Chicken Rolls in Bacon

Chicken rolls in bacon - a delicious and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for a savory dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines the juiciness of chicken breast with the intense flavor of bacon and the creaminess of melted cheese, resulting in a dish that will delight all taste buds. Additionally, chicken rolls in bacon are versatile and can be customized according to your preferences.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 boneless chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- 4 slices of melted cheese (you can use your preferred type, such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- 8 slices of bacon (for a more intense flavor, choose smoked bacon)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 bell pepper (optional, for added color and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- A handful of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme)
- Water, as needed

Step by step for chicken rolls in bacon:

1. Preparing the chicken breast:
Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin slices, about 1 cm thick. This will help the meat cook evenly and achieve a tender texture. Use a sharp knife to make the cuts easier.

2. Tenderizing the meat:
Place each chicken slice between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to gently pound each slice until it is thinner and more uniform. This will help tenderize the meat and allow the rolls to cook faster.

3. Seasoning:
Sprinkle salt and pepper on each chicken slice, ensuring they are evenly coated. If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of chili powder as well.

4. Adding cheese and pepper:
Place a slice of melted cheese on each piece of chicken. If you choose to use bell pepper, slice it thinly and place a slice on top of the cheese.

5. Rolling:
Roll each chicken slice to form a roll, ensuring that the cheese and pepper stay inside. At the ends, fold the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out. Then, wrap each roll in a slice of bacon, making sure it is well covered.

6. Preparing for the oven:
Place the rolls in a baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a handful of fresh thyme (or dried thyme if you don't have fresh). Add enough water to the dish to cover the bottom, to maintain moisture during baking.

7. Covering and baking:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Let the rolls bake for 20 minutes. After this time, remove the wrap and let the rolls brown for 5-10 minutes, until the bacon becomes crispy.

8. Serving:
Once the rolls are ready, take them out of the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before slicing. These chicken rolls in bacon can be served with a fresh salad or alongside mashed potatoes for a hearty lunch.

Useful tips:
- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add spices like garlic powder or paprika to the marinade for the chicken.
- The rolls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, to be baked on the day of serving.
- Instead of melted cheese, you can use goat cheese or feta for a stronger flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This chicken rolls in bacon recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken breast and bacon, providing a significant energy boost. Additionally, the cheese adds calcium and essential vitamins. However, it is best to consume in moderation, considering the fat content of the bacon.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, turkey rolls will taste delicious and will be lighter.
- What other ingredients can I add? You can experiment with vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, which will pair perfectly with the cheese.
- What is the best side dish for these rolls? A simple fresh vegetable salad or a serving of rice are excellent choices.

In conclusion, chicken rolls in bacon are an excellent choice for any occasion, being easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Use this recipe as a base and customize it to your liking – creativity in the kitchen is key to achieving the most flavorful results. Don't forget to enjoy every bite!