Asparagus and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts – A Flavorful One-Pan Recipe

Introduction
Take your dinner to the next level with these Asparagus and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts! This recipe features juicy chicken filled with tender asparagus, melty cheese, and savory sun-dried tomatoes. Cooked in a simple garlic butter sauce, this one-pan dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Breasts:

• 3 large chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 6-9 asparagus spears – trimmed
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes – chopped (optional)

For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic – minced
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting a slit along the side without slicing through completely. Open the breast like a book.
3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Add the Filling

1. Place 2-3 asparagus spears, a generous handful of shredded cheese, and a few pieces of sun-dried tomatoes into each chicken breast.
2. Close the chicken and secure with toothpicks to keep the filling intact.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Let it melt.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

1. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over them.
2. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove toothpicks from the chicken breasts and drizzle with the sauce.
2. Serve hot with sides like roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Success

• Use Large Chicken Breasts: They’re easier to stuff and hold the filling better.
• Secure the Filling: Toothpicks are a must to keep the filling in place while cooking.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Customize the Filling: Try swapping asparagus for spinach or adding crumbled feta for extra flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Asparagus and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is bursting with flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and tender asparagus makes it a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. Plus, the one-pan preparation means minimal cleanup!

Conclusion
Bring something special to the dinner table with these Asparagus and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Perfectly seasoned, stuffed with delicious ingredients, and cooked to perfection, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it today, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!