Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with tender asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and melted cheese—this Mediterranean-inspired dish is elegant, high-protein, and perfect for a healthy dinner.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25–30 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling
- 12–16 asparagus spears (trimmed, lightly blanched if thick)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- ¼ cup feta cheese (optional for Mediterranean flavor boost)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
Optional Topping Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken breasts on a cutting board.
- Carefully slice a pocket into the side of each breast (do not cut all the way through).
- Season chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- If asparagus is thick, blanch in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then cool.
- In a bowl, mix mozzarella, feta (if using), sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parsley, oregano, and chili flakes.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
- Fill each chicken breast with a few asparagus spears and a generous spoonful of cheese mixture.
- Secure openings with toothpicks if needed.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 5: Bake
- Transfer skillet to oven (or place chicken in baking dish).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Optional Sauce
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle over chicken before serving for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted potatoes or cauliflower mash 🥔
- Pair with Greek salad 🥗
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving 🍋
Storage
- Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven at low temperature for best texture
- Avoid microwaving too long to prevent drying
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 320–380
- Protein: 40–45g
- Carbohydrates: 6–8g
- Fat: 15–20g
- Fiber: 2–3g
Tips & Variations
- Add spinach inside for extra greens 🥬
- Use goat cheese for a tangy flavor twist
- Wrap chicken in turkey bacon for extra crispiness 🥓
- Grill instead of baking for smoky flavor 🔥
- Add pesto inside for richer Mediterranean taste 🌿
