Elegant Stuffed Chicken and Asparagus Bundles

Method:

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a small baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

2. 2

   Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onions and garlic; cook for 1 minute.

3. 3

   Add the celery, carrot, and mushrooms; cook until the vegetables have softened. Stir in the cornbread and Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then set aside.

4. 4

   Lay the chicken breasts flat on a work surface. Create a pocket in each breast by using a paring knife to make a horizontal cut down one side; making sure not to cut all the way through. Stuff the breasts with enough cornbread mixture to make them quite plump.

5. 5

   Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then place into the prepared baking dish.

6. 6

   Bake in preheated oven until a thermometer inserted into the center of the stuffing reads 160 degrees F (70 degrees C), about 45 minutes.

7. 7

   While the chicken is cooking, divide the asparagus spears into two, 6-piece portions, and wrap each bundle with a slice of bacon.

8. 8

   Place into a shallow baking dish, and bake along with the chicken during the final 20 minutes. The asparagus should be soft, and the bacon crisp when done.

9. 9

   To serve, slice the breasts on the diagonal into 1/4-inch slices. Fan the slices out into a half-moon shape on one side of the plate, and place an asparagus bundle on the other.

Adapted from Allrecipes