Ah, asparagus—those delightful green spears that always seem to add a pop of elegance and freshness to any dish. Recently, while watching reruns of old cooking shows (you know, the ones with the charmingly outdated graphics), I stumbled upon an idea that made my taste buds leap. This recipe for asparagus stuffed chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a little symphony of flavors perfect for family dinners, where each bite sings with the harmony of savory chicken and tender asparagus.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with a mix of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Carefully slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create a pocket, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
- Roll three asparagus stalks and some sun-dried tomato pieces inside a slice of mozzarella cheese, and then stuff this into the pocket of the chicken breast. Secure the opening with toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts until they are golden brown, usually around 3-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 asparagus stalks, trimmed
- 1 ounce sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1108kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 132g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 380mg | Sodium: 1312mg | Potassium: 3200mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 3580IU | Vitamin C: 27.2mg | Calcium: 672mg | Iron: 9.2mg
FAQ
- How can I prevent my chicken from turning out chewy?
- To avoid chewy chicken, ensure you do not overcook it. Overcooked chicken tends to become tough and rubbery. For best results, you can start cooking your chicken at a lower temperature, around 325°F, to allow it to cook slowly and retain its moisture.
- How long should I bake chicken breasts in the oven?
- When baking chicken breasts in the oven, set the temperature to 375°F and cook for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. If you are grilling, cook each side for about 6 to 8 minutes over direct heat.
- Can I freeze the cooked stuffed chicken breast?
- Yes, you can freeze cooked stuffed chicken breasts for up to three months. When storing them in the refrigerator, they will last about four to five days.
- What is the best way to cut chicken breasts for stuffing?
- To create pockets for stuffing, lay the chicken breast flat with the thicker part facing up. Gently slice lengthwise from the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through, to form a pocket.
- Should chicken be cooked covered or uncovered in the oven?
- Cooking chicken covered helps it cook faster and retain moisture. Cover the chicken for the first 20 to 30 minutes, then uncover it for the final 10 to 15 minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.
Tips
- When cutting the chicken breast to create a pocket for stuffing, ensure you don’t slice all the way through. This helps keep the stuffing secure inside the chicken during cooking.
- Secure the stuffed chicken with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out. Using multiple toothpicks can provide a better seal and keep the ingredients intact.
- If asparagus isn’t to your taste, consider substituting it with other vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or zucchini to suit your preferences.
- For a richer flavor and attractive golden color, sear the chicken in a skillet before baking. However, if you prefer to skip searing, apply a light coating of cooking spray before placing the chicken in the oven.
Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet – If you don’t already have one, this is essential for searing the chicken to get a nice golden brown finish.
- Oven-safe baking dish – Needed for baking the chicken after searing.
- Toothpicks – These are used to secure the stuffed chicken breasts.
