A great addition to the table for a gathering! This beautiful dish of chicken breasts rolled with asparagus and a delicious blend of sun dried tomatoes and Italian cheeses. Included are instructions on how to butterfly the chicken breasts. Suggested sides would include marinated cherry tomatoes. Serves 6. Prep time 45 minutes.
INGREDIENTS
½ cup sun dried tomatoes, diced
¾ cup shredded Italian cheese (mozzarella, Asiago, and/or Parmesan)
4 ounces soft chevre
pinch salt and black pepper
10-12 asparagus
6 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
PREPARATION
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Oil a rimmed sheet pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sun dried tomatoes, cheeses and a pinch each of salt and black pepper.
- Trim off the woody ends of the asparagus, then split each spear in half lengthwise. Set aside.
- To butterfly the chicken breasts, lay them smooth side down on a cutting board and remove any tenderloin. Holding a knife parallel to the cutting board, start at the thickest side of each breast and carefully slice in half width wise almost to the other edge. Keep the thin edge intact and open the breasts along the “fold,” like a book. Starting with the thickest part, gently pound each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap until it is consistently thin (¼ to ½ inch thick) without any holes.
- Season each breast with salt and black pepper on both sides. Place ¼ of the tomato and cheese mixture near the edge of each breast and top with a few asparagus spears, laying them lengthwise with the breast. Lift the edge of the breast up and slightly over the filling and firmly roll it up like a jelly roll (the asparagus tips may peek out the ends).
- Place the roll, seam side down, on the sheet pan.
- Repeat with each breast. Secure the rolls with toothpicks before baking if needed.
- Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then slice each roll crosswise into 6 pieces and put 4 pieces on each plate to serve.
Reprinted by permission from StrongerTogether.coop. Find more recipes and information about your food and where it comes from at www.strongertogether.coop