# Chicken Stuffed with Asparagus: A Healthy and Flavorful Delight
Chicken stuffed with asparagus is a delicious and elegant dish that combines tender chicken breasts with the vibrant flavors of fresh asparagus. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packs a nutritious punch, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The juicy chicken paired with crisp asparagus and a creamy filling creates a delightful meal that is sure to impress your family and guests.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– **Healthy and Nutritious**: Packed with protein and vitamins, this dish is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet.
– **Easy to Prepare**: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe can be on your table in under 30 minutes.
– **Impressive Presentation**: Stuffing chicken breasts makes for an attractive dish that looks gourmet without requiring advanced culinary skills.
– **Versatile**: You can customize the stuffing with different ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
## Ingredients
To make Chicken Stuffed with Asparagus, you will need the following ingredients:
### For the Chicken:
– **4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts**
– **1 cup fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces**
– **1/2 cup cream cheese**, softened
– **1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese**
– **2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese**
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **1 teaspoon Italian seasoning** (optional)
### For Garnish:
– **Fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)
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## Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Filling
1. **Cook the Asparagus**: In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil and blanch the asparagus pieces for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. **Mix the Filling**: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and blanched asparagus. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Mix until well combined.
### Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the Chicken Breasts**: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the thickest part, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
3. **Stuff the Chicken**: Spoon the asparagus and cheese mixture into each pocket of the chicken breasts, using toothpicks to secure them if necessary.
### Step 3: Cook the Chicken
1. **Sear the Chicken**: In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
2. **Bake in the Oven**: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
### Step 4: Serve
1. **Rest the Chicken**: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. **Garnish and Serve**: Slice the stuffed chicken breasts and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
## Tips for Perfect Stuffed Chicken
– **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Fresh asparagus and quality cheeses will enhance the flavor of your dish.
– **Adjust the Stuffing**: Feel free to add other ingredients to the stuffing, such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or herbs, to customize the flavor profile.
– **Ensure Even Cooking**: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked evenly and thoroughly without drying out.
– **Pair with Sides**: Consider pairing this dish with a light sauce or dressing, such as lemon butter or balsamic glaze, for added flavor.
## Conclusion
Chicken stuffed with asparagus is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the best of both worlds—tender, juicy chicken and fresh, vibrant asparagus. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
With its easy preparation and delicious results, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the savory, creamy goodness of chicken stuffed with asparagus—a meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table!
