ASPARAGUS STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST – Amazing!

### Instructions for Making Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

#### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by **preheating your oven** to **375°F (190°C)**. While the oven is heating up, place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. Use a sharp knife to **cut a pocket** into the side of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through—just create a space large enough to stuff the ingredients inside.

#### Step 2: Cook the Asparagus
In a pan, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **asparagus spears** and cook for about **2-3 minutes** until they’re tender but still bright green and slightly crisp. Remove the asparagus from the pan and set aside. You can also blanch the asparagus in boiling water for a minute or two, then shock it in ice water for a crisp-tender texture.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
In a bowl, mix the softened **cream cheese**, **shredded mozzarella**, **minced garlic**, and **thyme** (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to add a squeeze of **lemon juice** to brighten the flavors. This creamy cheese mixture will bind the asparagus and add richness to the stuffing.

#### Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to stuff the chicken. Take each chicken breast and carefully **stuff it with the asparagus** spears, then spoon in the creamy cheese mixture, pressing it in tightly. Be generous with the stuffing, but don’t overstuff to the point where the chicken can’t close.

Once stuffed, **secure the chicken** with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while it cooks.

#### Step 5: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a little more **olive oil** over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan. **Sear each side** of the chicken for about **2-3 minutes** until it’s golden brown. This step helps to lock in the juices and gives the chicken a nice crispy exterior.

#### Step 6: Bake the Chicken
After searing the chicken, transfer it to the preheated oven. **Bake** the chicken breasts for about **20-25 minutes** or until the internal temperature reaches **165°F (74°C)**. The cheese should be melted, and the chicken should be cooked through but still moist.

#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks and slice the chicken to reveal the beautiful stuffed filling. Serve the asparagus stuffed chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.

### Tips for the Best Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

1. **Don’t Overstuff**: It’s important not to stuff the chicken too much, as this can cause the filling to leak out during cooking. A little bit of stuffing goes a long way!

2. **Use Fresh Asparagus**: Fresh asparagus gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen asparagus, make sure to thaw and drain it properly to avoid excess moisture.

3. **Experiment with Cheese**: While mozzarella is a great choice for its meltiness, you can switch things up with other cheeses like goat cheese, Parmesan, or even Gruyère for different flavor profiles.

4. **Pound the Chicken**: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can use a meat mallet to **gently pound** them to an even thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and makes it easier to stuff.

5. **Add Extra Flavor**: To boost the flavor, consider adding herbs like **rosemary**, **oregano**, or **basil** to the stuffing mixture. A dash of **hot sauce** or **mustard** in the cheese mixture can also add a nice kick.

### Why You’ll Love This Dish

**Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast** is truly a standout recipe that combines simple ingredients in a way that makes your taste buds sing. The combination of creamy cheese, fresh asparagus, and perfectly cooked chicken makes each bite a treat. It’s healthy, comforting, and can be customized with different cheeses and herbs to suit your taste.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing something special for a holiday or family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while still keeping the meal hearty and satisfying.

So, next time you want to take your chicken dinner to the next level, give **Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast** a try—you won’t be disappointed!