Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken (Serves 3)
Ingredients
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 9-12 stalks Fresh Asparagus
• ¾ cup shredded Provolone cheese
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika (can substitute with smoked paprika)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400F/200C.
2. Butterfly the chicken breast in half, length-wise, leaving it intact on one side to create a pocket for stuffing. Season the inside of the chicken breast with lemon zest, salt and pepper. Add 3-4 asparagus stalks and some Provolone cheese to the center of each breast, and fold over, to enclose the filling.
3. Season the outside of the chicken breast with paprika, the herbs, and salt and pepper. Rub the seasoning into the chicken breast and set aside.
4. Heat a large oven-safe pan over medium heat and add the butter. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes on each side. Cover the pan with foil, place in the oven, and bake until the chicken is cooked through, roughly 15-20 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. If you want to, you can add lemon juice to the chicken juices in the pan and serve as a sauce.
Source: tiphero
