The Enchanting Ricotta & Herb Stuffed Chicken Roulade: A Culinary Masterpiece
Introduction
This Ricotta & Herb Stuffed Chicken Roulade is the undisputed star of my dinner parties—a dish that consistently elicits audible praise, recipe requests, and contented silence as guests savor each bite. It transforms simple chicken breast into an elegant, flavorful spiral of creamy ricotta, fresh herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes, all wrapped in a crisp, golden prosciutto blanket. It’s a visually stunning centerpiece that promises and delivers extraordinary taste.
A Brief History & Cultural Roots
The technique of roulading—rolling and stuffing meat—has roots across European cuisines, from Italian involtini to French paupiettes. This particular recipe is a modern homage to the Italian tradition of stuffing poultry with rich cheeses and herbs, a practice dating back to Renaissance banquets where displaying skill in meat preparation was a sign of hospitality and wealth. The use of prosciutto adds a signature Italian salumi touch, preserving moisture and imparting a deep, savory depth.
Why This Dish Captivates
· Theatrical Presentation: The spiral reveal when sliced never fails to impress.
· Perfect Texture Contrast: Tender chicken, creamy filling, and crispy prosciutto.
· Harmonious Flavor Layers: Mild ricotta balances the salty prosciutto and tangy tomatoes, unified by aromatic herbs.
· Surprisingly Achievable: While it looks chef-crafted, the method is straightforward and forgiving.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is a balanced meal in itself:
· High-Quality Protein: Chicken breast supports muscle repair and satiety.
· Calcium & Probiotics: Ricotta provides calcium for bones.
· Antioxidants: Herbs and sun-dried tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene.
· Moderate Calories: When portioned correctly, it’s a satisfying yet relatively lean entrée.
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The Grand Recipe
Ingredients
(Serves 6-8)
For the Chicken & Wrap:
· 4 large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
· 8-12 slices of thin prosciutto (enough to wrap each roulade)
· 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
· Kitchen twine or toothpicks
For the Ricotta-Herb Filling:
· 1 ½ cups (375g) whole-milk ricotta, well-drained
· ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· ⅓ cup (50g) sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), finely chopped
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
· 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
· 1 tbsp fresh oregano or thyme, chopped
· 1 tsp lemon zest
· ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pan Sauce (Optional but Recommended):
· ½ cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
· 1 cup chicken broth
· 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
· 1 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped
Equipment
· Meat mallet or rolling pin
· Plastic wrap
· Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
· Instant-read thermometer
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Step-by-Step Instructions & Method
1. Preparation: The Foundation
· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
· Prepare the Chicken: Place one chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound evenly until about ¼-inch thick. Repeat for all breasts. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
· Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, all herbs, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Mix until cohesive. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Formation: Creating the Roulade
· Lay 2-3 slices of prosciutto slightly overlapping on a clean surface, forming a rectangle wide enough to wrap the chicken.
· Place one pounded chicken breast over the prosciutto.
· Spread a generous ¼ of the ricotta mixture evenly over the chicken, leaving a ½-inch border.
· The Roll: Starting from the shorter end, tightly roll the chicken up, using the prosciutto to help encase it. The prosciutto should wrap around the outside.
· Secure: Tie securely with 3-4 pieces of kitchen twine or fasten with toothpicks. Repeat for all breasts.
3. Cooking: Searing & Baking
· In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
· Sear the roulades on all sides until the prosciutto is crisp and golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.
· Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
· Remove from oven, transfer roulades to a plate, and tent with foil to rest for 10 minutes. This rest is crucial for juicy slices.
4. Pan Sauce (The Flavor Amplifier)
· While the chicken rests, make the sauce in the same skillet (handle will be hot!).
· Place skillet over medium heat. Pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up all the browned bits. Let it reduce by half.
· Add chicken broth and reduce again by about one-third.
· Remove from heat and whisk in cold butter until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened. Stir in fresh herbs.
5. Presentation & Serving
· Remove twine/toothpicks from the roulades. Using a very sharp knife, slice each into 1-inch thick rounds.
· Arrange slices on a warm platter, slightly fanned out. Drizzle with pan sauce and garnish with extra fresh herbs.
· Serve immediately alongside roasted potatoes, garlic sautéed spinach, or a simple arugula salad.
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For the Lovers of Flavor: Customizations
· Mushroom Lovers: Add sautéed wild mushrooms to the filling.
· Spinach Lovers: Wilt ½ cup of spinach, squeeze dry, and mix into the ricotta.
· Bacon Lovers: Substitute prosciutto with thin-cut smoked bacon (par-cook first).
Conclusion: The Ultimate Dinner Party Triumph
This Ricotta & Herb Stuffed Chicken Roulade is more than a recipe—it’s an experience. It masterfully combines technique, flavor, and presentation to create a dish that feels both luxurious and deeply satisfying. The history on the plate speaks of tradition, while the taste is unmistakably vibrant and modern. It nourishes the body with quality ingredients and the soul with shared culinary joy. When you present this golden, spiraled masterpiece, you’re not just serving dinner; you’re creating a memorable event, the kind where guests talk about “that amazing chicken” long after the party ends. It is, without fail, the recipe that turns a host into a legend among their friends.