Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast with Garlic & Herb Cheddar Cheese Spread

INGREDIENTS

• 2 medium chicken breasts

• 4 oz Pine River Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread

• 12 spears of asparagus, trim ends

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Place chicken breasts on a clean cutting board, start by slicing the chicken

breasts horizontally from one side but do not cut through the other side, to create

a pocket.

3. Open each chicken breast (it should kind of look like a butterfly).

4. Evenly season with the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper on both sides.

5. Place 2 oz of cheese on one half of each chicken breast, layer asparagus on the

cheese and close it shut with the other half of the chicken breast. Use toothpicks

to keep the pocket closed if necessary (be sure to remove before eating).

6. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat.

7. Carefully place each stuffed chicken breast in the heated pan to sear on both

sides until golden brown (turning carefully), about 3-5 minutes on each side.

8. Carefully place oven-proof skillet with chicken in preheated oven and bake for

15-20 minutes, or until no longer pink or internal temperature of chicken

reaches 165 degrees F.