Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast

1. Stage

Prepare filling: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and saute until tender and translucent, about 6 minutes; be careful not to brown them. Stir in asparagus and garlic; cook for 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool, about 5 minutes.

2. Stage

Add goat cheese, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to the cooled shallots and mix to combine.

3. Stage

Prepare chicken: Slice horizontally through each chicken breast, starting at the thinner edge and going 2/3 of the way through so they can open like a book.

4. Stage

Spread 1/4 of the filling over the inside of each breast, leaving a 1/2-inch border uncovered. Close breasts to enclose the filling and secure with a toothpick if desired. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper over the breasts.

5. Stage

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

6. Stage

Heat oil in a large, oven-proof, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange seasoned chicken, skin-side down, in the hot pan. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Gently turn and cook for 3 more minutes.

7. Stage

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 15 to 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove from the oven and transfer to a platter to keep warm.

8. Stage

Add butter to the same skillet and melt over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook until tender but not browned, about 6 minutes. Pour wine and chicken broth into the pan and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Reduce heat and maintain a simmer for 3 minutes.

9. Stage

Whisk egg yolks with remaining 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a small bowl. Pour about 1/4 cup of the hot sauce into the egg yolk mixture and whisk quickly to combine. Add egg yolk mixture to the skillet, whisking continuously without letting it boil. Cook until sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes. Stir in parsley and tarragon.

10. Stage

Serve warm sauce over chicken.