Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast

Name: Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings.
Ingredients: 8 fresh asparagus spears; 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (5 ounces each); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 4 fresh sage leaves; 2 slices provolone cheese (1 ounce each); 2 slices deli ham (3/4 ounce each); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1-1/2 teaspoons butter; 1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil; 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min. YIELD: 2 servings.

With its pretty presentation and sensational flavors, this rich asparagus stuffed chicken breast makes any meal feel special. —Louise Ambrose, Kingston, New York

Ingredients

8 fresh asparagus spears
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (5 ounces each)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 fresh sage leaves
2 slices provolone cheese (1 ounce each)
2 slices deli ham (3/4 ounce each)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1-1/2 teaspoons butter
1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth

Directions

1. In a large skillet, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add asparagus; cover and boil for 3 minutes. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry.
2. Flatten chicken to 1/4-in. thickness. Spread mustard over one side of each chicken breast. Down the center of each, place 2 sage leaves, 1 cheese slice, 1 ham slice and 4 asparagus spears. Fold chicken over asparagus; secure with toothpicks.
3. Place flour and egg in separate shallow bowls. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Coat chicken with flour, dip in egg, then coat with bread crumb mixture.
4. In a large skillet, brown chicken on all sides in butter and oil. Transfer to an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Add wine to skillet, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Pour over chicken.
5. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Discard toothpicks.

Nutrition Facts

1 stuffed chicken breast half: 459 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.