Ingredients:

  • 4 large (approx. 225g each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.25 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 tsp lemon zest
  • 16 medium asparagus spears, trimmed

Instructions:

  1. Prep the chicken. Place the chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp paring knife, slice a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Note: Leave about half an inch of uncut meat at the edges to prevent the filling from escaping.
  2. Mix the filling. In a small bowl, whip the softened cream cheese, provolone, minced garlic, and lemon zest until well combined.
  3. Stuff the pockets. Smear roughly one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture inside each chicken pocket.
  4. Add the greens. Slide 3 to 4 asparagus spears into each pocket. They should peek out slightly, which looks beautiful and ensures they cook through.
  5. Seal the deal. Secure the opening tightly with 2-3 water soaked toothpicks. Cross them in an X shape for the best hold.
  6. Season the exterior. Season the exterior of the chicken breasts generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Press the spices into the meat so they stick during the sear.
  7. Start the sear. Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep mahogany crust develops.
  8. Finish in the oven. Transfer the skillet into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. The final rest. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes until the juices settle before removing toothpicks and serving. > Chef's Tip: If you want an even deeper flavor, add a tiny pat of butter to the skillet in the last 60 seconds of searing. Spoon that melted, foaming butter over the top of the breasts right before they slide into the oven. Zesty Chicken with Green Sauce My Weeknight Winner — Need a quick flavourful dinner My Zesty Chicken with Green Sauce is ready in ...Slow Cooked Chicken with Creamy Sauce — Try this Forgotten Chicken recipe! In just 4-6 hours, enjoy tender slow-cooke...Easy Homemade Chicken Korma for 4 Servings — Master Easy Homemade Chicken Korma with Flatbread and Rice with our step-by-s... $img_2$