Chicken rolls stuffed with spinach and cheese make for a delicious and elegant meal. Here's a recipe to guide you through making them:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or a combination of cheeses)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but adds flavor to the spinach)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks for securing the rolls
- Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for a crispy topping or coating
Instructions:
-
Prepare the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken until it is about 1/4 inch thick. This helps it cook evenly and makes it easier to roll.
-
Cook the spinach: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
-
Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, shredded cheese, and Parmesan. Mix until everything is well combined.
-
Stuff and roll the chicken: Place about 2 tablespoons of the spinach and cheese mixture onto each flattened chicken breast. Roll up the chicken tightly and secure each roll with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
-
Optional breadcrumb coating: If you'd like a crispy exterior, you can roll the stuffed chicken in breadcrumbs before cooking.
-
Cook the chicken rolls: You can either bake or pan-fry the chicken:
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken rolls in a greased baking dish, seam side down. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Pan-frying: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken rolls on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
-
Serve: Let the chicken rolls rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve them whole or sliced, with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, salad, or pasta.
Tips:
- You can use different cheeses, like feta or goat cheese, for a tangier flavor.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or herbs to the filling for extra flavor.
Enjoy your flavorful chicken rolls with spinach and cheese stuffing!
