Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400° F.

Step 2

Prepare the Chicken

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 4

Place the chicken on a clean chopping board, cut a pocket on the underside about ¾ of the way through – Be careful not to cut all the way through – (See Notes). Pat each chicken breast with a paper towel to dry.

Step 5

Lightly coat each chicken breast with olive oil all over then sprinkle the herbs and spice mixture on all sides of, including in the pocket, each piece of chicken.

Step 6

Sprinkle the lemon zest and garlic in the pockets of each piece of chicken.

Step 7

Stuff the Chicken

Step 8

Toss the asparagus with 2 tsp. olive oil, 2 tsp. minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 9

Place 2 slices of fresh mozzarella, 3 sprigs of asparagus, and a couple of pieces of sun-dried tomatoes in the pocket of each chicken breast.

Step 10

Close each pocket with 2-3 toothpicks.

Step 11

Sear the Chicken

Step 12

Heat 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large cast iron skillet (or oven-proof skillet) over medium-high heat.

Step 13

When the pan is hot, add the chicken and sear it until nicely golden brown, about 5 minutes per side but it may take longer.

Step 14

Keep searing until you reach a nice golden brown and then turn the chicken breast over and sear the other side.

Step 15

Remove from heat. Pour the lemon juice and 1 tsp. minced garlic in the skillet and cover the skillet with the lid or foil.

Step 16

Finish Chicken in Oven – Immediately after Searing

Step 17

Place the skillet in the preheated oven (if not cast iron, skillet must be oven-proof).

Step 18

Bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes covered then remove the lid or foil and bake for about 5 minutes more – use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of each breast has reached 165° F.

Step 19

Remove skillet from oven, cover and let rest for 5-10 minutes.

Step 20

Be sure to remove toothpicks before serving.

Step 21

Spoon a little of the pan juices over the chicken when serving.

Step 22

Enjoy!