Chicken Stuffed with Asparagus (low carb + keto)

Flavor-Packed Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Asparagus and Mozzarella

Are you craving a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further! This delicious recipe for Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Asparagus is perfect for those busy weeknights or for when you want to impress guests with a meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious. Packed with the goodness of tender chicken, melty mozzarella cheese, and crisp asparagus, this dish combines simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience.

The process of making stuffed chicken breasts might sound complex, but trust me, it’s simpler than it seems! With just a few basic steps, you’ll have a perfectly cooked meal that combines savory flavors and textures. The combination of moist, juicy chicken with the savory goodness of mozzarella and the light crunch of asparagus makes this dish both satisfying and healthy.

The Key Ingredients

To prepare these Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Asparagus, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, chicken breasts are both lean and versatile, making them the perfect protein base for this recipe. When preparing stuffed chicken, it’s important to choose boneless, skinless breasts to ensure an even cook and make stuffing easier.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A healthy fat, extra virgin olive oil adds richness and enhances the flavors of your seasonings. It also ensures that the chicken doesn’t stick to the pan when searing.
• Garlic Powder: This ingredient imparts a warm, savory flavor to the chicken, creating a wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen while cooking.
• Paprika: Paprika brings a mild, smoky heat and beautiful color to the chicken, adding complexity to the flavor profile.
• Dried Thyme: Thyme has a slightly earthy, lemony flavor that complements both the chicken and the asparagus, tying all the flavors together.
• Oregano: Oregano adds a Mediterranean flair, infusing the chicken with a deep, aromatic herbal taste that works beautifully with the other seasonings.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and seasonings.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The creamy, mild flavor of mozzarella cheese is ideal for stuffing inside the chicken breasts. When melted, mozzarella becomes soft and stretchy, creating a delightful contrast with the firm texture of the chicken.
• Asparagus: Asparagus is a nutritious, crisp vegetable that adds freshness and crunch. When baked inside the chicken, it absorbs the flavors of the seasonings and retains a slight bite.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (Optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish, balancing out the richness of the cheese and olive oil with a refreshing citrus note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven
   Before you begin cooking, make sure to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and quickly, sealing in the flavors while maintaining its juiciness.
2. Create Pockets in the Chicken Breasts
   Place your chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut about ¾ of the way through each chicken breast to create a pocket. This step is essential for stuffing the chicken with mozzarella cheese and asparagus, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor.
3. Season the Chicken
   Next, generously season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to rub the seasonings into the chicken for an even distribution. The blend of garlic and herbs will infuse the chicken with flavor, giving it a savory base that complements the cheese and vegetables.

Stuffing the Chicken

4. Stuff with Mozzarella and Asparagus
   Now comes the fun part—stuffing the chicken! Start by placing a slice of mozzarella cheese inside each pocket, followed by several stalks of asparagus. The mozzarella should melt as it cooks, creating a rich, cheesy filling inside the chicken. The asparagus adds a fresh, crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy cheese.
5. Secure the Chicken Breasts
   To keep the stuffing intact, use toothpicks to secure the openings of the chicken breasts. Be sure to place the toothpicks in a way that ensures the chicken stays closed during cooking. Afterward, discard the toothpicks before serving.

Searing and Baking the Chicken

6. Heat the Olive Oil
   In a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. The olive oil helps sear the chicken, locking in the moisture and creating a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
7. Sear the Chicken
   Once the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the pan. Let them sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned. This step ensures that the chicken has a nice, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
8. Bake the Chicken
   After searing the chicken, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. The oven will allow the mozzarella to melt fully and the asparagus to cook to a perfect tenderness.

Final Touches

9. Remove Toothpicks and Serve
   Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts. To add a burst of freshness, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top of each stuffed chicken breast. The citrus helps balance out the richness of the cheese and oil, giving the dish a zesty, bright finish.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Cheese: While mozzarella is the traditional choice for stuffing, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as provolone, gouda, or cheddar if you prefer a different flavor.
• Asparagus Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh asparagus, you can replace it with another vegetable, like spinach or zucchini, though asparagus adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
• Resting the Chicken: Let the stuffed chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

Simple Recipe for Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Asparagus and Mozzarella

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 12 stalks asparagus (ends trimmed)
• Fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut the chicken breasts about ¾ of the way through to create pockets.
3. Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, and salt.
4. Stuff the chicken with mozzarella cheese slices and asparagus, then secure with toothpicks.
5. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Remove toothpicks and drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 288 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 601mg
• Potassium: 537mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 650 IU
• Vitamin C: 4mg
• Calcium: 164mg
• Iron: 2mg