Chicken roulade is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s all about wrapping tender chicken around a flavorful filling and then roasting it to perfection. Picture yourself slicing through the golden-brown exterior to reveal a juicy, savory filling inside. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or just treating yourself, this chicken roulade will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Roulade
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a weeknight meal feel extra special, chicken roulade is your new go-to dish. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Elegant Yet Easy: Looks like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant, but it’s simple to prepare.
Impressive: Your friends and family will be amazed by how beautifully the chicken roulade turns out, and it’s sure to impress.
Customizable: You can change up the filling to suit your tastes—spinach, cheese, or mushrooms—anything goes.
Versatile: Serve it with mashed potatoes, veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish has a bit of everything: savory chicken, flavorful stuffing, and a crispy exterior. It’s a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients in Chicken Roulade
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for rolling up the flavorful filling.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps hold the filling together.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and flavor, plus it pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
Garlic: For that aromatic touch of flavor.
Herbs (Thyme, Parsley, or Basil): Fresh herbs bring a burst of freshness to the filling.
Shredded Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend—your choice for that melty, gooey goodness inside.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Olive Oil: For searing and roasting the roulades.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them with a meat mallet until they’re about ½-inch thick. This makes them easier to roll.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, spinach, garlic, herbs, and shredded cheese. Stir until well-combined and season with salt and pepper.
Fill the Chicken: Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each chicken breast. Then carefully roll them up, securing the filling inside. Use toothpicks to hold the chicken in place.
Sear the Roulades: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken roulades and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Roast to Perfection: Transfer the seared roulades to a preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove Toothpicks & Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove the toothpicks, slice the roulades, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Roulade
Chicken roulade is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.
- Pair with a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the chicken.
- Add a side of garlic bread for a delicious, satisfying dinner.
- You can also drizzle the roulades with a light sauce, like a white wine cream sauce, for extra indulgence.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Feel free to swap out the spinach for other veggies, like sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the cream cheese mixture.
- If you want a crispy finish, broil the roulades for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Make this dish ahead of time: Assemble the roulades and refrigerate until ready to cook.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make chicken roulade ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the roulades, cover them, and refrigerate for up to a day before cooking.
2. Can I use boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless thighs work wonderfully and can add extra juiciness.
3. What if I don’t have a meat mallet?
No worries! You can use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently flatten the chicken.
4. Can I freeze chicken roulade?
Yes, you can freeze the roulades before baking. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. To cook, just thaw in the fridge and follow the baking instructions.
5. Can I use different fillings for the roulade?
Yes! You can use a variety of fillings like ricotta, mushrooms, or prosciutto. Get creative with your ingredients!
6. How do I make sure the chicken is cooked through?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
7. Can I make the sauce for the roulade?
Absolutely! You can serve the roulade with a creamy sauce, such as a mushroom or garlic cream sauce.
8. Can I grill the roulade instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling the roulade adds a nice smoky flavor. Just sear the roulade in a skillet first, then finish on the grill.
9. Can I use store-bought spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works fine as long as you thaw it and squeeze out the excess water before using.
10. How do I keep the roulade from unrolling?
Using toothpicks is key to keeping the roulade intact while it cooks. You can also tie it with kitchen twine for extra security.
Conclusion
Chicken roulade is an elegant yet simple dish that will elevate any meal. With its flavorful filling and tender chicken, it’s the perfect dinner for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s both delicious and impressive. Enjoy the process of making it as much as you’ll enjoy eating it!
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Chicken Roulade
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken roulade is a flavorful and elegant dish where chicken breasts are stuffed with a savory filling, rolled up, and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound with a meat mallet until they are even in thickness (about 1/2 inch thick).
- In a bowl, mix together spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the filling evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Roll up each chicken breast tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Coat the rolled chicken in breadcrumbs for a crispy outer layer.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken roulades for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove toothpicks before serving. Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the spinach with other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and skip the breadcrumbs.
- Serve with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg