Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Juicy and tender chicken breast that is stuffed with asparagus, cheese and spices is the perfect low carb dinner recipe that is both easy and quick to make. This recipe will go great with some brown rice or cooked quinoa and a big green side salad.

You only need a few basic ingredients to make this delicious Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast and the recipe is ready in no time. You can enjoy this chicken recipe as it is or make your favorite side dishes to go with, like roasted vegetables, cooked grains or fresh salad. 

FAQ:

How do you secure stuffed chicken breast?

The best way to secure or seal the stuffed chicken breast is by using 2-3 toothpicks to attach the edges of the chicken together to seal them. This will ensure that the stuffing will stay in the chicken and it won’t fall out while cooking. 

How do you make sure the chicken is not chewy/overcooked?

If you overcook the chicken can get a little bit chewy and dry. Try not to overcook the chicken to prevent it from getting chewy. Start at a lower temperature so the chicken retains moisture and cooks slower.

How long should you cook the chicken breast for?

If you cook the chicken in the oven it should take 20-30 minutes at 425ºF. If you want to cook your chicken on the grill then 6 to 8 minutes on each side on direct heat should be good.

Can you freeze the stuffed cooked chicken breast?

Store the chicken breast in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. Alternatively store the leftover stuffed chicken breast in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.

How to cut the chicken breast for stuffing?

Cutting the chicken breast for stuffing is way easier than it sounds. Just lay the chicken breast flat on a cutting surface and lay your hand flat on it. With the other hand, start slicing each chicken breast lengthwise to create the pockets. Start from the thick part of the breast and be careful not to cut all the way through.

Does the chicken cook faster, covered or uncovered?

Chicken in the oven will cook much faster and will retain moisture much better, resulting in a juicier meat. If you cook the chicken breast uncovered the whole time, you risk drying out the chicken way before it’s cooked throughout.

You can uncover the chicken less than halfway through to prevent drying and overcooking, resulting in a nice brown and crispy outside. This stuffed chicken recipe cooks a bit differently because the chicken is sliced thinner and the stuffing gives additional moisture to the chicken. 

What to serve the stuffed chicken breast with?

Based on what you serve this asparagus stuffed chicken breast you can have a low carb dinner or a more complete meal. Some side dishes that will go great with the chicken are:

• Simple green side salad 
• Cauliflower rice
• Garlic mushrooms 
• Mashed potatoes
• Buttery cauliflower mash
• Cooked grains like brown rice or quinoa

Ingredients for the stuffed chicken breast

• Skinless boneless chicken breast, because you are stuffing the chicken is way better to use boneless
• Asparagus stalks, trim off the ends of the asparagus for best results
• Provolone cheese, you can swap the provolone cheese with mozzarella cheese or your favorite melty cheese
• Olive oil, just a little bit of extra virgin olive e oil is all you need
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Smoked paprika powder
• Garlic powder
• Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, give it a drizzle of lemon juice right before you serve it

How to make the stuffed chicken breast

Preheat the oven to 425ºF.

Season the chicken generously with the garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.

Create a pocket for the stuffing in the chicken by cutting each chicken breast lengthwise. Start with the top thick part of the chicken for best results.

Stuff the chicken with 3 sprigs of asparagus and the provolone cheese. Then roll the chicken to hold them inside. Close the pocket with a couple toothpicks.

Cook the stuffed chicken breast in a large skillet over medium high heat until nicely golden brown.

Finish cooking in the oven at 425ºF for 15 more minutes until it’s cooked through and there’s no more pink inside.

Take out the toothpicks and drizzle with some fresh lemon juice. Serve with your favorite side dish and enjoy this quick and delicious dinner chicken recipe.

Tips & Variations

1. You can cook the chicken breast in some lemon butter instead of olive oil for some extra buttery creaminess and lemon freshness.
2. Make sure you cover the chicken breast in the oven and then uncover halfway through for best results. 
3. Feel free to swap the provolone cheese with mozzarella. 
4. You can add some jarred sun dried tomatoes for extra flavor