Creamy Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Asparagus Rolled Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Description

Asparagus Rolled Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken thighs rolled with crisp asparagus spears, bathed in a luscious Madeira wine and sour cream sauce. Originally served by my daughter-in-law for Mother’s Day, this recipe is complemented perfectly with a side of brown rice pilaf and pickled beets, creating a vibrant and memorable meal.

Categories and Keywords

• Recipe Category: Chicken
• Keywords: Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, Canadian, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 238
• Fat Content: 9.9 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 3.6 g
• Cholesterol Content: 67.8 mg
• Sodium Content: 446.9 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 17.4 g
• Fiber Content: 3 g
• Sugar Content: 5.7 g
• Protein Content: 20.4 g

Ingredients

• 2 bunches of asparagus, trimmed
• 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 12 tbsp fat-free sour cream
• 1 cup Madeira wine
• 1 cup 1% low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

Preparation

1. Blanch the Asparagus:

   • Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.
   • Prepare a 13×9 baking dish and set it aside.
   • Add the trimmed asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
   • Drain the asparagus in a colander, then cool them under cold running water.
   • Once cooled, drain well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat.
   • Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they are just starting to brown.
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients: 12 tablespoons of fat-free sour cream, 1 cup of Madeira wine, 1 cup of 1% low-fat milk, and 1/4 cup of flour until smooth.
   • Stir the sautéed mushrooms into the sauce mixture.
   • Reserve 1 cup of the sauce and pour the rest into the prepared 13×9 baking dish.

3. Assemble the Chicken Rolls:

   • Place the unrolled chicken thighs on a clean work surface, boned side up.
   • Top each thigh with a round of cheese (optional) and place 3 or 4 asparagus spears on top.
   • Roll up each chicken thigh around the asparagus and secure the rolls with toothpicks if necessary.
   • Place the rolled chicken thighs seam side down into the baking dish on top of the sauce.
   • Spoon the reserved 1 cup of sauce over the chicken rolls.
   • Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to one day if not baking immediately.

Cooking

4. Bake the Chicken:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Remove the dish from the refrigerator if it was chilled, and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
   • Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

5. Prepare and Add the Crumb Topping:

   • While the chicken is baking, prepare the crumb topping. (Specific ingredients for the crumb topping are not listed, so you may use a basic mix of breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and herbs.)
   • After baking, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the chicken.
   • Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the crumb topping is lightly browned and crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Asparagus Rolled Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:

• Brown Rice Pilaf: This nutty and slightly chewy side complements the creamy sauce of the chicken rolls.
• Pickled Beets: Their tangy flavor and vibrant color add a refreshing contrast.
• Steamed Baby Potatoes: Lightly seasoned with herbs and a bit of butter, they provide a hearty accompaniment.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts add a delightful depth of flavor and color.

Tips and Variations

1. Substitute Asparagus: If asparagus is not in season, you can substitute with green beans or thinly sliced bell peppers.
2. Cheese Options: While the recipe doesn’t specify cheese, you might consider adding a thin slice of provolone, mozzarella, or a sprinkling of Parmesan for added flavor.
3. Wine Substitution: Madeira wine can be substituted with another dry white wine or even chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
4. Make-Ahead: This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the chicken rolls and refrigerate them overnight for a quick bake the next day.
5. Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

Detailed Process Breakdown

Blanching the Asparagus

Blanching is a technique used to cook vegetables quickly in boiling water and then shocking them in ice water to stop the cooking process. This method helps in preserving the bright color and crisp-tender texture of the asparagus. Here’s how you do it:

1. Boil Water: Use a pot large enough to accommodate the asparagus without overcrowding. Fill it with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Prepare Ice Water: While waiting for the water to boil, fill a large bowl with ice water.
3. Cook Asparagus: Add the asparagus to the boiling water. Depending on the thickness, it should take about 2 minutes to become crisp-tender.
4. Shock Asparagus: Immediately transfer the asparagus from the boiling water to the ice water using a slotted spoon or tongs. This stops the cooking process and keeps the asparagus from becoming too soft.
5. Drain and Dry: Once cooled, drain the asparagus well and pat it dry to remove any excess water.

Sauce Preparation

Creating the sauce involves a few steps to ensure a smooth and flavorful blend. Here’s how:

1. Sauté Mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook them until they are golden brown. Sautéing enhances their flavor by caramelizing the natural sugars.
2. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the fat-free sour cream, Madeira wine, low-fat milk, and flour. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth consistency.
3. Incorporate Mushrooms: Stir the sautéed mushrooms into the sauce mixture. This integrates the flavors and ensures that the mushrooms are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Assembling and Cooking the Chicken Rolls

Here’s a detailed step-by-step on rolling the chicken thighs with asparagus and baking them:

1. Prepare Chicken Thighs: Place the chicken thighs on a clean cutting board or work surface, boned side up. Flatten them slightly if necessary to make rolling easier.
2. Add Filling: Top each thigh with a round of cheese (if using) and then place 3 or 4 asparagus spears across the center.
3. Roll and Secure: Roll the chicken thighs tightly around the asparagus. Secure the rolls with toothpicks if needed to hold them together.
4. Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the rolled chicken thighs seam side down on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
5. Cover with Sauce: Spoon the reserved sauce over the chicken rolls to keep them moist and infuse them with flavor.
6. Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked with juices running clear.

Adding the Crumb Topping

For the final touch, the crumb topping adds texture and a golden finish:

1. Prepare Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter, grated cheese, and your favorite herbs. This mixture should be crumbly and well-coated.
2. Sprinkle and Bake: After the initial baking, sprinkle the crumb topping over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp.

Conclusion

Asparagus Rolled Chicken is a versatile and elegant dish suitable for special occasions or a delightful weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and a rich, creamy sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser. With the ability to prepare in advance and the flexibility to adapt ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy it with a variety of sides to create a complete and colorful meal that will impress your family and guests alike.