Asparagus and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests. The combination of tender chicken breasts, crisp asparagus, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make this mouthwatering dish step-by-step.
Ingredients for Asparagus and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Asparagus and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place a slice of mozzarella cheese and a few asparagus spears inside each chicken breast pocket.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, and paprika to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are lean, protein-rich cuts of meat that are perfect for stuffing. They cook relatively quickly and are a blank canvas for a variety of flavors.
- Asparagus: Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that adds a fresh, crisp texture to the dish. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully. It adds a gooey texture and a mild, cheesy flavor to the dish.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for cooking the chicken and adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the sauce. It is a staple ingredient in many savory dishes.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce and helps to keep the chicken breasts moist during cooking.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. It helps to thicken the sauce and create a luscious texture.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the sauce. It helps to balance out the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Thyme: Thyme adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the dish. It pairs well with chicken and helps to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Paprika: Paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor and a pop of color to the dish. It is used sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
This Asparagus and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to make, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Enjoy!
