive oil before seasoning.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the stuffing for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
