Ingredients

  • 4 skinned and boned chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (5-oz.) package baby spinach
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced and divided
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 12 fresh thin asparagus spears (about 1 lb.)
  • Wooden picks
  • 5 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons drained capers

Method

  • Preheat oven to 425°. Place chicken between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap, and flatten to 1/4-inch thickness using flat side of a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle chicken with pepper and salt.
  • Saute spinach and 2 minced garlic cloves in 2 tsp. hot oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat 1 minute or until spinach begins to wilt. Transfer spinach mixture to a plate. Wipe skillet clean.
  • Spoon spinach mixture over each breast, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges. Top with asparagus, and roll up, starting at 1 short side. Tuck in ends of chicken, and secure with wooden picks.
  • Melt 3 Tbsp. butter with 2 Tbsp. olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Transfer skillet to oven, and bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate, and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
  • Melt remaining 2 Tbsp. butter in skillet over medium-high heat; add remaining garlic. Saute 1 to 2 minutes or until tender and fragrant. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute. Add white wine; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Whisk in chicken broth and lemon juice; cook 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in parsley and capers; spoon sauce over chicken. Serve immediately.