Chicken Breast with Asparagus and Cheese
Tender chicken breasts are filled with mozzarella and fresh asparagus, seasoned with aromatic herbs and paprika, then pan-seared until golden before being finished in the oven. A final splash of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, clean finish.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 6 ounces each, pounded to an even thinness
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin or regular olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika; smoked paprika may be substituted for a deeper flavor
For the Stuffing
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese; provolone may be used instead
- 12 asparagus spears trimmed with the tough woody portions discarded
For Serving
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice as needed
Instructions
- Set the oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully slice approximately three-quarters of the way through the side of each piece to create a pocket. Do not cut completely through the meat.
- Season the prepared chicken with the garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and salt, distributing the seasonings evenly over the breasts.
- Place a slice of mozzarella cheese and several trimmed asparagus spears inside each chicken pocket.
- Close the openings as much as possible and fasten them with toothpicks so the cheese and asparagus remain contained while the chicken cooks.
- Warm the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side, allowing the exterior to develop a lightly browned, golden surface.
- After both sides have been seared, place the skillet directly into the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked and the thickest portion registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully take the toothpicks out of each chicken breast.
- Drizzle the hot stuffed chicken with fresh lemon juice and serve immediately