Are you ready to transform an ordinary chicken dinner into a gourmet masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds? This Chicken Stuffed with Asparagus and Cheese recipe is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Imagine tender chicken breasts oozing with creamy cheese and tender asparagus, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
- Wash and trim the asparagus, cutting into small 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut completely through.
- Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the cheese mixture and asparagus pieces, ensuring even distribution.
- Secure the chicken breast openings with toothpicks to prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.
- Brush the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Ensure your chicken breasts are evenly sized for consistent cooking
- Use a sharp knife when creating the pocket to avoid tearing the chicken
- Don't overstuff the chicken to prevent filling from leaking during baking
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the cheese mixture
- If asparagus pieces are too long, chop them into smaller, more manageable sizes
- Pat chicken dry before stuffing to help the seasoning adhere better
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 55g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 160mg
