Chicken rolls with goat cheese and sweet potato wedges

Chicken rolls with goat cheese and sweet potato wedges

In a world full of flavors and tastes, some recipes manage to capture our hearts, even those of the most discerning among us. This recipe for chicken rolls with goat cheese and sweet potato wedges is a perfect combination of flavor and texture, blending simple ingredients into a delicious and appealing dish. Although chicken and goat cheese may not seem like the most popular choices, prepared this way, they become a true culinary delight. Let’s begin our gastronomic journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 3-4

Ingredients:
- 6 boneless chicken thighs
- 125 g goat cheese
- 2 roasted red peppers (you can also use fresh peppers, but roasted ones add a special flavor)
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 toothpicks
- 2 sweet potatoes (Yam or sweet potatoes)
- Olive oil for drizzling

Recipe history:
Chicken rolls are a dish that has evolved over time, adapting to various culinary cultures. Whether we are talking about chicken, pork, or beef dishes, the concept of stuffing meat with various ingredients to add flavor and moisture has become a common practice. Goat cheese, with its creamy texture and distinctive flavor, adds a touch of elegance and refinement to this simple recipe.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Make sure they are dry by patting them with a paper towel. This step helps achieve a crispy texture during baking.

2. Seasoning the chicken: Place the chicken thighs on a flat surface, skin side down. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on each thigh, making sure to coat the meat well.

3. Adding flavors: On each thigh, place two fresh basil leaves. The basil not only adds a fresh taste but also a pleasant aroma to the dish.

4. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, crush the two garlic cloves and mix them with the goat cheese until you achieve a smooth mixture. Divide the cheese mixture into 6 equal parts and place one on each chicken thigh.

5. Adding the peppers: Cut the roasted peppers into appropriately sized slices and place 2-3 slices on top of each stuffed thigh. The sweet and tangy flavors of the roasted peppers perfectly complement the goat cheese.

6. Rolling the chicken thighs: Roll each thigh so that the filling remains inside, then secure the rolls with a toothpick at each end. This will keep the filling intact during baking.

7. Preparing the sweet potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes well and cut them into appropriately sized pieces so they cook evenly. Place them in a baking dish, drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (gas mark 4). Place the chicken rolls in a baking dish, skin side up (or skinless, according to preference) and put both the rolls and sweet potatoes in the oven. Let everything bake for 40 minutes or until the chicken is well cooked and the sweet potatoes are golden and soft.

9. Serving: Once everything is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Remove the toothpicks and place the chicken rolls alongside the sweet potato wedges on a large plate. You can garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of color.

Practical tips:
- If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can sprinkle a few drops of lemon juice over the rolls before baking.
- Instead of sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes or seasonal vegetables like carrots or zucchini for a lighter option.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with a mint yogurt sauce, which offers a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, and the goat cheese brings calcium and healthy fats. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and antioxidants, positively impacting health. In total, a serving contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the exact quantities used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken with skin?
Sure, the skin adds extra flavor and a crispy texture, but if you prefer a lighter option, you can use skinless thighs.

2. How can I store the rolls if I have leftovers?
The chicken rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore the crispy texture.

3. What other dishes pair well with this main course?
For a complete meal, you can serve a green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette, or even a vegetable puree for a contrast of textures.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! The chicken rolls with goat cheese and sweet potato wedges are waiting for you to discover their flavor. Enjoy your meal!