Asparagus Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

It’s funny how a simple dinner idea can turn into an impressive dish like asparagus mozzarella stuffed chicken breasts. This recipe is not only quick to make, but it also combines fresh ingredients that create a delightful flavor. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare, especially when you’re short on time. Stick around to discover the steps and tips for making this elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed chicken breasts are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to impress at dinner or simply enjoy a tasty meal.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s both versatile and convenient. With endless filling options, you can cater to different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring your meals never get boring. Plus, you can whip this dish up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Not only does it look appealing on the plate, but it also serves as a complete meal with minimal prep. The addition of asparagus and mozzarella enhances the flavor, while the nutritious ingredients support your health, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Overall, this recipe checks all the boxes for a satisfying dining experience.

History

Cooking has a long history of creativity, and stuffing meats has been a part of it for centuries. The earliest recorded stuffed poultry recipes appear in Apicius’ Roman cookbook, where chefs combined vegetables, nuts, and spices to enhance flavors and retain moisture. Stuffing is known to be an edible mixture composed of herbs and starch that fills cavities in poultry, seafood, and vegetables, showcasing its versatility throughout culinary history.

During the Middle Ages, stuffing became a symbol of lavish feasts, with the French culinary tradition of “farce” gaining popularity. Over time, stuffed dishes diversified across Europe, with regional ingredients influencing their evolution.

Recipe

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Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon ground paprika
– 16 spears asparagus, firm ends cut off
– 4 tablespoons goat cheese
– 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (or 375°F depending on your preferred cooking method). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
Take each chicken breast and cut it in half lengthwise to create a pocket. Make certain not to cut all the way through.
Then, butterfly each breast by slicing horizontally but also not all the way through.
Season the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Rub olive oil on both sides to help the spices adhere and add flavor.
Spread goat cheese generously inside each chicken breast pocket.
Place 4 spears of asparagus on top of the goat cheese, lightly sprinkling them with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Add a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese over the asparagus. If the cheese is too large, feel free to fold it to fit snugly into the pocket.
Carefully fold the chicken breasts to encase the filling.
If needed, secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the stuffing from spilling out during cooking.
Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Stuffed chicken breasts are often filled with cheese and vegetables for added flavor.
For a golden brown finish, you may spray the chicken lightly with oil and broil for the last 5 minutes.
Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
Once cooked, let the stuffed chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and spices for a few hours before preparation.

You can also experiment with other fillings such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or different types of cheese to personalize the dish to your taste.

Always verify the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Final Thoughts

When you prepare asparagus mozzarella stuffed chicken breasts, you’re not just creating a delicious meal; you’re also exploring a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. You can experiment with different fillings, such as various cheeses or vegetables, to keep things interesting. The butterfly technique is essential to create a pocket in the chicken, ensuring your filling stays intact while cooking. Consider your cooking method, whether you choose to bake or cook on the stovetop, as each offers unique textures and flavors. Don’t forget to let the chicken rest before serving; this helps keep it juicy. By balancing flavors and ingredients, you can enjoy a nutritious, satisfying meal that fits your dietary preferences. Additionally, this dish is not only tasty but also provides a good amount of calories and protein, making it a healthy option for your dinner table.

FAQ

Have questions about preparing asparagus mozzarella stuffed chicken breasts? First, butterfly the chicken by slicing it horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through.

Season the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. For the filling, mix goat cheese and mozzarella, or try different cheese combinations.

When stuffing, place the cheese and asparagus into the pocket and secure it with toothpicks if needed. It’s a great idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or 375°F (190°C). Sear the chicken in a skillet before baking it for about 30 minutes, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Let the chicken rest before serving, and enjoy your delicious meal!