Cheesy stuffed chicken rolls are a delightful and impressive dish that can easily be the star of any dinner table. These rolls are made by stuffing chicken breasts with a cheesy, flavorful filling, then rolling them up and baking until perfectly cooked. This recipe combines the tenderness of chicken with the rich, gooey goodness of cheese, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally, but not all the way through, and then open them up like a book.
- Place each butterflied chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This helps in even cooking and makes it easier to roll.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Stuff and Roll the Chicken
- Season each chicken breast with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and dried basil.
- Spoon an equal amount of the cheese mixture onto each chicken breast.
- Carefully roll up each chicken breast, starting from one end and tucking in the sides to enclose the filling. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken Rolls
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken rolls, seam side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step helps to seal in the flavors and gives the chicken a nice crust.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Rolls
- Once the chicken rolls are seared, add the chicken broth to the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Make the Sauce
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a little water to make a slurry, then slowly add this to the saucepan, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
- Once the chicken rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Remove the toothpicks, slice the chicken rolls if desired, and drizzle with the prepared sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken: Make sure to pound the chicken evenly to ensure even cooking. Thinner pieces will roll up more easily and cook more uniformly.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella or Gouda can be great alternatives to cheddar.
- Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the filling, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for added flavor and texture.
- Sauce: The sauce can be enhanced with a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls up to the point of searing, then refrigerate them. When ready to bake, let them come to room temperature and proceed with the baking instructions.
Q2: Can I freeze the chicken rolls? Yes, you can freeze the stuffed and rolled chicken before searing. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before searing and baking.
Q3: How can I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q4: Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey breast or pork loin as alternatives to chicken.
Keto and Low Carb Version
For a keto-friendly version, replace the sun-dried tomatoes with a lower-carb vegetable like bell peppers or zucchini. Ensure the cheese and cream are full-fat versions to keep the dish within keto guidelines.
Cheesy stuffed chicken rolls are a versatile and delicious meal that can be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for guests or a comforting meal for your family, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy textures of this delightful dish!