Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 12-16 asparagus spears (3-4 per chicken breast), trimmed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
   • Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.
   • Season the inside of the chicken breasts with a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:
   • Place 3-4 asparagus spears and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese inside each chicken breast pocket.
   • Close the chicken breasts around the filling, using toothpicks to secure if necessary.
4. Season the Chicken Breasts:
   • In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
   • Rub this seasoning mix evenly over the outside of each stuffed chicken breast.
5. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
6. Bake the Chicken:
   • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Prepare the Sauce:
   • While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
   • Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
   • Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve:
   • Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
   • Drizzle the Parmesan cream sauce over the stuffed chicken breasts.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips:

• To make the dish even more flavorful, you can add a slice of ham or prosciutto along with the asparagus and cheese inside the chicken breasts.
• For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in the sauce.
• Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast!