This recipe promises to take your weeknight dinners to a whole new level! It boasts juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy cheese mixture and wrapped in a blanket of melty mozzarella. But the secret weapon? A trick learned straight from a French restaurant!
Dinnertime blues got you down? We all know the struggle of coming up with creative and satisfying meals night after night. Especially when it feels like every recipe you reach for is either a) bland and boring, b) involves hours of prep work, or c) ends up looking nothing like the picture (let’s be real, food photography is a magical world).
Well, fret no more! This recipe is here to change your weeknight routine. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to leave everyone at the table raving. I’m talking about juicy chicken rolls, stuffed with a creamy, cheesy surprise, and baked to golden perfection. But here’s the best part: this recipe has a secret weapon – a hidden ingredient straight from a French restaurant that takes the whole dish to a whole new level. Intrigued? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Juicy: The chicken is seasoned perfectly and cooked to retain its moisture.
- Creamy Surprise: The processed cheese and sour cream filling adds a delightful richness.
- Veggie Delight: Chopped carrots, green onions, and parsley bring pops of color, flavor, and freshness.
- The French Secret: We’ll get to that in a bit, but it involves using a common ingredient in an unexpected way!
- Easy and Customizable: With straightforward steps and a variety of fillings to explore (more on that later!), this recipe is a winner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 kg (2 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 10 g (0.4 oz) salt
- 8 g (0.3 oz) black pepper
For the Filling:
- 200 g (7.1 oz) processed cheese, cubed
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 200 g (7.1 oz) cheddar cheese, grated
- 50 g (1.8 oz) green onion, chopped
- 40 g (1.4 oz) parsley, chopped
- 200 g (7.1 oz) sour cream
For the Assembly:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) lettuce leaves
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 150 g (5.3 oz) cheese (any kind you like!), grated for garnish
- 150 g (5.3 oz) green olives, pitted and halved
- 10 g (0.4 oz) salt
- 5 g (0.2 oz) black pepper
- 30 ml (1 fl oz) olive oil
- 200 g (7.1 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by carefully slicing them horizontally, stopping about halfway through so you can open them like a book. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cubed processed cheese, chopped carrot, grated cheddar cheese, chopped green onion, chopped parsley, and sour cream. Mix well to create a spreadable mixture.
- The French Secret Revealed! Here’s the exciting part: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (not included in the original ingredient list) on the inside of each butterflied chicken breast. This adds a subtle tang that elevates the overall flavor – a true French restaurant touch!
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the mustard-coated chicken breasts. Roll them up tightly, securing them with toothpicks if needed. In a baking dish lined with lettuce leaves, arrange the rolled chicken breasts.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and the grated cheese of your choice. Scatter green olives around the dish for a decorative touch.
- Bake it Up! Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the chicken rolls for 30 minutes. Then, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy! Let the chicken rolls cool slightly before removing the toothpicks (if used). Slice them into portions and serve with your favorite sides.
Tips and Customization
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations for the filling. Goat cheese, brie, or a blend of your favorites would work well.
- You can add cooked chopped vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms to the filling for extra texture and nutrients.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The juicy chicken, creamy filling, and cheesy topping come together to create a delightful and satisfying meal. So, impress your family with this restaurant-worthy
