There’s something so elegant and impressive about a chicken roulade. You know the kind of dish that looks like it belongs in a fancy restaurant, but you can totally pull it off at home? Yup, this is one of those. Picture this: juicy chicken breasts, rolled up with a mouthwatering filling—maybe spinach, cheese, or even bacon—then seared to golden perfection and baked until the whole thing melts together into a delicious masterpiece. Trust me, once you try making this, you’ll be serving it for special occasions, or whenever you want to feel like a culinary genius.
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Why You’ll Love Chicken Roulade
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating something that wows everyone at the table. Whether you’re having a quiet dinner for two, a family feast, or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this dish is a total showstopper. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can get creative with the fillings. Want a creamy spinach and cheese stuffing? Go for it! Or maybe you prefer a hearty, savory stuffing with mushrooms and herbs? It’s all up to you.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken breasts are an affordable protein, and the fillings can be made with whatever ingredients you have on hand. You can make a fancy meal without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: Though it looks fancy, this recipe is surprisingly easy to pull off. The steps are straightforward and beginner-friendly, so you can impress without stress.
Customizable: Play around with the stuffing ingredients based on what you have. Swap in different cheeses, add roasted red peppers, or throw in some fresh herbs for an extra flavor kick.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good chicken dish, and this roulade is juicy, flavorful, and visually stunning. It’s a perfect way to make chicken dinner feel extra special.
Ingredients in Chicken Roulade
This dish might look like it takes a lot of effort, but the truth is it’s made with a few simple ingredients. You’ll need:
Chicken Breasts: The base of the roulade. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts—perfectly tender once cooked.
Spinach: A classic filling that pairs beautifully with chicken. Fresh or frozen spinach works, just make sure to squeeze out the excess water if you’re using frozen.
Cheese: Go for a mild cheese like mozzarella or something sharp like cheddar. Or mix in a few varieties for an extra cheesy bite.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds that savory flavor to the filling. It’s just the right punch of flavor.
Breadcrumbs: For a little texture and a crispy coating. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and giving it a lovely, golden crust.
Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and maybe a few dried herbs like thyme or oregano to bring everything together.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get to the good stuff—making the roulade!
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. You’ll need it hot to get that perfect roast on your roulade.
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound the chicken with a meat mallet until it’s about ½ inch thick. This step ensures your roulade is tender and cooks evenly.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the spinach, cheese, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.
Assemble the Roulade: Lay each flattened chicken breast on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the filling over the chicken, leaving a little room at the edges. Starting at one end, carefully roll the chicken up, tucking in the sides as you go. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold it together.
Cook the Roulade: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roulades for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The outside will be crispy, and the inside will be juicy with the perfect melt of filling.
Finishing Touches: Let the roulades rest for 5 minutes before slicing into them. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for a cleaner slice.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the roulade into 1-inch pieces and serve with your favorite side dishes—roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad would be perfect.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Roulade
Chicken roulade pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete the meal:
Fresh Salads: A bright, refreshing salad with greens, vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese works wonderfully to balance out the richness of the roulade.
Roasted Vegetables: Think roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers—light, flavorful, and the perfect complement to the savory roulade.
Potatoes: Mashed, roasted, or even a creamy potato gratin—potatoes and chicken are a classic combo that can’t go wrong.
Rice or Couscous: For a bit of texture, serve the roulade alongside fluffy rice or couscous to soak up any delicious juices.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the roulades ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling for a little heat, or try adding sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
Dietary Adjustments: To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative. You can also use dairy-free cheese if you prefer a non-dairy version.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to avoid drying out the chicken.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully. Make an extra batch, wrap it tightly, and freeze for a quick and easy meal later on.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the spinach with other greens?
A1: Yes! You can use kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula. Just make sure to sauté the greens beforehand if they’re tougher than spinach.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely. Assemble the roulades, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the chicken’s juiciness.
Q4: Can I freeze the roulades?
A4: Yes, freeze them before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Of course! Just make sure you have a large enough skillet, or you can bake the roulades in two separate dishes.
Q6: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A6: Definitely! Thighs will give you a juicier roulade, and they’ll work just as well in this recipe.
Q7: What other fillings can I use?
A7: Try roasted red peppers, prosciutto, mushrooms, or even a mix of herbs and ricotta. The possibilities are endless!
Q8: Do I need to use toothpicks to secure the roulades?
A8: It’s recommended to keep the roulades together, but if you don’t have toothpicks, you can use kitchen twine.
Q9: How do I know when the roulades are cooked through?
A9: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q10: Can I make this dish without an oven-safe skillet?
A10: Yes! You can sear the roulades in a regular skillet and transfer them to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.
This Chicken Roulade is a true crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So grab your chicken breasts, get creative with your fillings, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s both beautiful and delicious!
Print
Chicken Roulade
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Roulade with a cheesy broccoli stuffing and crispy bacon is a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare with everyday ingredients. Perfect for a special dinner or to impress guests!
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon, drippings reserved
- 2 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup flour (optional)
- 1 cup broccoli, steamed and finely diced
- 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon:
Cook bacon over low heat until crispy, then reserve the drippings and chop the bacon once cooled. - Prepare the Chicken:
Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then pound them to ¼-inch thickness. Smooth side facing down for rolling. - Stuff the Chicken:
Evenly distribute shredded cheddar cheese, diced broccoli, and chopped bacon over the center of each chicken piece. - Roll the Chicken:
Roll the chicken upwards, tucking in the filling, and secure with kitchen twine. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Optionally, sprinkle with flour for color. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat bacon drippings in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on all sides until golden, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake covered for 15 minutes, then uncovered for 15 more minutes. - Rest and Serve:
Let chicken rest for 5-8 minutes before serving. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans!
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roulade
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 150mg