Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Asparagus and Provolone

I love how quickly this dish comes together! It's seared in a pan and then roasted to perfection, very easy to prepare.

3 large chicken breasts
1 Tbsp. lemon zest, freshly grated
sea salt
black pepper, freshly cracked
9-12 stalks asparagus, trimmed
3 slices provolone cheese
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. ground paprika
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C/200°C fan, Gas Mark 7).

Cut the chicken breast in half, length-wise, leaving it intact on one side (creating a pocket to stuff). Season the inside of the chicken breast with salt and pepper and a pinch of lemon zest. Lay the provolone cheese and 3-4 stalks of asparagus in the center of each chicken breast and fold over, enclosing the filling.

Season the outside of the chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.

Heat a large, oven safe skillet (I use cast iron) over medium-high heat and add the 1 tbsp olive oil, swirling around to coat the bottom of the skillet. Cook the chicken top side down, for 3-5 minutes, until the chicken easily releases from the pan and is golden brown on top. Flip the chicken over and cook an additional 3-5 minutes to sear the bottom side. Carefully cover the skillet with tinfoil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155°F (68°C).

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. The temperature of the chicken should rise to meet 160°F (71°C) and will be super tender and juicy.

Makes 4-6 servings.

Cook's Notes: If you do not have an oven safe skillet, use a regular skillet and then transfer chicken breast to a baking dish and cover with foil before placing in oven.