Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

• 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts about 1-1/2 lb
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning mix
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• sea salt and pepper to taste
• 12 asparagus stalks
• 1oz sun dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 slices Mozzarella cheese
• 1 Tbs. olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Place the chicken on a clean chopping board and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
3. Start cutting each one lengthwise to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Add 3 stalks of asparagus and a couple pieces of sun-dried tomatoes to a mozzarella slice, then roll it to hold them inside. Put into chicken breast pocket.
5. Close the pocket with a toothpick. Heat oil in a large and cast-iron skillet (or heavy skillet) over medium high heat.
6. Add the chicken and sear it until nicely golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side.
7. Transfer to an oven safe dish (if not using a cast-iron skillet) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink on the inside.