Ever dream of restaurant-quality chicken at home? This recipe, straight from a French kitchen, delivers unbelievably juicy and flavorful chicken rolls that will impress your family and friends. The secret? A clever layering technique that infuses the chicken with cheesy goodness and savory vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Rolls:
- 1 kg chicken breast fillets (boneless, skinless)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 150g soft processed cheese
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 200g grated cheese (your favorite blend)
- Bunch of spring onions, finely chopped
- Bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 150-200g sour cream
For the Baking and Serving:
- Vegetable oil for greasing the baking dish
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- 2-3 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 long cucumber, sliced
- 70g grated cheese (your favorite blend)
- 100g pitted olives, sliced
- 200g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Your favorite aromatic vegetable oil (olive oil, avocado oil, etc.)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Wash and pat dry the chicken breasts. Lay them flat on a cutting board and, using a meat mallet, carefully pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Layer the Flavor: Spread a thin layer of soft processed cheese over each chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the grated carrot, followed by the cheese blend, spring onions, and parsley. Roll up the chicken tightly, starting from a short end. Secure the rolls with toothpicks if needed.
- Bake to Perfection: Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil. Arrange the chicken rolls seam-side down in the dish. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with a splash of water to thin it slightly. Brush the sour cream mixture generously over the chicken rolls. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Assemble and Enjoy: While the chicken bakes, prepare your serving platter. Arrange lettuce leaves on the bottom, followed by sliced tomatoes and cucumber.
- Cheese Heaven: Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F). Sprinkle the cooked rolls with the remaining grated cheese, sliced olives, and shredded mozzarella. Bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finishing Touches: Transfer the cheesy chicken rolls to the serving platter, drizzling them with your favorite aromatic vegetable oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Enjoy immediately, savor the juicy chicken and burst of flavors, and impress everyone with your French restaurant-inspired dish!
Tips
- For extra juicy chicken, use a marinade before rolling. Simply mix olive oil, lemon juice, your favorite herbs (rosemary, thyme), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
- Get creative with the fillings! Substitute the grated carrot with finely chopped spinach or bell peppers. Replace the processed cheese with ricotta cheese or pesto for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
This recipe is a true game-changer for weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and a clever technique, you can achieve restaurant-quality chicken that is both delicious and impressive. So, fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the juiciest chicken rolls you’ve ever tasted!
