Ingredients
Method
Prepare the Chicken Roulade
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 1 cm using a meat mallet.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Lay slices of Talagani cheese, spinach leaves, minced garlic, and chopped basil and parsley on each chicken breast.
- Roll up each chicken breast tightly and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken roulades on all sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Prepare the Herb Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the shallot and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until reduced by half.
- Add the chicken stock and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, tarragon, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the roulades into medallions and arrange them on serving plates.
- Drizzle the herb sauce over the chicken and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Variations
- Stuffing Options:
- Spinach and Feta: Replace the Talagani cheese with crumbled feta and add sautéed spinach for a Mediterranean twist.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Use sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese for a rich, flavorful filling.
- Herb Infusion:
- Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the filling for added flavor. You can also mix chopped herbs into the herb sauce for a more aromatic dish.
- Add Nuts:
- Include chopped walnuts or pine nuts in the filling for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the creamy Talagani cheese.
- Sweet and Savory:
- Add dried apricots or figs to the filling for a sweet contrast to the savory cheese. This can enhance the flavor profile and add a gourmet touch.
- Prosciutto or Bacon:
- Wrap the chicken roulade in prosciutto or bacon before baking for an extra layer of flavor and a crispy texture.
- Spicy Kick:
- Incorporate jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the filling for a spicy version. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
- Creamy Sauce Variations:
- Instead of a basic herb sauce, try a mushroom cream sauce or a mustard cream sauce to drizzle over the roulade for added richness.
- Vegetable Medley:
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
- Grilled Version:
- Grill the roulades instead of baking them for a smoky flavor. Brush with olive oil and grill until cooked through, giving it a nice char.
- Cheese Variations:
- Experiment with different types of cheese such as goat cheese, ricotta, or blue cheese for unique flavor combinations.
