Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast is an elegant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with savory asparagus and gooey provolone cheese. This recipe not only delights the senses but also offers a nutritious option for dinner. The chicken is seasoned with zesty lemon zest, enhancing its natural flavors, and then stuffed with asparagus spears and provolone cheese before being seared to golden perfection and finished in the oven. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken breast that’s sure to impress your dinner guests or satisfy your family’s taste buds.
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Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 9 asparagus spears, ends trimmed
- 3 slices provolone cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a cutting board, cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise, leaving it intact on one side (butterfly cut). Season the inside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Place a slice of provolone cheese on each chicken breast half.
- Arrange three trimmed asparagus spears on top of the cheese.
- Fold the chicken breast over to enclose the filling, creating a pocket. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Season and Sear:
- Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Finish in the Oven:
- Once both sides are browned, cover the skillet with aluminum foil.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155°F (70°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove the foil and carefully remove any toothpicks from the chicken.
- Serve the stuffed chicken breasts hot, optionally garnished with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs.
- Enjoy!
- Serve this delicious Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast is a versatile dish that’s perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. With its simple yet elegant preparation, it offers a delightful twist on traditional chicken recipes. The combination of tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and melted provolone cheese makes each bite a delicious experience. Whether served alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, this dish promises to elevate your dinner table with its flavors and presentation. Enjoy the balanced flavors and textures of this recipe, and savor the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.