Description
Creamy cheese-draped chicken breast mingles with crisp asparagus in this delightful Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Savory flavors and elegant presentation promise a quick gourmet meal you can master in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, preparing a cooking vessel for the poultry preparation.
- Massage the chicken breasts with aromatic seasonings, ensuring an even coating of flavor-enhancing spices.
- Introduce a blend of olive oil and butter to a heavy-bottomed skillet, creating a golden searing surface for the meat.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the heated pan, developing a rich caramelized exterior by cooking each side until a warm bronze color emerges.
- Gently nestle fresh asparagus spears around the partially cooked chicken, creating an elegant arrangement in the skillet.
- Generously distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface of the chicken and vegetables, allowing for a luxurious melting effect.
- Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
- Slide the entire skillet into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and cook thoroughly for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Verify the chicken’s doneness by confirming it reaches a safe internal temperature, ensuring complete cooking.
- Finish the dish with a light garnish of freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceous note.
- Serve immediately while the cheese remains gloriously melted and the chicken retains its juicy perfection.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking to promote even heating and prevent dryness.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to achieve golden-brown searing and crisp exterior.
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus with tight tips for the best texture and flavor in the dish.
- For a low-carb option, replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 125mg