Chicken breast roll with spinach and cheese

Delicious Chicken Breast Roll with Spinach and Cheese

When it comes to chicken breast dishes, we often face the monotony of classic recipes like schnitzels or grilled chicken. If you're looking for a savory, juicy, and healthy alternative, you've found the perfect recipe! The chicken breast roll with spinach and cheese will not only impress with its appearance but will also bring a unique flavor to your table. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 800 g boneless chicken breast
- Fresh spinach leaves (or 200 g frozen spinach)
- 150 g telemea cheese
- 100 g cheese or mozzarella
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for greasing
- Sweet paprika, thyme, and white pepper for the crust
- 150 ml white wine

A bit of history...
This recipe combines tradition with innovation, based on the ancient technique of rolling meat. Meat rolls have been prepared in many cultures as a way to add delicious fillings and maximize flavors. Evolving from simple dishes to more elaborate ones, the chicken roll with spinach and cheese is a modern choice, suitable for both festive dinners and everyday meals.

Preparing the roll:

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by washing the chicken breast well, then dry it with a paper towel to absorb excess water. This step is essential for the roll to cook evenly.

2. Tenderizing the meat:
Cut the chicken breast into thin slices. Cover each piece with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to gently pound it until you obtain a uniform sheet. This step not only helps tenderize the meat but also achieves a pleasant texture.

3. The filling:
In a bowl, mix the spinach leaves with grated telemea cheese and cheese or mozzarella. You can also use other preferred cheeses, such as feta or ricotta, to add a distinct flavor.

4. Rolling:
Evenly place the filling mixture on the meat sheet. Carefully roll it, starting from one end, to form a tight roll. If there are gaps, don't worry, you can use small pieces of meat to cover them.

5. Tying the roll:
Use a piece of food-grade cotton string to tie the roll at intervals. This step will help maintain its shape during baking.

6. Seasoning:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking tray with a little oil and place the roll in it. Season with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and thyme. Add a few drops of oil on top and use a silicone brush to spread it evenly.

7. Baking:
Cover the roll with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After this period, add the white wine to the tray and let the roll bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, to brown nicely.

Serving:
Once the roll is ready, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve it with sides like rice, baked potatoes, or gratin vegetables. A fresh seasonal salad will perfectly complement this dish!

Useful tips:
- If using frozen spinach, make sure to let it thaw and drain well before adding it to the filling.
- You can also add some chopped nuts for extra crunch and a distinct flavor.
- The roll can be prepared a few hours in advance, and the taste will intensify as it cools.

Frequently asked questions:
- What is the best cheese for the filling? Answer: Any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, is excellent. Telemea adds a salty and flavorful taste.
- Can I use another type of meat? Answer: Of course! This recipe can also be adapted with turkey or pork.

Nutritional benefits:
This roll is rich in protein due to the chicken breast and cheeses, while spinach provides an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin K. It is a perfect recipe for those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste.

In conclusion, the chicken breast roll with spinach and cheese will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring an attractive appearance to your table. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or on an ordinary evening, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your family. Enjoy your meal!