Description
This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast with Honey Lime is a delicious and elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with fresh asparagus and melted mozzarella cheese, marinated in a flavorful honey lime mixture, seared to a golden brown, and finished in the oven for a perfectly cooked, juicy meal. Garnished with lime slices and fresh cilantro, it’s ideal for a wholesome dinner that impresses.
Ingredients
Chicken and Stuffing
- 4 small or 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 medium-sized asparagus spears, trimmed
- 27-28 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (about 2-3 slices per breast)
Marinade
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 ½ tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
For Asparagus
- ½ – 1 tbsp olive oil (for coating)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking and Garnish
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- Lime slices (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken breasts with a towel. Place them on a clean chopping board.
- Create Pockets: Using a sharp knife, cut each chicken breast lengthwise to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. Place the sliced breasts into a plastic zip-top bag.
- Make Marinade and Marinate: In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, pepper, paprika, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts in the bag, seal, and ensure all pieces are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, turning the bag occasionally.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
- Prepare Asparagus: Trim the asparagus spears and drizzle with ½ – 1 tbsp olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the marinade and lay flat. Open the pocket and stuff with 3 asparagus spears and 2-3 slices of mozzarella cheese. Secure with 2-3 toothpicks. Place a lime slice on top and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Bake: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking sheet, arranging additional lime slices on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove toothpicks carefully. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime slices. Serve immediately, ideally with a side of cabbage and cucumber salad.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and juiciness of the chicken.
- Ensure not to pierce through the chicken when making pockets to keep the stuffing inside.
- Searing the chicken before baking creates a beautiful golden crust and helps seal in moisture.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
- Use fresh mozzarella for best melting results and creaminess inside the chicken.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and honey levels based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American