Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast With White Wine Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 stalks fresh asparagus, trimmed
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon lemon zest
4 slices reduced-fat provolone cheese
4 toothpicks, or as needed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
3 cups chicken broth, divided
1 cup tri-colored quinoa
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup minced shallot
1 cup white wine
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning halfway through. Add garlic and stir to coat. Cook until asparagus is slightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove from heat.
Slice chicken breasts partially in half, lengthwise, to create a pocket in each. Season the insides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Fill each chicken breast with 4 asparagus stalks and 2 slices provolone cheese. Enclose the filling and use toothpicks to hold chicken closed.
Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika together in a small bowl. Use to season the outside of the chicken.
Heat remaining olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine 2 cups chicken broth and quinoa in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Transfer chicken to a serving plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
Melt butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot and cook until tender but not browned, about 6 minutes. Stir in wine and remaining chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Whisk in flour and season with salt and pepper. Continue whisking, without boiling, until sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Stir in parsley and serve over chicken and quinoa.