Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast is a simple, beautiful, and flavorful dish. Better yet, it’s stuffed full of goat cheese and mozzarella too! This dinner can be made all in one pan, and it’s baked to juicy perfection.
What’s in Asparagus Stuffed Chicken?
Chicken breast is stuffed with stalks of asparagus, goat cheese, and mozzarella, then sear and baked to perfection. It’s so easy to make, so flavorful, and it looks impressive.
- Chicken Breasts: Large boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for stuffing.
- Salt + Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Adds an earthy flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet, and vegetal flavor.
- Goat Cheese: Tart, tangy, and creamy– the perfect cheese for stuffing!
- Asparagus: This earthy and slightly bitter vegetable is packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Mozzarella Cheese: This mild and creamy cheese helps seal in the asparagus. Opt for the fresh kind rather than block-style or shredded.
- Olive Oil: Helps the chicken sear without burning.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a touch of tartness and acidity to balance the creaminess of the cheese.
Pro Tip: Fold up the mozzarella if it’s a larger piece. You don’t want it to touch the skillet while searing the chicken.
Variations on Chicken Stuffed with Asparagus
You can season the chicken with just about anything you like– onion powder, Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence, basil, rosemary, coriander… the possibilities are endless!
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try subbing in ricotta, blue cheese, crumbled feta, or even Boursin. You could also swap out the asparagus for broccolini or chopped broccoli.
We’re stuffing this chicken with both goat cheese and mozzarella. It melts the best and the flavor is perfect with the asparagus.
To prep this asparagus stuffed chicken, you’ll need to butterfly the chicken breasts first. Using a sturdy, sharp knife, cut into the side. You’ll be cutting it in half lengthwise, leaving a hinge on one side. Don’t cut all the way through!
Nope! The asparagus will cook up perfectly along with the chicken, so no need to cool it before stuffing the chicken.
Toothpicks, and lots of ’em! Using toothpicks will help hold the chicken together so you can get in that extra bit of stuffing, but make sure not to overdo it. Too much stuffing can also cause the chicken to leak.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover asparagus stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe could be a light meal on its own. Chicken breast is stuffed with asparagus and lots of cheese, so you’ve already got some veggies baked right in!
I recommend serving it with some chicken flavored rice or quinoa if you want to add some grains, or a side of greens with a tasty dressing.
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 4 tablespoons goat cheese
- 16 spears asparagus firm ends cut off
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper to taste and then garlic powder and paprika.4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise. Be careful not to cut all the way through. You're just making a place to put the cheese and asparagus.
- Spread 1 tablespoon goat cheese into the inside of each chicken breast pocket.4 tablespoons goat cheese
- Top with 4 stalks asparagus (sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper), and then top with the mozzarella. You might need to fold the mozzarella to make sure not too much is sticking out (it will stick to the pan if so).16 spears asparagus, 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- Secure each chicken breast closed with 3 toothpicks, taking care that they're as flat as possible so that the chicken will sear fully.
- Heat a large (oven safe) skillet over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and coat the pan. Watch for it to start to glisten. Once glistening, stir in the balsamic vinegar.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Sear the chicken breasts 3-4 minutes per side, being careful to move them around in the oil so they don’t burn, stick. Flip carefully.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temp on the chicken reaches 165°F.
Notes
- Use a sharp pairing knife to cut a pocket in the chicken. Be sure not to cut all the way through.
- Don’t be shy with the cheese, but also don’t overstuff the cheese into the chicken breast pocket.
- Fold up the mozzarella if it’s a larger piece. You don’t want it to touch the skillet while searing the chicken.
- When seasoning the chicken, I usually use about one teaspoon of salt per pound of chicken.
- Use toothpicks to secure the stuffed chicken while cooking.
- To check the doneness of the chicken, use an instant-read meat thermometer. When it reaches 165°F degrees you’re good to plate up!
Sommer says
Everything you want in a meal! YUM!
Becky Hardin says
So happy to hear that 🙂
Barb says
I love all your chicken recipes
Becky Hardin says
Thank you! Let me know which is your favorite!
Kim Dupree says
I made this last night and it was delicious I did do a tiny change in goat cheese I used garlic herb goat cheese it was awesome so thank you for this recipe it is now going to be a go to now for chicken breast!
Becky Hardin says
Omg yum!! That sounds so good!
Kim Dupree says
This is a fantastic meal I made this served it with long grain wild rice such a delicious meal to be so easy! I always make enough for leftovers too This is husband approved he loves it as much as I do
Becky Hardin says
Yum that sounds delicious!! I’m glad you love it so much!
Nancy Jester says
This was so good.
Becky Hardin says
Thank you, Nancy!
John W Kershaw says
Used havati and cream cheese and chive came out great my wife loved it
Becky Hardin says
love those ideas!
Sena says
Easy to make and delicious!! Loved it!!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Sena!
Deb says
Excellent recipe! I had to increase the cooking time another 15 minutes, but they were well worth the wait!! Easy to make, and the cheese combo is delicious!!!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for stopping by, Deb!
ctina says
So easy and absolutely delicious! My goat cheese had cherries in it – tasty! Next time I’ll create a sauce with a fruit jam mixed with balsamic.
Becky Hardin says
Love the addition!
Laura Carr says
This is sooo good! I’m making it for the second time!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Laura!