Wisconsin's Delectable Cheesy Asparagus Stuffed Chicken

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In the heart of Wisconsin, where dairy reigns supreme, it's no surprise that the state knows how to craft a dish that's as hearty as it is delicious. Wisconsin's Cheesy Asparagus Stuffed Chicken is a mouthwatering combination of tender chicken breast, creamy mozzarella, and fresh asparagus, all baked to perfection with a flavorful seasoning blend. This dish is not only a tribute to Wisconsin’s rich agricultural roots but also a delightful way to bring a taste of the Midwest to your dinner table.

A Taste of Wisconsin in Every Bite

Imagine juicy chicken stuffed with gooey mozzarella, balanced with the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the crisp freshness of asparagus. Then, seasoned with a mix of thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika, the chicken gets a golden sear before being finished off in the oven. The result is a perfect weeknight dinner that's sure to impress guests or satisfy your family's craving for a cheesy, savory meal.

Wisconsin’s culinary traditions often highlight simple, fresh ingredients, and this dish is no exception. The mozzarella brings the state's dairy heritage to the forefront, while the asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes add a bright contrast to the rich flavors. This is a meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also full of the hearty, comforting flavors Wisconsin is known for.

Wisconsin-Style Cheesy Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb. total)
• 6 oz. fresh mozzarella, cut into 4 thick slices
• 1/3 cup drained, thinly sliced, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 12 thin stalks asparagus, trimmed
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal cut into the thick side of each chicken breast, cutting almost to the end. Be careful not to cut all the way through the meat.
2. Stuff the chicken: Inside each chicken breast, place a slice of mozzarella, some sun-dried tomatoes, and 3 asparagus stalks. Season the inside with a pinch of salt and pepper. Close the chicken and secure the edges with toothpicks.
3. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix the oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the outside of each chicken breast.
4. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
5. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
6. Add butter and lemon: Once out of the oven, add the butter and lemon juice to the skillet. Swirl the pan until the butter melts into a rich sauce, about 30 seconds.
7. Serve: Remove the toothpicks from the chicken and divide onto plates. Drizzle the pan sauce over the chicken before serving.

The Comfort of Wisconsin Cuisine

This Cheesy Asparagus Stuffed Chicken embodies the spirit of Wisconsin—comforting, flavorful, and rooted in the state’s agricultural bounty. Whether you're looking for a meal to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress your guests at a gathering, this recipe delivers both flavor and satisfaction. Serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a crisp salad, and you’ll have a dinner that celebrates the best of Wisconsin.

Here are some excellent sources that offer various takes on the Cheesy Asparagus Stuffed Chicken recipe, providing helpful tips and variations:

1. The Recipe Critic shares a version that emphasizes creating a flavorful seasoning mix, combining mozzarella and asparagus for a delicious filling, and pan-searing the chicken before finishing it in the oven for a golden brown finish​(The Recipe Critic).
2. What’s in the Pan offers a similar approach but highlights the use of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor, with the mozzarella and asparagus wrapped and stuffed inside the chicken breast​(What's in the Pan).
3. Lunds & Byerlys introduces a version using fresh basil and lemon slices for a fresh, tangy finish. Their method involves pan-searing the stuffed chicken and then baking it for perfect tenderness​(Lunds & Byerlys).
4. Allrecipes provides a simpler version with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs on top, ensuring a crispy texture when baked. This option is great for a quick weeknight meal​(Allrecipes).

You can explore these sources for step-by-step instructions and tips to perfect this stuffed chicken dish!