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!