If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both elegant and easy to prepare, then this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is the recipe you need in your life. Picture this: perfectly cooked chicken breasts, tender and juicy on the outside, with a delightful surprise on the inside—a flavorful stuffing of fresh asparagus, creamy cheese, and a hint of garlic. Every bite is a delicious blend of savory, rich, and slightly crispy, with just the right amount of fresh, green crunch from the asparagus. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one over and over again!
Not only does this dish make for an impressive dinner, but it’s also surprisingly simple to prepare, making it the perfect option for a weeknight meal, a special occasion, or even a cozy date night. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this dish will make you feel like a culinary pro. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
Here’s why Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast will become a regular in your dinner rotation:
Deliciously Juicy Chicken
The chicken breasts come out perfectly juicy, tender, and seasoned just right. You’ll love how each bite is bursting with flavor.
Flavorful Stuffing
The filling combines the crispness of fresh asparagus with creamy cheese and a garlic kick, making each bite of this chicken absolutely mouthwatering. It’s a perfect balance of fresh and indulgent!
Simple to Make
With just a few ingredients, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. If you can stuff a chicken breast, you can make this dish—and the results are stunning!
Healthy and Nutritious
Asparagus is not only a delicious veggie, but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish a wholesome choice for dinner. Paired with lean chicken, it’s a well-rounded, healthy meal.
Elegant Enough for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving this for a casual family meal or presenting it at a dinner party, this dish will impress everyone at the table. The combination of juicy chicken and flavorful stuffing looks and tastes fancy without requiring any fuss.
Ingredients
You don’t need anything complicated for this recipe—just a handful of ingredients to create something absolutely delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for this dish. They cook up tender and juicy and are easy to stuff.
Asparagus
Fresh asparagus adds a delicious crunch and earthy flavor to the stuffing. Make sure to trim the ends before using them!
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese helps to bind the stuffing together and gives it a rich, creamy texture. You can also use goat cheese or ricotta for a twist.
Parmesan Cheese
For a little nutty, savory kick, parmesan is added to the stuffing. It melts beautifully and complements the asparagus perfectly.
Garlic
Garlic adds a nice punch of flavor to the stuffing, giving the chicken a bold and savory depth.
Lemon Zest
A little lemon zest adds brightness and a subtle tang to balance out the richness of the cheese.
Herbs (Thyme or Parsley)
Fresh thyme or parsley works wonderfully in this dish, adding a fresh and aromatic touch.
Olive Oil
For searing the chicken, olive oil adds a little richness and ensures a golden, crispy finish.
Salt and Pepper
For seasoning, simple salt and pepper are all you need to make the chicken and stuffing shine.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe comes together in a few simple steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken will cook through while staying nice and juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus Stuffing
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Then, add in the asparagus pieces (make sure they’re cut into small, bite-sized pieces) and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Mix until the asparagus is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a nice little “pocket” where the stuffing can go.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the asparagus mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, packing it in as much as you can. Use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken so that the filling stays inside while it cooks. If you have extra stuffing, you can also stuff the chicken on both sides or just use it as a side dish.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 3–4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. This gives the chicken a crispy, flavorful crust.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish before baking.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken nice and moist.
Serve the Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breasts with your favorite sides—whether that’s roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. The stuffed chicken is the star of the show, but the sides help round out the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
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Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
While this dish is already flavorful and filling on its own, here are a few side dishes and accompaniments that would make it even more enjoyable:
Roasted Vegetables
Roast up some carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken.
Mashed Potatoes
A creamy serving of mashed potatoes complements the richness of the stuffed chicken. Add some garlic or cheese to the mash for an extra indulgent side dish.
Simple Green Salad
A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette can add a light and refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the chicken.
Rice or Quinoa
Serve the chicken with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up any of the delicious juices. A lemon-herb rice would work especially well here!
Additional Tips
Use Bone-In Chicken
For extra flavor and moisture, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly—bone-in breasts usually take a little longer to cook.
Make It Low-Carb
To make this dish even lower in carbs, skip the cheese filling and just stuff the chicken with asparagus, herbs, and a bit of olive oil. It’s still incredibly flavorful and healthy!
Prep Ahead
You can prepare the chicken breasts ahead of time by stuffing them and searing them. Then, refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if they’re chilled.
Experiment with Different Fillings
While asparagus is delicious, you can easily switch it up. Try spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted mushrooms for different variations on this stuffed chicken recipe.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this with boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be a bit juicier and have more flavor, so it’s a wonderful option.
Q2: Can I freeze these stuffed chicken breasts?
A2: Yes! You can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before cooking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.
Q3: Can I use a different vegetable for the stuffing?
A3: Yes, you can. Spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted bell peppers would work beautifully as a stuffing for chicken.
Q4: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A4: You can swap the cream cheese and parmesan with dairy-free versions or simply use a bit of olive oil and herbs for a lighter stuffing. The chicken will still be juicy and flavorful!
Q5: What should I serve with the stuffed chicken?
A5: This stuffed chicken is perfect with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes. You can’t go wrong with anything that complements its savory flavor.
With this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe, you get a delightful combination of juicy chicken, fresh asparagus, and a creamy, flavorful stuffing. It’s elegant, easy, and totally satisfying—perfect for any dinner occasion. Enjoy!
PrintAsparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a deliciously healthy, flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Chicken breasts are filled with tender asparagus, cheese, and herbs, then baked to perfection for a juicy, flavorful meal. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12–16 asparagus spears, trimmed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or goat cheese for a tangy twist)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the middle without cutting all the way through. Be sure to leave the edges intact to form a pouch for the stuffing.
- Make the stuffing: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Stuff the chicken: Gently stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture, then add 3-4 asparagus spears into the pocket, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Secure the chicken with toothpicks if needed to hold the stuffing in place.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet (or chicken to a baking dish) to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Cheese options: You can use any cheese you prefer. Goat cheese or feta work wonderfully in this dish if you’re looking for a tangy flavor.
- Low-Carb: This dish is naturally low-carb, making it perfect for a keto or paleo diet. Serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Make-ahead: You can prep the chicken breasts ahead of time, stuff them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g8
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg