Cajun Spinach & Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken Rolls
Indulge in the bold flavors of the South with this Cajun Spinach & Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken Rolls. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are flattened and stuffed with a creamy, zesty mixture of pepper jack cheese and luscious spinach. Infused with robust Cajun seasoning, each bite delivers a delightful combination of spice and creaminess that will tantalize your taste buds. Baked to perfection, these chicken rolls are not only a crowd-pleaser, but also a beautiful addition to dinner parties or family gatherings. Serve with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breast
1 lb (boneless, skinless, flattened to 1/4-inch thickness)
Pepper jack cheese
4 ounces (shredded (up to 6 ounces can be used))
Spinach
1 cup (frozen, thawed, and drained (or fresh cooked))
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for brushing on chicken)
Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons (for seasoning chicken)
Breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon (mixed with Cajun seasoning)
Sea salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
2
Using a meat mallet, flatten each chicken breast to approximately 1/4-inch thickness for even cooking.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded pepper jack cheese, thawed and drained spinach, and season with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. Mix well.
4
In a separate small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning with breadcrumbs. This mixture will add a savory crunch and extra flavor to the dish.
5
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the spinach and cheese mixture onto each flattened chicken breast. Carefully roll each breast tightly and secure with toothpicks to hold the filling inside.
6
Brush the exterior of each chicken roll with vegetable oil to keep it moist during baking.
7
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the stuffed chicken rolls, ensuring all sides are seasoned. Feel free to sprinkle any extra spinach and cheese on top for added flavor.
8
Place the chicken seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with tin foil for easy cleanup. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9
Once cooked, carefully remove the toothpicks before plating.
10
Serve warm and enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is boneless, skinless chicken breast.
To what thickness should the chicken be flattened?
The chicken breasts should be flattened to approximately 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
What type of cheese is used in the stuffing?
Pepper jack cheese is used to provide a creamy and zesty flavor to the stuffing.
How much pepper jack cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of shredded pepper jack cheese, but you can use up to 6 ounces.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of fresh cooked spinach as an alternative to frozen, thawed, and drained spinach.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
What is the purpose of brushing the chicken with vegetable oil?
Vegetable oil is brushed on the exterior of the chicken rolls to keep them moist during the baking process.
How is the Cajun seasoning used in this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning is mixed with breadcrumbs and sprinkled evenly over the exterior of the stuffed chicken rolls.
How do you secure the filling inside the chicken rolls?
Each chicken breast is rolled tightly and secured with toothpicks to hold the filling inside.
When should the toothpicks be removed from the chicken?
Carefully remove the toothpicks once the chicken is cooked and before you plate the dish.
How long do the chicken rolls need to bake?
The chicken rolls should be baked in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is thoroughly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How should the chicken rolls be placed on the baking sheet?
Place the chicken rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet to ensure they stay closed.
What is recommended for an easy cleanup process?
Lining the baking sheet with tin foil is recommended for easy cleanup after baking.
What should be mixed with the Cajun seasoning for the coating?
The Cajun seasoning should be combined with one tablespoon of breadcrumbs in a separate small bowl.
How much filling should be placed on each chicken breast?
Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the spinach and cheese mixture onto each flattened chicken breast.
Can I add more spinach and cheese on top of the rolls?
Yes, you can sprinkle any extra spinach and cheese on top of the rolls for additional flavor before baking.
Is sea salt used in this chicken recipe?
Yes, sea salt is used to season the spinach and cheese mixture to taste.
What are some recommended sides for this dish?
This dish is best served with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Is this recipe considered a type of comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as a bold-flavored dish from the South.
Is fresh ground black pepper used?
Yes, fresh ground black pepper is used to season the filling mixture along with sea salt.
What is the total weight of chicken required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast.
How much Cajun seasoning is needed for the coating?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.
How many breadcrumbs are used in the coating mixture?
One tablespoon of breadcrumbs is mixed with the seasoning for the exterior coating.
What amount of vegetable oil is used for brushing?
Two tablespoons of vegetable oil are used to brush the exterior of the rolls.
How should frozen spinach be prepared for the recipe?
Frozen spinach must be thawed and thoroughly drained before mixing with the cheese.
What effect do the breadcrumbs have on the dish?
The breadcrumbs add a savory crunch and extra flavor to the chicken rolls.
Is this dish suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, the description highlights that these rolls are a beautiful and crowd-pleasing addition to dinner parties.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as an easy dinner recipe suitable for families.
Why is it important to flatten the chicken evenly?
Flattening the chicken to a consistent thickness ensures that it cooks evenly throughout.