Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 bunch of asparagus, tough ends trimmed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Toothpicks, for securing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F
  2. Lightly oil a baking dish with olive oil.
  3. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally along the side, but not all the way through, to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut through the other side.
  4. Season the inside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  5. Fill each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella cheese, then top with a few asparagus spears.
  6. Carefully fold the chicken breast over the filling and secure with toothpicks to hold it closed.
  7. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  8. Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Try lightly steaming the asparagus before stuffing the breasts for tender asparagus.
  • Make a sauce – Olive oil, butter, four, chicken broth, cream, garlic and some minced asparagus basil and oregano. Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with spaghetti, thin linguine, fried eggplant, zucchini fritters, salad…