A Delicious, Nutritious Meal You’ll Love
Imagine slicing into a juicy, golden-brown chicken breast, only to reveal a warm, cheesy center with tender asparagus spears. The combination of melted mozzarella, aromatic herbs, and fresh asparagus creates a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying, Asparagus Stuffed Chicken is the perfect choice! It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s an easy one-pan dish that you can prepare in just 30 minutes.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this flavorful and wholesome recipe at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
✔️ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
✔️ Flavorful & Cheesy – A perfect balance of juicy chicken, melted cheese, and fresh asparagus.
✔️ Low Carb & Keto-Friendly – Great for those watching their carbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to prepare Asparagus Stuffed Chicken:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | ½ teaspoon |
| Oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Mozzarella cheese (or cheese of choice) | 4 slices |
| Asparagus (trimmed) | 12 stalks |
| Fresh lemon juice (optional) | For serving |
Necessary Kitchen Tools
To make this dish, you’ll need:
- Sharp knife – For slicing the chicken breasts.
- Cutting board – To prep the ingredients.
- Baking dish or oven-safe skillet – For even cooking.
- Toothpicks – To secure the stuffed chicken.
- Tongs – For flipping the chicken.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Asparagus Stuffed Chicken
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board.
- Slice a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
3. Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, and salt.
- Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts.
4. Stuff the Chicken
- Place 1 slice of mozzarella cheese inside each chicken pocket.
- Add 3 asparagus stalks to each.
- Close the chicken and secure with toothpicks.
5. Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the stuffed chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6. Bake to Perfection
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the toothpicks and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides!
Pro Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Chicken
✔️ Use thick chicken breasts – They hold the stuffing better.
✔️ Don’t overstuff – Too much filling can cause the chicken to split.
✔️ Secure with toothpicks – Prevents the cheese from melting out.
✔️ Let it rest – Allow the chicken to sit for 5 minutes before slicing.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these options:
| Ingredient | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella cheese | Provolone, cheddar, or feta |
| Asparagus | Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms |
| Olive oil | Butter or avocado oil |
Health Benefits of Asparagus Stuffed Chicken
✔️ High in protein – Supports muscle growth and repair.
✔️ Rich in vitamins – Asparagus provides vitamins A, C, and K.
✔️ Low in carbs – Perfect for a keto or low-carb diet.
✔️ Heart-healthy fats – Olive oil adds good fats to the meal.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Asparagus Stuffed Chicken
Pair your meal with these tasty sides:
🥗 Garlic Butter Green Beans – Adds extra greens and flavor.
🥔 Roasted Sweet Potatoes – A slightly sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
🥖 Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the juices.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Nutritional Information Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 |
| Protein | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fat | 18g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will be juicier but may take slightly longer to cook.
2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F (75°C).
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Stuff the chicken and store it in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking.
4. Can I cook this on the stovetop only?
Yes! Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes after searing.
5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s low in carbs and high in protein.
6. What other cheeses can I use?
Try cheddar, gouda, or Swiss for a different flavor.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Now that you know how to make Asparagus Stuffed Chicken, it’s time to get cooking! This dish is easy, nutritious, and perfect for any occasion.
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken: A Flavorful and Healthy Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This delicious and nutritious Asparagus Stuffed Chicken is packed with melted mozzarella, tender asparagus, and aromatic herbs. It’s a low-carb, protein-rich meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 12 asparagus stalks, trimmed
- Fresh lemon juice (optional), for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
- Prepare Chicken: Lay chicken breasts flat and slice a pocket into each without cutting all the way through.
- Season Chicken: Mix garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, and salt. Rub seasoning all over the chicken breasts.
- Stuff Chicken: Place a slice of mozzarella cheese inside each chicken pocket. Add 3 asparagus stalks to each. Secure with toothpicks.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove toothpicks and drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- Use thick chicken breasts to hold the stuffing better.
- Avoid overstuffing to prevent the chicken from splitting.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Secure stuffing with toothpicks to keep the cheese inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American