Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast 🙌🏻
This easy, healthy recipe will change the way you eat chicken! Tender, juicy chicken breasts stuffed with crisp asparagus, melty mozzarella, and bursts of fresh tomato—perfectly seasoned and pan-seared for a golden finish.
🧾 Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs total)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 asparagus stalks, ends trimmed (frozen works, thaw before using)
- 1 oz fresh tomatoes, chopped (grape or cherry tomatoes preferred)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or Swiss cheese for a sharper taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for searing
🍽️ Servings
Serves 4 (one stuffed chicken breast per serving).
👨🍳 Instructions
- Prep the chicken:
- Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal slit along the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket—don’t cut all the way through.
- Season:
- In a small bowl, mix the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the seasoning blend evenly over the outside and inside of each chicken breast.
- Stuff:
- Into each pocket, place 3 asparagus spears, a spoonful of chopped tomato, and 1 slice of cheese.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling in place.
- Cook:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
- Optionally, finish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes for even cooking and melting.
- Serve:
- Rest 5 minutes before serving. Pairs beautifully with a green salad, roasted potatoes, or cauliflower mash.
💡 Tips & Notes
- Frozen asparagus is fine! Just thaw and pat dry before using.
- For extra flavor, try sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil in the filling.
- Toothpicks help hold the stuffed breast together—don’t forget to remove them before serving.
- Want crispy skin? Use skin-on chicken breasts and pan-sear skin side down first.
- To bake instead of pan-searing: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes in a baking dish.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
(Approximate values for one stuffed chicken breast)
- Calories: 300–330
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
✅ Health Benefits
- High-protein & low-carb: Ideal for weight loss, keto, or high-protein diets.
- Asparagus is rich in fiber, folate, and antioxidants like glutathione.
- Tomatoes add lycopene, an anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy antioxidant.
- Mozzarella provides calcium and protein with less fat than many cheeses.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use other vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Try spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for variety.
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Q: Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
A: Definitely. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes or until internal temp hits 165°F.
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Yes! These reheat well and stay juicy—store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Just skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.