Introduction
Looking for a delicious and easy dinner idea? The Cheesy Asparagus Chicken Cutlets are the perfect solution! This dish features juicy chicken cutlets topped with fresh asparagus and gooey cheese, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s not only tasty but also a great way to sneak in some veggies. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the preparation of these scrumptious cutlets!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Cutlets:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken cutlet into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat both sides in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the coated chicken cutlets to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. You may need to do this in batches depending on your skillet size. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Asparagus Topping
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add the chopped asparagus and stir to combine.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Place the cooked chicken cutlets back in the skillet. Top each cutlet with the asparagus mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the asparagus is tender.
Step 7: Serve
- Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion
The Cheesy Asparagus Chicken Cutlets are a fantastic meal option that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and melted cheese makes this dish comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a side salad or your favorite grain for a complete meal. Enjoy this delicious dish that will surely become a family favorite!