Chicken Roulade Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Stuffed Chicken Roll

Chicken Roulade is a delicious and elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

This recipe takes tender chicken breasts and fills them with a flavorful stuffing of broccoli, cheese, and bacon. The combination of savory flavors and crispy textures makes this a restaurant-quality meal that can be prepared in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Pair it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal, and you’ll be impressing your family or guests in no time!

How to Make the Perfect Chicken Roulade

Chicken Roulade is a versatile dish that allows you to customize the stuffing according to your preference.

While this recipe uses a classic combination of broccoli, cheddar cheese, and bacon, you can experiment with various ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even prosciutto.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Chicken Roulade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 strips of bacon
2 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small ones)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ cup flour (optional)
1 cup steamed and finely diced broccoli
1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the bacon over low heat until crispy, then set it aside and reserve the drippings. Once cooled, roughly chop the bacon.
Steam or boil the broccoli for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it’s cooked through, then finely dice it.
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin slices. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound them to a ¼-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. (Sprinkling with flour is optional but can help with browning when searing.)
Lay the cheese, broccoli, and bacon evenly over the chicken.
Roll the chicken tightly, starting from the narrow end, and ensure the stuffing is tucked inside as you roll. Place the chicken rolls seam-side down.
Tie each roll with kitchen twine to secure it during cooking.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon drippings (or olive oil) in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on all sides until a golden crust forms, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
Transfer the chicken to a lightly greased baking dish, seam-side down. Cover and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Roulade

Pound the chicken thin: This step ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to stay tender. Aim for no thicker than ¼-inch, as the chicken will plump up slightly during cooking.

Use the smooth side of the meat mallet and cover the chicken with plastic wrap to prevent tearing.

If the tenderloin separates from the breast, don’t worry! You can remove it, pound the rest, and use the tenderloin for another dish or freeze it for later.

Always ensure that the smoother side of the chicken is facing down so that when rolled, the outside has a uniform, appealing texture.

Stuffing Variations

Chicken Roulade is endlessly customizable. Here are some other delicious stuffing combinations you can try:

Sundried tomatoes, Parmesan, and goat cheese
Spinach, roasted red peppers, and feta
Ham and cheddar or Swiss cheese
Prosciutto and mozzarella
Brie and cranberry
Artichokes and Parmesan
Herb cream cheese and mushrooms

Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the best things about Chicken Roulade is that you can prepare it in advance:

Stuff and roll the chicken up to 2 days ahead of time and refrigerate.
For longer storage, wrap the chicken in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw the chicken thoroughly before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Roulade pairs perfectly with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple garden salad.

Its elegant presentation makes it a great option for dinner parties, but it’s also easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Roulade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

When reheating, place it in the oven or microwave until it’s heated through to maintain its crispy texture.

Tools You’ll Need

Meat mallet: For pounding the chicken.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the chicken.
Kitchen twine: To secure the chicken rolls.
Baking dish: Use a dish that’s big enough to fit the rolls without crowding them.
Meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of cheese for the stuffing?

Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or goat cheese depending on your taste preferences.

How do I prevent the chicken from tearing when pounding it?

To prevent tearing, use the smooth side of a meat mallet and cover the chicken with plastic wrap before pounding.

Can I prepare Chicken Roulade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Roulade?

Great side dishes include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

How do I ensure the chicken stays moist and tender?

To keep the chicken moist, make sure to pound it thin and avoid overcooking. Cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F ensures that it’s perfectly done.

Reference Links

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Chicken Roulade Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Stuffed Chicken Roll