what is roulade of chicken

What is Chicken Roulade? The Ultimate Guide to This Delicious Dish

Chicken roulade is a delicious and elegant dish that deserves a spot on your dinner table. This impressive rolled chicken breast is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make yet looks fancy enough to serve at a dinner party. Read on as we explore everything about chicken roulade from what it is to how to make it perfectly every time.

What Exactly is Chicken Roulade?Chicken roulade refers to a dish where chicken breast is butterflied or pounded flat, stuffed with a flavorful filling then rolled up and cooked. The word “roulade” comes from the French word “rouler” meaning “to roll”.

Typically, roulade can refer to any meat fish or vegetable that is rolled around a stuffing. But chicken roulade has become one of the most popular versions loved for its versatility, simplicity and mouthwatering flavor. The filling possibilities are endless, making this an exciting recipe to put your own spin on.

Chicken roulades are commonly pan-fried or baked, developing a crispy exterior while keeping the inside deliciously moist. When sliced, the spiral filling is beautifully revealed. Serve chicken roulade as an elegant main course or appetizer that looks as great as it tastes!

A Brief History of Chicken Roulade
While the origins of chicken roulade itself are obscure, rolled or stuffed meat dishes have been enjoyed across Europe since medieval times. French, Italian and Swiss cuisines all have their own unique takes on roulade. The term was popularized in French cooking to describe the technique of rolling a thin slice of meat around a filling.

Over time, roulade evolved from an aristocratic dish to a peasant meal that made use of leftovers. Thrifty home cooks realized almost any leftover meat or vegetable could be recycled into a tasty roulade. The French are credited with rolling veal or beef for roulades. While the Italians may have been the first to roll up thin slices of chicken or turkey breast.

Due to its many uses, chicken roulade is now a dish that people all over the world enjoy. Cooks in North America, Europe, and other places are adding their own twists to rolled chicken recipes by trying out different fillings. This stuffed chicken breast keeps getting better while still being a great and easy-to-make dish for everyone.

Why Chicken Roulade is Such a Hit
There are several reasons chicken roulade has become so popular worldwide:

• Endless versatility – the filling can be customized in countless ways. From spinach and feta to sundried tomatoes and basil, your imagination is the limit.

• Elegant presentation – when sliced, chicken roulade looks beautiful on the plate with its swirled filling. Yet takes minimal effort compared to elaborate roasts or hand pies.

• Juicy and moist – butterflying the chicken breast allows even cooking and better moisture retention. The filling also adds extra juiciness.

• Excellent flavor – pan-frying crisps up the exterior while infusing rich flavor. The filling adds another layer of savory taste.

• Easy to make – roulade is simpler than intricate dishes yet still impressive. Even novice cooks can master delicious chicken roulades.

• Kid friendly – the rolled shape and flavorful stuffing make this dish fun and appetizing for children. Adults love it too!

• Chicken breast is a healthy source of lean protein, especially when baked instead of fried. Load up the filling with vegetables for extra nutrition.

With its fabulous taste, texture, presentation and ease of preparation, it’s no wonder chicken roulade is a cherished recipe worldwide. Now let’s look at how to make this stuffed chicken perfection in your own kitchen.

How to Make Perfect Chicken Roulades Every Time
While recipes vary, the basic process for chicken roulade is straightforward. With the right steps, you’ll have tender stuffed chicken goodness on your dinner table in no time. Here is an overview of how to prepare classic chicken roulades:

Ingredients:

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Filling ingredients – cheese, spinach, mushrooms etc.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil
• Spices and seasonings
• Egg and breadcrumbs or flour (if coating)
• Butter or oil for cooking

Steps:

1. Butterfly the chicken by slicing it horizontally but not all the way through. Pound each breast thin.
2. Prepare the filling by sautéing veggies, mixing cheese etc. Spread filling over chicken.
3. Roll up each chicken breast and secure with toothpicks. Coat in flour, egg and breadcrumbs if desired.
4. Cook the roulades in butter or oil over medium heat until browned on all sides, then finish in a 400°F oven.
5. Remove toothpicks, slice roulades and serve warm with your favorite sides!

Now let’s break down the process in more detail:

Butterflying and pounding the chicken

• This step is crucial, as it allows the chicken to cook evenly. Place chicken smooth side down and use a sharp knife to slice horizontally through the thicker half of the breast. Open it up to butterfly it.
• Place chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound each breast to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Assembling the filling

• Prepare your desired filling by sautéing veggies, mixing cheese, herbs etc.
• Spread the filling evenly over the pounded chicken breast, leaving a 1 inch border.

Rolling up the roulade

• Start at one short end and roll up chicken breast smoothly and tightly.
• Secure the roulade using toothpicks or kitchen string. Make sure seam side is down.

Cooking the roulade

• For pan frying, coat roulade in seasoned flour then brown on all sides in butter or oil over medium heat.
• For baking, brush with oil and season, no coating needed. Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes.
• Combination method: Pan fry then finish in oven for juicy interior and crisp exterior.

Slicing and serving

• Let roulades rest 5 minutes before carefully removing toothpicks.
• Using a serrated knife, slice each roulade into rounds or diagonals.
• Fan out slices for a beautiful presentation. Serve with desired sauces or sides.

Following these steps will give you tender, juicy chicken roulades bursting with flavor. Now let’s explore some filling ideas!

Ideas for Different Fillings for Chicken Roulade: The filling is what makes chicken roulade so fun and flexible. Every time you make this recipe, you can change it up. Here are some flavorful filling ideas to inspire you:

• Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and feta
• Mushrooms, garlic and goat cheese
• Sundried tomato pesto with fresh basil
• Caramelized onions and Gruyere
• Roasted red peppers and provolone
• Artichoke hearts, Parmesan and lemon zest
• Bacon, cheddar and scallions
• Broccoli, garlic and ricotta
• Curried cauliflower with raisins and almonds
• Apple, walnuts and Brie
• Ham, Gruyere and Dijon mustard
• Corn, black beans, cilantro and pepper jack

The options are endless! Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors to create your own signature chicken roulades.

Appetizing Side Dishes for Chicken Roulade: Chicken roulade tastes even better with some tasty sides on the dinner plate. Here are some excellent pairings:

• Rice pilaf or risotto
• Roasted potatoes or root vegetables
• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Sauteed greens like spinach or kale
• Roasted cauliflower or Brussels sprouts
• Quinoa salad with veggies
• Pasta salad or egg noodles
• Fresh bread or rolls

A starch like rice, pasta or potatoes along with roasted, sautéed or fresh veggies makes the perfect supporting cast for your chicken roulade entree.

Special Equipment Needed
Chicken roulade doesn’t require any fancy kitchen tools. However, these items can be useful:

• Sharp knife to butterfly chicken breasts
• Meat mallet or small heavy pan for pounding chicken evenly
• Kitchen twine or toothpicks to hold roulade closed while cooking
• Large skillet or roasting pan to cook rolled chicken
• Instant-read thermometer to check doneness

With just these basic supplies, you’ll be ready to churn out tasty chicken roulades anytime.

Step-by-Step Chicken Roulade Recipe
Now that you’re filled with inspiration, here is a simple step-by-step recipe to make succulent spinach and feta chicken roulades:

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄4 cup crumbled feta
• 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Butterfly chicken breasts, then pound to 1⁄4 inch thickness between plastic wrap. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic briefly until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Transfer to bowl and let cool.

3. Add feta, ricotta, parsley and pinch of salt and pepper to spinach. Mix well.

4. Spread filling mixture evenly over pounded chicken, leaving 1 inch border on sides. Starting at short end, roll up each breast and secure with toothpicks.

5. Set up breading station – place flour, egg and breadcrumbs into separate shallow dishes.

6. Coat roulades in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, allowing excess to drip off. Then coat all over with breadcrumbs, patting to adhere.

7. In same skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add roulades and brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.

8. Transfer to baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

9. Let roulades rest 5 minutes before removing toothpicks. Slice diagonally and serve immediately. Enjoy!

These savory spinach and feta chicken roulades are sure to impress. The crispy breaded exterior gives way to a tender, juicy chicken interwoven with creamy cheese, spinach and seasonings.

Troubleshooting Chicken Roulade
Like any recipe, it may take some trial and error to perfect your chicken roulades. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:

Roulade won’t stay closed

• Pound chicken thinner and leave enough border when adding filling.
• Make sure to secure with toothpicks or kitchen string so seam stays closed.

Filling falls out

• Don’t overstuff roulade. Leave enough room for chicken to wrap around filling.
• If using soft filling like cheese, place it near inner seam rather than outer edge.

Chicken breast dries out

• Pound chicken to an even 1/4 inch thickness so it cooks evenly.
• Do not overcook. Use thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
• Baste roulade with pan juices while baking to add moisture.

Breadcrumbs fall off

• Make sure chicken is dry before breading so coating adheres.
• Press breadcrumbs into chicken to help them stick better.

With a little care, you’ll be rewarded with tender, juicy chicken roulades that hold their filling nicely.

Storing and Freezing Chicken Roulade
Chicken roulades retain best flavor when served freshly made. However, you can store or freeze them:

Refrigerating – Place cooked roulades in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated up to 4 days. Reheat gently in oven or skillet before serving. Add sauce or gravy to prevent drying.

Freezing – Let roulades cool completely before freezing. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

Freezing uncooked roulades – Prepare roulades up until breading stage. Place on tray and freeze until firm. Transfer frozen roulades to freezer bags. Cook from frozen, adding a few minutes to baking time.

With proper storage, you can enjoy leftover chicken roulades for days, or keep some ready in the freezer for last-minute meals.

Chicken Roulade Tips
Here are a few handy tips for roulade success:

• If struggling to roll, cover chicken with plastic wrap first to help hold filling in place.
• Brush roulades with oil or melted butter before baking for golden color and moisture.
• For easier slicing, use a serrated knife and cut on the diagonal.
• Cooked roulades can be finished in a hot oven or pan to recrisp the outside before serving.
• Try different herbs, spices and cheeses in the filling. Make one roulade different from the other for fun.
• For easy rolling, keep filling about 1 inch from outer edges of the chicken.

Have fun with endless variations so you never get bored of this fabulous stuffed chicken recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Roulade
Here are answers to some common chicken roulade questions:

What’s the difference between chicken roulade and chicken cordon bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu is made by stuffing chicken with ham and cheese. A roulade can have any filling – the term just refers to chicken rolled around a stuffing and cooked.

Does chicken roulade have to be breaded?

No – roulades can be pan fried or baked with no breading. Breading adds crunch but is optional.

What fillings work best?

Cheese, vegetables and fresh herbs are classic roulade fillings. Also try spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, bacon, roasted peppers or artichokes.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Cooked roulades keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat before serving.

Can I freeze chicken roulade?

Yes, roulades freeze very well up to 2-3 months. Cool before freezing, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in fridge before reheating gently.

What’s the best way to reheat chicken roulade?

Reheat roulades in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. Basting with a little sauce or gravy prevents drying out.

The Ultimate Gourmet Chicken Dish
Chicken roulade beautifully blends flavor, presentation and ease of preparation. With endless filling options, crispy textures and impressive rolled shape, it’s no wonder this stuffed delicacy is celebrated in kitchens worldwide. Whether serving as an elegant dinner party dish or everyday family meal, chicken roulades are sure to become a go-to recipe you’ll make again and again. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking some mouthwatering chicken roulades!