Chicken Asparagus Roll-Ups
Tender chicken breasts stuffed with Swiss cheese and asparagus are rolled, browned, then simmered in a lemony vegetable sauce—an elegant, flavorful dish perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 whole chicken breasts, skinned and boned ⓘ
- 6 oz. sliced low-sodium Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 10 oz. fresh asparagus ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. low-salt vegetable juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. lemon peel, grated ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Place one slice of Swiss cheese and three asparagus stalks on each chicken breast.
- Roll up the chicken breasts and secure with toothpicks.
- In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the roll-ups until browned on all sides.
- Stir in 1 1/4 cups of vegetable juice, chopped onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon peel. Reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 25 minutes or until the chicken is tender, turning once during cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix remaining vegetable juice with cornstarch; cook until thickened.
- Serve the chicken roll-ups topped with the sauce over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil before rolling. If fresh asparagus is unavailable, frozen can be used, but be sure to thaw and pat dry to avoid excess moisture. You can also substitute Swiss cheese for provolone or mozzarella for a different taste. Adjust the cornstarch amount for desired sauce thickness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these roll-ups over a bed of hot cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements the dish well. For a complete meal, consider pairing with a light white wine or browse more American recipes for additional side options.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Asparagus Roll-Ups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of vegetable juice until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, covered, to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Asparagus Roll-Ups contains roughly 174 calories, with 13g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1256mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus?
Yes, you can substitute asparagus with other vegetables like spinach or sliced bell peppers. Just ensure they are cooked slightly before adding them to the chicken to ensure they are tender by the end of cooking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Chicken Asparagus Roll-Ups gluten-free, ensure that the vegetable juice and cornstarch are certified gluten-free. Additionally, serve it over quinoa or a gluten-free grain instead of rice for a delicious alternative.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll-ups and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out. This makes it easier to enjoy a quick meal later.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).