Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium chicken breasts, boneless – all about the same size
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- 12 stalks fresh asparagus – woody bottom parts trimmed
- 6 slices smoked gouda cheese – highly recommend a smoked cheese for flavor
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Soak toothpicks in water for later use.
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, without cutting all the way through. Pat dry and season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Divide asparagus into 3 portions (4 stalks each). Place 2 slices of gouda cheese and one portion of asparagus into each chicken breast. Add lemon zest over the filling.
- Close the chicken and secure with the pre-soaked toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the chicken reaches 165ºF internally.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, remove toothpicks, and slice before serving with pan juices.
Notes
Make sure to use fresh asparagus for the best flavor.
You can substitute gouda with another cheese of your choice if desired.
For added flavor, drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.