Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 10 medium size green asparagus
• 2 large slices of smoked ham
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ all purpose (plain) flour
• 1 egg
• A splash of milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and Pepper

Steps

• Step 1

  Preheat your oven to 320°F – 160°C

• Step 2

  Place a pot of water and bring to the boil. You can add salt but I don’t believe it’s necessary. Trim the ends of your asparagus, I like them the same size as the breast, however you can have them sticking out if you prefer longer. Place in boiling water and blanch for one minute. Drain, refresh in cold water and drain again, then set aside.

• Step 3

  Butterfly cut or slice the chicken breasts flat to the board but not all the way through (like a book). Open up the breast and sandwich it in cling film and using a meat mallet or the underside of a flat saucepan, pound the breast until flat. Make the edges thinner so it will seal better once rolled.

• Step 4

  Season with salt and pepper. Add a slice of ham keeping it away from the edges. Add half the grated cheddar cheese. Place half the asparagus on the chicken, not centered, you want it more to one side. Then roll from that side nice and tightly.

• Step 5

  Get a crumbing station ready with one plate of flour, one plate of bread crumbs and a bowl of egg wash using one egg and a splash of milk, beaten. Roll the chickens first in the flour, then the eggwash and then the breadcrumbs. One coat should be enough. Pack it gently using your hands so the crumbs stick well.

• Step 6

  In an oven proof frying pan on low to medium heat, add the olive oil and once slightly hot, start to fry the chickens until golden brown, keep rolling them until each part is done. Low heat is better than high. Once brown all over, transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes at 320°F – 160°C. Once cooked, rest 5 minutes in the pan before serving. If any juices in pan, spoon them onto plate.

Little Tips

You can also grill the asparagus for an even better flavour

Spread a little grated garlic on the inside of the chicken for extra taste.