Restaurant-Inspired Asparagus Stuffed Chicken with Five Spice Sauce: A Delicious Homemade Recipe

There’s a special place in Hoboken, NJ, that holds a top spot on our list of favorite restaurants: Zack’s Oak Bar & Restaurant. Over the years, ever since our son and daughter-in-law made Hoboken their home, we’ve had countless memorable meals there. Among Zack’s signature dishes, their Stuffed Chicken stands out as an absolute favorite, particularly for my husband. Inspired by this culinary delight, I set out to recreate its magic in my own kitchen, and the result is what I lovingly call my “Asparagus Stuffed Chicken with Five Spice Sauce.”

This recipe is my heartfelt attempt to capture the essence of Zack’s delicious entrée, allowing us to savor its flavors right at home. While it may not be an exact replica, it’s remarkably flavorful and has become a beloved staple in our home. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, hoping it brings as much joy to your table as it does to ours.

The Heart of the Dish: Crafting the Perfect Five Spice Sauce

Before we dive into stuffing our chicken, let’s begin with the star of the show: the incredibly aromatic and complex Five Spice Sauce. This sauce is not just a condiment; it’s a flavorful marinade and glaze that elevates the entire dish. Its preparation is surprisingly simple, primarily involving some rough chopping and a quick blend in a food processor or blender.

Key Ingredients for an Authentic Five Spice Sauce

Each ingredient in this sauce plays a crucial role in building its distinctive sweet, savory, and subtly spicy profile:

• Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce: We highly recommend using a low-sodium variety. This gives you greater control over the overall saltiness of the sauce, allowing you to season to your preference. For those who are gluten-free, a low-sodium gluten-free tamari is an excellent substitute, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
• Neutral Oil: While the recipe suggests a neutral oil, I personally prefer to use extra-virgin olive oil. Although not strictly “neutral,” its robust, peppery, and fruity notes complement the sauce beautifully while adding a healthy touch. If you prefer a truly neutral flavor, avocado oil or refined coconut oil are great alternatives. It’s advisable to avoid seed oils when cooking at high temperatures, as they can become toxic when heated.
• Dry Sherry: This ingredient imparts a wonderful sweet and nutty depth to the sauce. The drier the sherry, the less sweet it will be, so choose according to your taste. For a non-alcoholic alternative that still delivers a tangy counterpoint, apple cider vinegar works well.
• Shallots: Peeled and roughly chopped, shallots provide a delicate oniony flavor that is milder and more nuanced than regular onions, making them perfect for this sophisticated sauce.
• Fresh Garlic Cloves: Freshly peeled and chopped garlic is essential for its pungent, aromatic foundation. Don’t skimp on fresh garlic; its vibrant flavor is irreplaceable.
• Fresh Ginger: Peeled and chopped, fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy, and fragrant note that is characteristic of Asian-inspired cuisine. It’s a key component of the “five spice” profile.
• Five Spice Powder: This powerful blend is a cornerstone of Chinese and Taiwanese cooking. Typically, it includes ground star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seed. The name “five-spice” also refers to the balance of the five traditional Chinese tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. This blend is where the sauce truly gets its unique character.
• Jalapeño Pepper: Seeded and chopped, the jalapeño adds a touch of heat. For a milder sauce, ensure all seeds and white inner membranes are removed. You can even soak the pepper in water or lightly roast it to further reduce its spiciness. If you crave more heat, a Serrano pepper is an excellent, spicier alternative.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Unlike white sugar, dark brown sugar contains molasses, which gives it a richer, caramel-like, and slightly nutty flavor. This depth of sweetness beautifully balances the savory and spicy elements of the sauce.
• Ground Anise Seed: This spice contributes a distinct sweet licorice flavor that harmonizes with the star anise in the five-spice powder, adding another layer of complexity.
• Kosher Salt: Used for seasoning, kosher salt is preferred for its larger crystals and purer flavor. If you must use table salt, proceed with caution, as it is finer and denser. As a general rule, use about two-thirds the amount of table salt when substituting for kosher salt to avoid over-salting.

As mentioned, the choice between a jalapeño or serrano pepper allows you to tailor the spice level. Serrano peppers are significantly hotter, so if you truly love the heat, feel free to add a few pepper seeds to your blend. This sauce is also incredibly versatile and can easily be made gluten-free with just one simple substitution: swapping regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari.

Making the Five Spice Sauce: Simple Steps for Maximum Flavor

Preparing the sauce requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor. It’s essentially a “dump and blend” process:

1. Gather and Prep: Peel and roughly chop your shallots, garlic, and ginger. Seed and chop your chosen pepper.
2. Blend Everything: Place all the sauce ingredients into a blender or the bowl of a food processor.
3. Achieve Smoothness: Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
4. Store for Later: Transfer the finished sauce to an airtight, lidded jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

You won’t use all of the sauce for this particular chicken recipe, but that’s a good thing! The leftover sauce is incredibly versatile. It makes a fantastic marinade or glaze for grilled chicken or fish, adding a burst of complex flavor to any protein. It also freezes beautifully, so you can always have some on hand for a quick and flavorful meal.

The Main Event: Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Now that our incredible Five Spice Sauce is ready, it’s time to turn our attention to the star of the plate: the stuffed chicken breasts. This elegant dish combines tender chicken with savory fillings and a delectable sauce, creating a truly satisfying meal.

Essential Ingredients for the Stuffed Chicken

Careful selection of ingredients ensures a perfect outcome:

• Large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The size and thickness of the chicken breasts are key here. You’ll be creating a pocket in each breast to hold the stuffing, so choosing thicker cuts (around 8 ounces each) is essential. Opting for organic chicken isn’t just a healthier choice; it often provides superior texture and flavor, making a noticeable difference in the final dish.
• Lemon Zest: Finely grated lemon zest adds a bright, fresh aroma and a subtle tang that beautifully cuts through the richness of the chicken and sauce. For the best results and a fine zest, I highly recommend using a microplane grater.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These foundational seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and stuffing. Always season generously but thoughtfully, especially after controlling the sodium in your soy sauce.
• Sliced Provolone Cheese: Whether you choose mild or sharp provolone, its creamy texture and tangy flavor will melt beautifully inside the chicken, binding the filling together and adding a rich, savory layer.
• Fresh Asparagus: Trimmed and of medium thickness, asparagus spears provide a vibrant green color, a slight crunch, and an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken and peppers. Medium thickness ensures they cook perfectly without becoming mushy.
• Roasted Red Pepper: Cut into thin strips, roasted red peppers offer a smoky sweetness and a tender texture, adding complexity and a beautiful splash of color to the stuffing.
• Flour: Unbleached all-purpose flour is used to dredge the chicken, creating a light coating that helps achieve a golden-brown crust during searing and slightly thickens the sauce as it bakes. I prioritize organic, non-GMO, and glyphosate-free flour, with my favorite being from Sunrise Flour Mill in Minnesota. For a gluten-free option, readily available gluten-free all-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Garlic Powder: Not to be confused with garlic salt, garlic powder provides a concentrated garlic flavor that is evenly distributed across the chicken. It’s a convenient way to add depth.
• Paprika: Sweet paprika is recommended for its mild, slightly sweet flavor derived from sweet red bell peppers. It adds a lovely color and subtle warmth without any heat.
• Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is used for searing the chicken. My preference is for single-source EVOO from Italy, as less processing generally means a healthier and more flavorful oil.
• Chicken Broth: Use your favorite prepared chicken broth or stock. If you have some homemade chicken stock on hand, by all means, use that for an even richer flavor.
• Prepared Five Spice Sauce: The delicious sauce we just prepared will be incorporated into the pan to braise the chicken, infusing it with its aromatic blend of spices.

Assembling and Cooking Your Stuffed Chicken

Follow these detailed steps to create your delicious Asparagus Stuffed Chicken:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for baking immediately after searing.
2. Prepare Chicken Pockets: Carefully cut each thick chicken breast in half lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through. Leave about a half-inch intact on one side. This creates a “pocket” or “book” shape, perfect for holding the delicious stuffing.
3. Season and Stuff: Season the inside of each chicken pocket generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and add a bright pinch of lemon zest. Lay a slice of provolone cheese, followed by 4 trimmed asparagus stalks, in the center of each breast. Top with several strips of roasted red pepper. Carefully fold the top half of the chicken breast over to enclose the filling. If handled gently, the stuffed breasts should hold together during cooking. If you find they are struggling to stay closed, you can secure the opening with one or two toothpicks – just remember to remove them before serving!
4. Dredge and Season: Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. Carefully dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the flour, ensuring both sides are lightly coated. This flour coating will help create a beautiful golden crust when searing and contributes to a slightly thickened sauce in the oven. After dredging, season both sides of the floured chicken with additional salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for an extra layer of flavor. If you are gluten-intolerant, a gluten-free flour blend works perfectly for this step.
5. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, swirling it to coat the bottom of the pan evenly. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet, top-side down. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown on top and easily releases from the pan. Carefully flip the chicken over and sear the bottom side for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to develop another delicious crust.
6. Prepare and Add Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth with 1/4 cup of the prepared five-spice sauce, stirring until well blended. If you plan to serve this chicken with mashed potatoes or rice, consider doubling the amount of broth and five-spice sauce at this stage. A generous amount of this flavorful sauce is perfect for soaking into those starchy sides! Pour the blended sauce over the browned chicken breasts in the skillet.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place an ovenproof lid on your skillet (or carefully cover it tightly with aluminum foil). Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 155°F (68°C).
8. Rest and Finish: Very carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Keep it covered and let it rest for about 5 minutes. During this resting period, the chicken’s internal temperature will naturally rise to a safe and juicy 160°F (71°C), ensuring it’s perfectly cooked and tender.
9. Slice and Serve: Once rested, cut each chicken breast into about 4 diagonal slices, showcasing the beautiful stuffed interior. Serve immediately with your favorite mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, making sure to spoon plenty of that delicious extra five-spice sauce over everything.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken with Five Spice Sauce is a complete meal in itself, especially when served with the rich, savory pan sauce. For side dishes, creamy mashed potatoes are an excellent choice, as they beautifully absorb the flavorful sauce. Fluffy white rice or brown rice also works wonderfully, providing a neutral base that allows the chicken and sauce to shine. For a lighter meal, consider serving it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Recipe

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make it a truly special dish. The Five Spice Sauce brings an exotic, aromatic, and perfectly balanced profile that coats the tender chicken. Inside, the melting provolone, crisp asparagus, and sweet roasted red peppers create a delightful surprise with every bite. The process, while involving a few steps, is straightforward and yields a gourmet meal that feels straight out of a high-end restaurant. It’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner when you want something elevated, or for entertaining guests who will surely be impressed by its sophisticated taste.

We hope you enjoy making and devouring this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken with Five Spice Sauce as much as we do. It’s a dish that truly brings a restaurant experience to your dining room, with the added satisfaction of creating it yourself. Happy cooking!

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More Delicious Chicken Dishes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken, you might also love these other fantastic chicken recipes:

• Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Beans: A hearty and comforting meal, perfect for a cozy evening.
• Chicken & Brie Ciabatta Loaf: A fantastic sandwich or appetizer with creamy brie and tender chicken.
• Chicken with Orzo, Fennel & Leeks: A delightful and aromatic one-pan meal with Mediterranean influences.