Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bunch asparagus, tough ends trimmed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Lay the chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to butterfly them. Cut a slit horizontally through the thickest part of each breast without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket.
3. Season the Chicken:
   • Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
4. Stuff with Asparagus and Cheese:
   • Place a few asparagus spears inside each chicken breast pocket.
   • Add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the asparagus.
5. Secure with Toothpicks:
   • Secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
6. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
   • Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Broil for Crispy Top (Optional):
   • If you’d like a crispy top, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
9. Rest and Garnish:
   • Allow the stuffed chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
10. Serve:
    • Remove toothpicks before serving. Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.