If you’re looking for a dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare, look no further than the delightful Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast. This recipe combines tender chicken, crisp asparagus, savory prosciutto, and creamy cheese for a meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Fusion: The salty prosciutto and creamy cheese bring the perfect balance to the tender chicken and fresh asparagus.
- Simple Elegance: This dish looks like it took hours in the kitchen but is incredibly straightforward to prepare.
- Versatility: Pair it with a wide range of sides to cater to your mood or dietary preferences.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein and vitamins, it’s a wholesome meal without compromise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to crafting this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast, simplicity is key. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in flavor, texture, or color, elevating the dish to gourmet levels with minimal effort.
- Asparagus (1 pound): Fresh and green, it adds both a crunch and a pop of color.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): This brings richness and helps in creating a golden crust.
- Kosher Salt (1 ¼ teaspoon) & Black Pepper (¾ teaspoon): To season every layer of the dish perfectly.
- Dried Italian Seasoning (½ teaspoon) & Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): A burst of flavor that complements the chicken.
- Prosciutto (2 ounces): Salt-cured perfection wrapping each asparagus bundle.
- Provolone Cheese (4 slices): Melts beautifully, providing a creamy layer inside.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (4 pieces): A lean source of protein that cradles our stuffing wonderfully.
Variations
Flexibility in cooking is a treat for the adventurous chef! This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast can be easily adjusted to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing its scrumptious appeal.
- Cheese Choice: Swap out provolone for mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Meat-Free Option: Omit the prosciutto and use sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian delight.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix for a hint of heat.
How to Make Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat to 375ºF (191ºC). This ensures even cooking and a succulent texture as it allows enough space for the heat to circulate.
Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus
Wash and dry the asparagus, trimming the fibrous ends. Coat the spears evenly with olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to infuse maximum flavor.
Step 3: Wrap the Asparagus
Divide the asparagus into bundles and wrap each with a slice of prosciutto and provolone. This step ensures every bite carries the taste of savory prosciutto and creamy cheese.
Step 4: Prepare the Chicken
Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them lengthwise, leaving a portion intact, creating a pocket ready for stuffing.
Step 5: Stuff the Chicken
Carefully insert an asparagus bundle into each chicken breast and secure it with toothpicks. Ensuring a snug fit keeps the flavors where they should be—inside!
Step 6: Sear and Bake
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken, presentation side down, then flip. Transfer to the oven and bake until perfection—an inviting golden color with tender juicy insides.
Pro Tips for Making Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Perfect Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165ºF to guarantee it’s cooked through but still juicy.
- Quick Prep: Assemble the asparagus bundles ahead of time to make the cooking process seamless.
- Ingredient Selection: Choose fresh asparagus with vibrant green color and closed tips for the best texture.
- Make Ahead: Stuff and season the chicken the night before for a deeper marinade and flavor infusion.
How to Serve Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few lemon wedges can beautifully complement the rich flavors of the dish, offering a fresh and zesty contrast.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some garlic mashed potatoes to soak up all those delightful juices. Roasted vegetables also add a wonderful array of colors to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken across the fullness to showcase the beautiful asparagus and melty cheese layers within. Consider serving it on a rustic wooden board for a charming dinner-party feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they can safely last up to five days. Perfect for meal prep!
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed, uncooked chicken for up to two months. Simply wrap it securely in plastic and then foil before storing.
Reheating
Reheat your Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast covered in the microwave on high in 30-second increments, ensuring it’s hot all the way through but still moist.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus, but it’s best to thaw it completely and pat it dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dish.
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What if I don’t have prosciutto?
If prosciutto is unavailable, try using pancetta or even thinly sliced ham for a similar savory effect.
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How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through?
A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should read 165ºF (74ºC) to ensure it’s properly cooked.
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Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?
Searing is optional but recommended to develop a flavorful crust that adds depth to the overall taste.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast a whirl in your kitchen. It’s a delightful way to enjoy classic flavors in a supremely satisfying meal. Happy cooking!
PrintAsparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb,Low Fat
Description
This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with flavorful asparagus bundles wrapped in prosciutto and provolone cheese, then baked to perfection. It’s a delightful and elegant dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Asparagus
- 1 pound (454 g) asparagus, about 20 spears
Seasonings & Oil
- 3 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, divided
- 1 1/4 teaspoon (8 g) kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Wraps & Cheese
- 2 ounces prosciutto, 4 slices
- 4 slices provolone cheese, or mozzarella, room temperature
Chicken
- 4 (1.4 kg) boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds total
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 375ºF (191ºC).
- Prepare the Asparagus: Wash and thoroughly dry the asparagus. Trim off the tough fibrous ends, leaving about 7 inches of spear. Toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Wrap the Asparagus: Divide the seasoned asparagus into 4 bundles, about 5 spears each. Tightly wrap a slice of prosciutto and a slice of provolone around each bundle center. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast lengthwise, cutting almost through but leaving a ½-inch hinge so it opens like a book. Repeat with all breasts.
- Season the Chicken: Mix 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly.
- Stuff the Chicken: Place one asparagus bundle inside each butterflied chicken. Close the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sear the chicken presentation-side down for about 5 minutes until golden brown; flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160-165ºF (71-74ºC) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Rest the cooked chicken for 5 minutes, then remove toothpicks and serve hot. Garnish as desired.
Notes
- Storing: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Make Ahead: Prepare stuffed chicken and refrigerate for up to 2 days before cooking.
- Baking-Only Option: Bake the stuffed chicken on a greased, foil-lined sheet pan at 425ºF (218ºC) for 20-25 minutes for a quicker method.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with asparagus
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1092 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg