Chicken Roulade with Spinach and Cheese is a show-stopping dish that combines tender chicken breasts, a flavorful spinach filling, and melted cheese, all rolled into a beautiful, elegant presentation. This dish is perfect for special dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want to impress your guests with minimal fuss. The roulade is juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple chicken breasts into a gourmet meal with an impressive appearance. The combination of spinach and cheese creates a rich, creamy filling that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. It’s both comforting and refined, making it a versatile dish suitable for weeknights or special occasions.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it elevates plain chicken into something extraordinary. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures—the tender meat, creamy filling, and slightly crisped exterior make every bite delightful. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to switch up the cheeses, herbs, or fillings according to your taste.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories (Approx.): 420 per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Continental / Fusion

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
• Kitchen twine or toothpicks for securing roulades

Cooking Directions

Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Prepare the Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, red pepper flakes (if using), and herbs. Mix well.

Assemble the Roulades
Place a portion of the filling in the center of each flattened chicken breast. Carefully roll up the chicken, securing with kitchen twine or toothpicks to hold the filling inside.

Cook the Roulades
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In an oven-safe skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken roulades on all sides until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).

Rest and Serve
Remove the roulades from the oven, let them rest for 5 minutes, then remove the twine or toothpicks. Slice each roulade into medallions to reveal the cheesy spinach filling.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Flatten Chicken Breasts
Pound the chicken to even thickness and season.

Step 2: Prepare Spinach and Cheese Filling
Sauté spinach with garlic, then mix with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs.

Step 3: Assemble Roulades
Place filling in chicken, roll tightly, and secure with twine or toothpicks.

Step 4: Sear and Bake
Sear roulades until golden brown, then bake in preheated oven until fully cooked.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Let the roulades rest, remove twine, slice, and plate with your favorite sides.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve as a main course with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Drizzle with pan juices or a light cream sauce for extra richness.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overfill the chicken breasts to prevent the filling from spilling out.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
• Sear on the stovetop first to lock in juices before finishing in the oven.
• Fresh herbs enhance flavor, but dried herbs are an easy alternative.

Variations

• Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella with fontina, gouda, or feta for different flavors.
• Vegetable Variations: Add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the filling.
• Protein Variations: Use turkey breast instead of chicken for a leaner option.
• Sauce Options: Serve with a light tomato sauce, creamy garlic sauce, or lemon-butter drizzle.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked roulades in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Assemble but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Skillet (oven-safe preferred)
• Oven
• Kitchen twine or toothpicks
• Knife for slicing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the roulades ahead, wrap, and refrigerate or freeze. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before mixing with cheese.

Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Absolutely! Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers are excellent additions.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild in flavor and cheesy, which makes it appealing to children.

Conclusion

Chicken Roulade with Spinach and Cheese is a stunning, flavorful dish that turns simple ingredients into a gourmet meal. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheesy filling, and aromatic herbs makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and impressive presentation ensure it will become a favorite recipe in your kitchen.