Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast

If you’re looking for a meal that ticks all the boxes regarding taste, presentation and ease, look no further than this asparagus-stuffed chicken breast. With fancy dinner ideas like this, you can pull out all the stops for an elegant party with friends, or whip up stuffed asparagus chicken breast quickly for a family meal on a busy weeknight.

Along with a bit of Dijon mustard, fresh sage, melty provolone cheese and deli ham, tender-crisp asparagus gets wrapped up in juicy boneless chicken breasts. Then, the chicken is coated in a flavorful Parmesan-bread crumb mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection. When you slice into the bundle, there’s a nice spiral with a pop of green at the center, like an upgraded chicken cordon bleu.

Serve our chicken breast asparagus-stuffed recipe with a side of fluffy buttermilk mashed potatoes or tendrils of quick fettuccine Alfredo and you’ll have a meal that will please everyone at your table.

Ingredients for Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Asparagus: The best time to use asparagus is when it’s in season, but year-round options at the grocery store are fine. Some signs will tell if asparagus is bad. Mainly, try to find bright green stems that aren’t wilted or faded, with perky (not slimy) tops. If using frozen asparagus spears, there is no need to defrost them before blanching.
• Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are mild in flavor and easy to pound thin, making them perfect for rolling or stuffing.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard pairs well with ham and asparagus. If you don’t have Dijon, use brown or yellow mustard. Or, make your own Dijon mustard from scratch!
• Sage: Sage marries beautifully with the other flavors in the stuffed chicken breast with asparagus recipe to add a herbaceous aroma and wonderful depth.
• Provolone: This aged Italian cheese melts like a dream and has a subtle sharpness that lends extra flavor to this finished chicken breast asparagus stuffed recipe.
• Ham: Ham and chicken are natural partners (hello, chicken cordon bleu stromboli). Our recipe is a great way to use up the deli meat in your fridge.
• Flour: Flour is key when learning how to bread chicken. The flour dries the outside of the chicken, making it easier for the eggs and bread crumbs to stick to the surface.
• Egg: The beaten egg acts as natural glue that helps the bread crumbs adhere to the chicken.
• Parmesan: The Parmesan adds a ton of flavor to the breading and gets wonderfully crisp and golden when fried on the stovetop.
• Bread crumbs: For this stuffed asparagus chicken breast recipe, you can use your favorite store-bought bread crumbs or make a quick batch of homemade bread crumbs.
• Butter and olive oil: A combination of oil and butter allows you to cook the chicken at a higher temperature, getting the Parmesan bread crumb coating nicely golden while imparting the richness and flavor of butter to the chicken.
• White wine: A light splash of white wine or chicken stock makes a quick and simple pan sauce to drizzle over the chicken.

Directions

Step 1: Blanch the asparagus

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In a large skillet, bring 1/2 inch water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cover. Boil for three minutes, then drain and immediately place the asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry.

Editor’s Tip: When learning how to blanch vegetables, it is important to dunk them in an ice bath after boiling. This crucial step halts the cooking process, which helps the vegetables retain their vibrant color and peak flavor.

Step 2: Flatten the chicken breasts

Flatten the chicken breast halves to 1/4-inch thickness.

Editor’s Tip: Rather than pounding the chicken breast halves flat, you can butterfly chicken breasts instead.

Step 3: Assemble the stuffed chicken

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Next, spread 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard over one side of each chicken breast.

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Then, down each center, place two sage leaves, one slice of provolone, one piece of ham and four asparagus spears.

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Fold the chicken over the asparagus and then secure it with toothpicks to seal.

Step 4: Coat in bread crumbs

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Place the flour and beaten eggs in separate shallow bowls. In another shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan. Coat each chicken and asparagus bundle with flour, then dip it in the egg. Next, dredge the asparagus-stuffed chicken breast through the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to help the mixture adhere to the surface of the chicken.

Step 5: Brown in a skillet

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil and melt the butter. Then, brown each asparagus-stuffed chicken bundle on all sides. Transfer to an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Step 6: Make a quick sauce

Next, add the wine to the skillet, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape and loosen any browned bits from the pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken.

Editor’s Tip: When scraping the brown bits (also known as fond) from the pan, let the wine simmer for a minute or two so the alcohol burns off.

Step 7: Bake the chicken

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Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink. Discard the toothpicks, arrange the stuffed asparagus chicken breast on a platter and serve.

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Recipe Variations

• Swap the cheese: You can make this stuffed chicken breast with asparagus using other melting cheeses. Try mozzarella for a mild taste, or opt for Brie, Gruyere or Swiss for extra sharpness.
• Try prosciutto: While ham is likely something you already have in your fridge, you can add a touch of extra elegance by swapping in a thin slice of prosciutto for the ham.
• Add other fresh herbs: Instead of sage, try fresh thyme, a few basil leaves or chopped oregano. All would work nicely in this asparagus-stuffed chicken breast recipe.
• Use chicken thighs: Make smaller bundles with boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. Cut the asparagus spears in half before stuffing the thighs, and then proceed with the recipe as directed. Remember that this chicken cut typically takes a little longer to cook through, so increase the cooking time accordingly.

How to Store Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast

Leftover asparagus-stuffed chicken breast should be kept refrigerated in an airtight food storage container.

How long does asparagus-stuffed chicken breast last?

Stuffed asparagus chicken breast will last in the fridge for up to four days.

How do you reheat asparagus-stuffed chicken breast?

The best way to reheat chicken is in the oven. Place the chicken in an oven-safe skillet or 8-inch square baking pan. Bake at 350° until heated through. Alternatively, you may also microwave it for several minutes on a microwave-safe plate. Keep in mind that the chicken will lose its crispness in the microwave.

Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast Tips

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How do you stuff chicken breasts without toothpicks?

Instead of toothpicks, kitchen twine (or even unflavored dental floss) can be used to keep your stuffed chicken breasts together as they bake. If you don’t have toothpicks, twine or floss, use sturdy pieces of uncooked spaghetti to pierce the stuffed chicken breasts and secure the rolls. Discard the pasta before enjoying.

How do you tell if asparagus-stuffed chicken breasts are fully cooked?

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to test the doneness of your stuffed chicken breast with asparagus. Chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°.

What can you serve with asparagus-stuffed chicken breasts?

One thing we love about this chicken breast asparagus stuffed recipe is its ability to pair with a wide range of sides. Keep things on the lighter side and serve with a tossed garden salad or a platter of grilled veggies with caper butter. For hearty options, opt for mushroom wild rice or this creamy roasted garlic and spinach orzo.