Marinated chicken breast roll with cheese and spinach
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marination time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4
It is said that preparing a roll is a true culinary art, a dance of flavors and textures that can transform a simple ingredient into a feast of tastes. The marinated chicken breast roll, filled with cheese and spinach, is a perfect example of comfort food that brings a smile to anyone who enjoys it. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, even for beginners.
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- 150 g spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 50 g crumbled cheese (or cheddar, feta)
- 1 egg
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon basil olive oil
- 60 ml olive oil
- 50 ml white wine
- A little water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step by step for a perfect roll:
1. Preparing the chicken breast:
Start by slicing the chicken breast in half lengthwise. Cover each piece with plastic wrap, then use a meat mallet to gently pound until you achieve two even slices, about 1 cm thick. This step not only helps the chicken cook evenly but also aids in absorbing the flavors from the marinade.
2. Marinating the chicken:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and basil olive oil. Brush each chicken slice with this mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. Marinating the chicken will add a special flavor to your roll.
3. Preparing the filling:
If using fresh spinach, blanch it for a few minutes in boiling water, then drain well and chop finely. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is completely thawed and drained. In a pan, heat 30 ml of olive oil. Peel and quarter the onion, and slice the garlic. Add the onion and garlic to the hot oil and let them brown nicely until golden and fragrant. Remove from the pan and add the chopped spinach, allowing it to cook over medium heat until all the liquid evaporates.
4. Combining the ingredients:
Let the spinach mixture cool slightly, then add the cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. The nutmeg will add a touch of warmth and complexity to the filling.
5. Filling and rolling the chicken:
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and evenly spread the spinach filling over each slice. Gently roll the slices of meat, being careful not to spill the filling, and tie them with kitchen twine or secure them with toothpicks. Place the rolls in a baking dish where you have added the remaining oil and a little water to maintain moisture during baking.
6. Baking the rolls:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish with the rolls in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, gently turn the rolls and add the white wine. This will contribute to the final aroma of the dish. The rolls are ready when they turn golden and brown.
7. Serving:
Serve the rolls hot, alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can add a garlic yogurt sauce or even a tomato sauce, depending on your preferences. If you have leftover rolls, don’t worry; they are delicious cold, making them perfect for a snack or a hearty breakfast.
Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta for a more intense flavor.
- If you want a spicy note, you can add some chopped chili to the filling.
- The rolls can also be made with other vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to add variety.
Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken breast, while spinach provides a significant amount of iron, vitamins, and antioxidants. The cheese adds calcium and healthy fats, and using olive oil offers essential fatty acids.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use turkey breast instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey breast is an excellent alternative, having a similar texture.
- How can I make the roll easier to cut?
Let the roll cool for 10 minutes after baking before slicing. This will help maintain its shape and prevent the filling from spilling out.
This marinated chicken breast roll with cheese and spinach is not only a quick and simple recipe but also a wonderful way to impress family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marination time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4
It is said that preparing a roll is a true culinary art, a dance of flavors and textures that can transform a simple ingredient into a feast of tastes. The marinated chicken breast roll, filled with cheese and spinach, is a perfect example of comfort food that brings a smile to anyone who enjoys it. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, even for beginners.
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- 150 g spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 50 g crumbled cheese (or cheddar, feta)
- 1 egg
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon basil olive oil
- 60 ml olive oil
- 50 ml white wine
- A little water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step by step for a perfect roll:
1. Preparing the chicken breast:
Start by slicing the chicken breast in half lengthwise. Cover each piece with plastic wrap, then use a meat mallet to gently pound until you achieve two even slices, about 1 cm thick. This step not only helps the chicken cook evenly but also aids in absorbing the flavors from the marinade.
2. Marinating the chicken:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and basil olive oil. Brush each chicken slice with this mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. Marinating the chicken will add a special flavor to your roll.
3. Preparing the filling:
If using fresh spinach, blanch it for a few minutes in boiling water, then drain well and chop finely. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is completely thawed and drained. In a pan, heat 30 ml of olive oil. Peel and quarter the onion, and slice the garlic. Add the onion and garlic to the hot oil and let them brown nicely until golden and fragrant. Remove from the pan and add the chopped spinach, allowing it to cook over medium heat until all the liquid evaporates.
4. Combining the ingredients:
Let the spinach mixture cool slightly, then add the cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. The nutmeg will add a touch of warmth and complexity to the filling.
5. Filling and rolling the chicken:
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and evenly spread the spinach filling over each slice. Gently roll the slices of meat, being careful not to spill the filling, and tie them with kitchen twine or secure them with toothpicks. Place the rolls in a baking dish where you have added the remaining oil and a little water to maintain moisture during baking.
6. Baking the rolls:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish with the rolls in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, gently turn the rolls and add the white wine. This will contribute to the final aroma of the dish. The rolls are ready when they turn golden and brown.
7. Serving:
Serve the rolls hot, alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can add a garlic yogurt sauce or even a tomato sauce, depending on your preferences. If you have leftover rolls, don’t worry; they are delicious cold, making them perfect for a snack or a hearty breakfast.
Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta for a more intense flavor.
- If you want a spicy note, you can add some chopped chili to the filling.
- The rolls can also be made with other vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to add variety.
Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken breast, while spinach provides a significant amount of iron, vitamins, and antioxidants. The cheese adds calcium and healthy fats, and using olive oil offers essential fatty acids.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use turkey breast instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey breast is an excellent alternative, having a similar texture.
- How can I make the roll easier to cut?
Let the roll cool for 10 minutes after baking before slicing. This will help maintain its shape and prevent the filling from spilling out.
This marinated chicken breast roll with cheese and spinach is not only a quick and simple recipe but also a wonderful way to impress family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy!