Chicken, Basil, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Roulade with Lemon
This recipe is based on a recipe from Taste of Home. The flavor from the prosciutto and the goat cheese melt into the chicken. Using the pan drippings in the cream sauce adds invaluable color and flavor. My son and I always have a great time making this and a better time eating it!
This recipe is based on a recipe from Taste of Home. The flavor from the prosciutto and the goat cheese melt into the chicken. Using the pan drippings in the cream sauce adds invaluable color and flavor. My son and I always have a great time making this and a better time eating it!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 ounces fresh basil
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock divided
- 1 cup creme fraiche
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon finely chopped
- Carbohydrate 12.6393551191404 g
- Cholesterol 782.713467034476 mg
- Fat 183.370462540115 g
- Fiber 1.04210974997655 g
- Protein 187.111733607559 g
- Saturated Fat 62.1028879391026 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (1290g)
- Sodium 1323.19606858982 mg
- Sugar 11.5972453691638 g
- Trans Fat 15.5569262442041 g
- Calories 2494 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place the chicken between plastic sheets or preferably Silpats and pound with a heavy skillet to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan laid out flat. Have toothpicks ready on the pan to hold them shut.
- On a separate plate, lay out the 4 pieces of prosciutto, basil leaves and with a small ice cream scoop dish out 4-1 oz scoops of goat cheese.
- First place the prosciutto on each breast, then put the goat cheese on the prosciutto (spread out some with the scooper) then put the basil leaves on the cheese and press down to spread out evenly.
- Roll the chicken breasts up and put a toothpick in to hold.
- In a heavy sauce pan, melt 2 tbs butter. Add the garlic and cook until soft. Add the white wine and 1-1/4 cup chicken broth. Bring to a boil and reduce until half.
- While the sauce is reducing, heat on medium high 1 tbs olive oil and 1 tbs butter in an oven proof skillet. Add the chicken rolls.
- Braise the chicken on all sides, then add 1/2 cup chicken broth to the pan and place in the oven. The extra broth helps to keep the chicken moist while it is cooking through in the oven.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove from the oven and place on a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Pour the contents of the skillet into the sauce and sauce and stir. Add the creme fraiche and the the tarragon and lemon and stir.
- Place a small ladle full of sauce on a plate and put the chicken roll in it.
- Serve with a rice dish (rice pilaf) and steamed vegetables.
A Culinary Adventure: Chicken Roulade with a Twist
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a blur of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present need to keep everyone (including myself) well-fed and happy. This is where streamlined, yet elegant recipes like this Chicken, Basil, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Roulade with Lemon truly shine. It's a dish that appears incredibly impressive, yet the preparation is manageable even on a busy weeknight. The aroma alone will transport you to a cozy kitchen in the Italian countryside, promising a delicious escape from the everyday grind.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavour it achieves with relatively few ingredients. The chicken, pounded thin and expertly rolled, becomes a delicate vessel for the creamy goat cheese, salty prosciutto, and fragrant basil. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, a true delight for the palate. The lemon adds a bright, zesty note that perfectly balances the richness of the other ingredients. I always make a double batch, because this is one of the few dishes that everyone in my house, including the picky eaters, gobbles up without complaint. Leftovers are equally delightful, making it a perfect recipe for meal prepping.
What truly sets this recipe apart is the utilization of pan drippings. The rich, golden brown juices infused with the essence of the chicken, garlic, and herbs are incorporated into a luscious cream sauce. This simple step elevates the entire dish, adding layers of flavour that would be absent otherwise. It's a testament to the fact that even seemingly small details can have a significant impact on the final product. In fact, I find myself using these pan-dripping infused sauces with many of my dishes now, it's a flavour booster you can't ignore.
The roulade itself is a masterclass in elegant simplicity. The process of pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures that they cook evenly and stay moist throughout. The strategic placement of the prosciutto, goat cheese, and basil creates a flavourful explosion within each bite. The toothpicks are a clever way to ensure the roulade maintains its attractive shape during cooking, although I've found that with a little practice, they're often unnecessary.
I find that the best part of this recipe is the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with creating such a sophisticated meal. The presentation is inherently elegant, making it perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion. Yet, the simplicity of the steps makes it approachable for even the most novice home cooks. And honestly, for a busy mom like me, this is a game-changer.
Beyond the culinary aspects, the process of preparing this dish offers a chance to slow down and connect with something fulfilling. The rhythmic pounding of the chicken, the careful layering of the ingredients, the gentle simmering of the sauce – these are small moments that bring a sense of calm amidst the chaos of daily life. I often use this opportunity to call my mom and catch up over a cup of coffee as the chicken simmers, sometimes even involving my kids with tasks such as washing basil and setting the table. This creates not just a meal, but a shared experience and family tradition.
So, the next time you're looking for a recipe that's both impressive and manageable, look no further. This Chicken, Basil, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Roulade with Lemon is a testament to the fact that delicious and satisfying meals don't have to be complicated. It's a recipe that nourishes not just the body, but also the soul, proving that even amidst a busy schedule, there's always time for a little culinary adventure.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do, and remember to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and cheeses to create your own unique twist. Bon appétit!
