Baked Chicken Roulade

Baked Chicken Roulade is an elegant and flavorful dish that features tender chicken breasts stuffed with a savory filling, rolled up, and baked to golden perfection. The filling often includes ingredients like spinach, cheese, herbs, and sometimes cured meats like prosciutto, which add layers of flavor. Once rolled and secured, the chicken is lightly seasoned, seared for a golden crust, and then baked until juicy and cooked through. The roulades are typically sliced into medallions, revealing the colorful, flavorful filling inside.

I first made Baked Chicken Roulade for a dinner party when I wanted something impressive yet manageable. The presentation is stunning, and the flavor combinations are endless—you can customize the filling to suit your preferences. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is; it pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is a surefire way to elevate your meal!

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Special occasions
Holiday meals
Dinner parties
Chicken lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Baked Chicken Roulade will become your new favorite dish:

Flavorful Stuffing: The stuffing, whether with spinach, cheese, or herbs, infuses the chicken with rich flavors.
Elegant Presentation: The roulade is visually stunning and will impress guests with its spiral cut and crisp golden crust.
Juicy Chicken: The chicken stays moist and tender thanks to the stuffing, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Versatile Filling Options: You can customize the filling to suit your preferences, from Mediterranean to creamy cheese options.
Simple Yet Sophisticated: While it may look complicated, this dish is straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for home cooks.
Healthy and Hearty: Packed with protein and vegetables, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying.
Make-Ahead Meal: The roulade can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving, making it ideal for meal prep.
Impressive for Guests: The roulade’s elegant appearance will certainly wow your dinner guests.
Crispy and Golden: The chicken skin crisps up beautifully during baking, adding a delightful crunch.
Low Carb Option: Serve it with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a healthy, low-carb meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Roulade:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

The Filling:

1 cup spinach, chopped
½ cup ricotta cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated

For the Sauce (optional):

1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Ingredient Highlights

Spinach: Provides a burst of color and nutrients, making the filling both tasty and healthy.
Ricotta and Mozzarella: These cheeses create a creamy, melty filling that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add aromatic freshness, balancing the richness of the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
Butterfly the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Slice each breast horizontally to create a pocket for the filling.
Season the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

Prepare the Filling:

Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. Stir until fully combined.

Assemble the Roulade:

Stuff the Chicken: Spread a generous amount of filling over the inside of each chicken breast. Roll them up tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each roulade for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Bake the Roulade:

Transfer to the Oven: Place the seared chicken roulades in the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest the Chicken: Allow the roulades to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Sauce (optional):

Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper.
Serve the Sauce: Drizzle the sauce over the sliced roulades or serve it on the side.

Serve:

Slice and Serve: Slice the roulades into thick rounds and serve with your favorite sides.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Baked Chicken Roulade:

With Mashed Potatoes: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a mix of roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers.
On a Bed of Greens: Place the roulade slices on a bed of fresh arugula or spinach for a light meal.
With Rice Pilaf: Serve alongside a fragrant rice pilaf for a complete dinner.
For a Fancy Dinner Party: Serve on a large platter with a drizzle of sauce for a sophisticated touch.
With a Tomato Salad: A fresh tomato salad with a vinaigrette complements the richness of the roulade.
With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a cozy, hearty meal.
For a Low-Carb Meal: Pair with cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach for a healthier option.
As an Elegant Lunch: Serve cold slices with a light salad for an elegant lunch.
With a Side of Pasta: Pair with a simple pasta dish like spaghetti aglio e olio for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the roulades ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving.
Adjust Fillings: Feel free to change up the stuffing ingredients based on your preferences—try adding mushrooms, olives, or even a few slices of prosciutto.
Ensure Even Cooking: Make sure to sear the chicken evenly on all sides to lock in moisture before baking.
Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Recipe Variations

Spinach and Artichoke Filling: Swap the ricotta for cream cheese and add chopped artichoke hearts for a creamy twist.
Mushroom and Swiss Filling: Use sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a more earthy flavor.
Pesto and Chicken Roulade: Spread a layer of basil pesto inside the chicken for a fresh, herby filling.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese: Use goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired filling.
Cheddar and Jalapeño: Add some spice with a cheddar cheese and jalapeño stuffing.
Vegan Roulade: Use a plant-based chicken substitute and stuff with vegan cheese and vegetables.
Beef Bacon and Cheese: Add crispy beef bacon to the filling for a smoky, savory flavor.

Special Equipment

Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: To even out the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Skillet: For searing the chicken before baking.
Baking Dish: For baking the roulades.
Kitchen Twine or Toothpicks: To secure the roulades while baking.
Meat Thermometer: To check the internal temperature and ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe and will provide a juicier filling.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to roll the chicken tightly and secure it well with toothpicks or twine.
Can I make the roulade in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the roulade the day before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
What sides go best with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad all pair wonderfully with this roulade.
Can I freeze the roulade?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled roulades before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
Can I skip searing the chicken?
Searing is recommended for extra flavor and to lock in moisture, but you can skip it if necessary.
What can I substitute for ricotta?
You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese or mascarpone for a creamier filling.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or white wine can be used as alternatives in the sauce.
How do I keep the roulades juicy?
Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
Can I add extra cheese to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with extra cheese varieties like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Roulade is an elegant and flavorful dish that features tender chicken breasts rolled up with a delicious filling, then baked to juicy perfection. The roulade can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, or even herbs and prosciutto, creating a dish that’s as versatile as it is impressive. The golden-brown exterior pairs beautifully with the savory and creamy filling, making every slice a delightful burst of flavor and texture.

This recipe is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions, as the roulade is easy to prepare ahead of time and looks stunning when served. Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. You can also drizzle a light sauce, such as a lemon-butter or white wine reduction, over the roulade for an added touch of sophistication.

I can’t wait to see how your Baked Chicken Roulade turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your elegant creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!