Savory Asiago Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Healthy & Easy Weeknight Recipe

Transforming a simple chicken dinner into something extraordinary doesn’t have to be complicated or unhealthy. What if you could enjoy a rich, flavorful meal that tastes indulgent but supports your dietary goals? This recipe for Asiago Stuffed Chicken Breast does just that! The inspiration for this dish struck while I was enjoying a store-bought artichoke and asiago dip. The creamy, tangy, and savory flavors sparked an idea: “This combination would be absolutely incredible stuffed into some tender chicken breasts!”

Instead of reaching for the pre-made version, I decided to craft a fresh, homemade artichoke and asiago filling from scratch. The result was a revelation—a true flavor explosion that elevated humble chicken breasts to a restaurant-quality meal. What’s more, this delicious dish is surprisingly light and healthy, making it a perfect addition to your weekly rotation. It’s proof that you don’t need takeout to enjoy something truly special!

This Asiago Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe brings to mind the satisfying richness of my popular garlic bacon and cheese stuffed chicken, yet it offers a lighter and perhaps a touch more sophisticated twist. The true beauty of this dish lies in its remarkable simplicity and speed. It comes together quickly, making it an ideal candidate for even your busiest weeknights. Just pair it with a fresh side salad or some steamed vegetables, and you have a complete, satisfying meal that’s kind to your waistline and packed with flavor. For those tracking their intake, this recipe is a Weight Watchers winner, clocking in at a mere 3 points per serving. So, put down those takeout menus and give this healthy, flavorful recipe a try – your taste buds, your health goals, and your wallet will all thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Asiago Stuffed Chicken Breast

This recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a versatile, delicious, and diet-friendly option that’s sure to become a household favorite. Here are several compelling reasons why you need to add it to your culinary repertoire:

• It Elevates Typical Chicken Dinners: If you’re tired of plain chicken, this recipe offers an exciting and flavorful alternative. Stuffing chicken breasts with creamy artichoke and sharp Asiago cheese transforms a simple meal into something truly special, all while keeping you on track with your diet goals. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that feels gourmet.
• Nutrient Boost with Optional Spinach: Want to sneak in some extra greens? This recipe is incredibly adaptable! Adding chopped spinach or kale to the artichoke and yogurt mixture is a fantastic way to introduce more nutrients without altering the delicious flavor profile. It’s a simple tweak for a healthier, more vibrant meal.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. This Asiago Stuffed Chicken Breast looks elegant and tastes incredible, making it an ideal choice for dinner parties. Serve it with a fresh side salad and one of my other lightened-up side dishes, and you’re guaranteed to be a hit!
• Diet-Friendly & Weight Watchers Approved: With only 3 Weight Watchers points per serving, this recipe is a dream come true for anyone focusing on mindful eating. It’s packed with lean protein and satisfying flavors, ensuring you feel full and content without overindulging. Enjoy a hearty meal that fits seamlessly into your healthy lifestyle.
• Quick & Easy Prep: Despite its sophisticated taste, this dish is surprisingly quick to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and nutritious meal on the table without a lot of fuss. Minimal effort for maximum flavor!

Key Ingredients for Artichoke Asiago Stuffed Chicken

To craft this delightful and wholesome dish, you’ll need a selection of fresh, accessible, and incredibly flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the rich, creamy, and savory profile that makes this chicken truly stand out.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These lean cuts are the perfect canvas for our stuffing. Opt for evenly sized breasts to ensure uniform cooking.
• Artichokes in Oil, Drained and Chopped: The heart of our flavorful filling! Draining the oil is key to keeping the dish light, and chopping them ensures an even distribution of their tender, slightly tangy, and earthy flavor throughout the filling.
• Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt: This is the secret to a creamy, rich filling without the added fat. It provides a wonderful tang that complements the artichokes and cheese beautifully, while also keeping the recipe Weight Watchers-friendly.
• Shredded Asiago Cheese: The star cheese of our dish! Asiago offers a wonderfully nutty, slightly sharp, and savory flavor that melts into a delectable, gooey center. Its distinct taste truly elevates the entire experience.
• Aromatics & Seasonings: Black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder provide a foundational layer of aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall savory notes of the chicken and filling.
• Olive Oil: Just a touch is used for searing, which helps create a beautiful golden crust on the chicken and locks in moisture and flavor before it goes into the oven.

For the Crispy Coating:

• Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the flour and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken for an even coating.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the initial dredge, giving the egg something to cling to and contributing to the crispy texture.
• Breadcrumbs: The final layer that crisps up beautifully during searing and baking, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
• Additional Seasonings: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning are mixed with the breadcrumbs to infuse the coating with extra savory and aromatic notes, complementing the filling.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Asiago Stuffed Chicken

Crafting this elegant yet simple dish is easier than you might think. Follow these detailed instructions to create a culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion:

1. Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with some nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the chicken from sticking and ensures an easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Flavorful Filling: In a small bowl, combine the chopped and thoroughly drained artichokes, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir all these ingredients together until they are well combined and form a cohesive, creamy mixture. This is the delectable core of your stuffed chicken!
3. Set Up the Dredging Station: Prepare three separate stations for coating your chicken. In one shallow bowl, whisk the egg until slightly frothy. On a flat surface or a plate, sprinkle the all-purpose flour. On another flat plate, mix the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder together. This organized setup will make the coating process smooth and efficient.
4. Heat the Searing Pan: Heat the 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. You want the pan to be hot enough to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken.
5. Stuff the Chicken Breasts: Take one boneless, skinless chicken breast and carefully slice it open lengthwise along one side, creating a deep pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through, so the breast remains intact. Spoon approximately ¼ of the artichoke-yogurt mixture into this pocket. Then, sprinkle one heaping tablespoon of shredded asiago cheese on top of the filling. Gently close the chicken breast. If needed, use one or two toothpicks to secure the opening and keep the delicious filling safely inside during cooking. Repeat this process for the remaining chicken breasts.
6. Coat the Stuffed Chicken: Now, it’s time to create that irresistible crispy exterior. Take a stuffed chicken breast and first dredge it in the all-purpose flour, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the whisked egg, allowing any extra egg to drip off. Finally, roll both sides of the chicken in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well.
7. Sear for Golden Perfection: Place the coated chicken breasts into the preheated frying pan. Sear them for approximately 1 minute on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step is crucial for developing a crispy crust and sealing in the juices.
8. Bake to Completion: Transfer the seared chicken breasts from the frying pan to your prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and it is thoroughly cooked through.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving warm. This brief resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful result. Savor every bite of this delightful and satisfying meal!

Nutrition and Weight Watchers Information

This Asiago Stuffed Chicken Breast isn’t just a delicious culinary creation; it’s also remarkably light and healthy, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal while managing their caloric intake or adhering to a specific diet plan like Weight Watchers. Each serving is thoughtfully portioned and calculated to ensure you can indulge in a full, flavorful meal without compromising your health and wellness goals. The combination of lean protein and fresh ingredients provides a meal that is both filling and nourishing.

Per 1 serving (approximately 1 chicken breast), you’re looking at a well-balanced nutritional profile: Calories: 323, Fat: 13 g, Saturated Fat: 2.76 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Fiber: 1.36 g, Sugars: 1.92 g, Sodium: 605.01 mg, Protein: 40 g. These values highlight its impressive protein content, which contributes to satiety, and its moderate fat and carbohydrate levels, making it a smart choice for various dietary approaches. Enjoy a meal that tastes great and makes you feel great!

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown

For those diligently tracking their Weight Watchers points, this Asiago Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is an absolute gem, coming in at an incredibly low 3 points per serving. This makes it a perfect, guilt-free option for a hearty and flavorful meal that aligns beautifully with your wellness journey. The clever combination of ingredients ensures maximum taste with minimal impact on your daily points budget. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the points assigned to each ingredient, illustrating how carefully chosen components contribute to such a low overall point total:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 0 points (a fantastic lean protein powerhouse, a Weight Watchers ZeroPoint food!)
• Artichokes in Oil, Drained and Chopped: 2 points (the points primarily come from the oil they are packed in; using fresh artichokes would further reduce points).
• Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt: 0 points (the creamy, tangy base that keeps the filling light and flavorful without adding points).
• Black Pepper: 0 points
• Garlic Powder: 0 points
• Onion Powder: 0 points
• Shredded Asiago Cheese: 3 points (A little goes a long way to impart that distinct nutty and sharp flavor, making these points well worth it!).
• Olive Oil: 3 points (Used minimally for searing, its impact on the per-serving point value is kept low).

For the Coating:

• Egg: 0 points
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 points
• Breadcrumbs: 3 points
• Garlic Powder: 0 points
• Italian Seasoning: 0 points

The final calculation of 3 points per serving is accurately based on the Weight Watchers app recipe creator, reflecting the most current program guidelines. This precise breakdown empowers you to enjoy this flavorful meal confidently while adhering to your personalized Weight Watchers plan.

If you’re using an older version of WW, here’s a quick reference for the points:

• Freestyle SP (Blue & Purple Plans): 2 points per serving, calculated using the WW recipe builder.
• Smart Points (Green Plan): 5 points per serving, calculated using the WW recipe builder.
• Points Plus: 6 points per serving, as determined by the Points Plus calculator.

Customize Your Asiago Stuffed Chicken

One of the most appealing aspects of this Asiago Stuffed Chicken recipe is its inherent flexibility. While the classic combination is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment and tailor it to your personal preferences or make use of ingredients you already have on hand. Customizing this dish is an easy way to keep things exciting in the kitchen!

• Boost with Fresh Greens: As previously mentioned, a fantastic way to enhance both the nutritional value and visual appeal of this dish is by incorporating fresh, chopped spinach or kale. Simply fold it into the artichoke-yogurt mixture. It adds a subtle earthy note and a vibrant pop of color without overpowering the primary flavors.
• Cheese Alternatives: While Asiago cheese offers a wonderfully unique nutty and sharp profile that we adore, you’re certainly not limited to it. Feel free to try other cheeses! Parmesan would lend a saltier, more intensely savory flavor, while a milder cheese like mozzarella or provolone would offer a delightful, stringy melt. For those who enjoy a bold, pungent kick, a small amount of crumbled blue cheese could create an adventurous new twist!
• Spice It Up: If you appreciate a bit of heat in your meals, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to either the artichoke filling for an internal warmth or to the breadcrumb coating for a fiery crust.
• Herb Variations: Fresh herbs can always add another dimension of flavor. Finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, or dill mixed into the artichoke mixture would contribute a bright, aromatic freshness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Asiago Stuffed Chicken

Achieving culinary perfection with this Asiago Stuffed Chicken Breast is remarkably straightforward, especially when you keep these expert tips and tricks in mind. These simple pointers will help ensure your dish is as delicious and visually appealing as possible:

• Butterfly the Chicken with Care: When you’re creating the pocket for the stuffing, precision is key. Make sure to slice open one side of the chicken breast almost entirely, but stop just short of cutting all the way through. You want a generous pocket that can hold the filling securely, allowing the chicken to fold back into its original shape. A sharp knife is your best friend here.
• Avoid Overfilling: It can be tempting to pack in as much delicious filling as possible, but overfilling your chicken breasts can lead to the mixture oozing out during cooking, creating a mess and potentially drying out your chicken. Stick to the recommended ¼ cup of filling per breast; it’s the perfect balance for flavor and structural integrity.
• Secure with Toothpicks for Extra Assurance: For an added layer of security, especially if your chicken breasts are thinner or the pockets are particularly generous, use one or two wooden toothpicks to hold the edges of the chicken together after stuffing and coating. Just be sure to count them and remove all toothpicks before serving to your family or guests!
• The Importance of Searing for Texture: The brief searing step on each side of the chicken before it goes into the oven is absolutely crucial. This quick pan-fry creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust on the exterior, adding an incredible textural contrast to the tender chicken and creamy filling. More importantly, it helps to seal in the chicken’s natural juices, resulting in a moister and more flavorful final dish. Don’t skip this step!
• Don’t Overbake: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if cooked too long. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding the filling). The 35-minute baking time is a good guideline, but ovens vary, so checking for doneness is always recommended.

Meal Prep and Storage Made Easy

This Asiago Stuffed Chicken Breast isn’t just a fantastic option for a fresh dinner; it also shines as a meal prep hero, making your busy week much smoother. Knowing how to properly store and reheat your leftovers means you can enjoy this delicious dish multiple times without compromising on taste or texture.

• Refrigeration: Once cooked and thoroughly cooled, Asiago chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. This generous storage time makes them perfect for preparing ahead, providing quick and easy lunches or dinners on those hectic weeknights when cooking from scratch just isn’t an option.
• Reheating for Crispy Perfection: To revive that delightful crispness of the coating and ensure the chicken remains juicy, I highly recommend reheating your chicken in an air fryer. A few minutes at 350°F (175°C) will yield a perfectly warm and crispy result, almost like it was just cooked. Alternatively, a conventional oven preheated to the same temperature for 10-15 minutes will also work wonderfully to bring back its original charm. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy texture.
• Freezing: These stuffed chicken breasts freeze exceptionally well once cooked, offering an even longer storage solution. To freeze, allow the cooked chicken to cool completely. Then, wrap each breast individually in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat using the air fryer or oven method described above.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

To complete your delightful Asiago Stuffed Chicken Breast experience and create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing it with these simple yet satisfying side dishes. Each option is designed to complement the rich flavors of the chicken without overpowering them:

• Fresh Green Salad: A vibrant, mixed greens salad tossed with a light vinaigrette is always a perfect complement. Its freshness cuts through the richness of the cheese and chicken, offering a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Healthy and delicious! Asparagus, broccoli florets, green beans, or colorful bell peppers roasted with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs make an excellent, nutritious accompaniment.
• Quinoa or Brown Rice: For a slightly heartier meal, a side of fluffy quinoa or nutritious brown rice can soak up any delectable pan juices, adding a wholesome grain component.
• Light Pasta: A small portion of whole-wheat pasta tossed with a simple, light tomato sauce, a vibrant pesto, or just a little olive oil and fresh basil would also be a delightful and comforting pairing.

More Lightened-Up Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve enjoyed the healthy and flavorful approach of this Asiago Stuffed Chicken Breast, you’re in for a treat! Discover more delicious recipes designed to keep your wellness goals in mind without ever sacrificing taste. Here are a few recommendations to inspire your next kitchen adventure:

• Homemade Zero Point Tomato Sauce
• Weight Watchers Gingerbread Cookies
• Wonton Pizza Crisps