Lemon Basil Chicken Roulade with Prosciutto and Goat Cheese
This flavorful Lemon Basil Chicken Roulade is a delightful fusion of tender chicken breasts wrapped around layers of savory prosciutto, creamy goat cheese, and aromatic fresh basil. Drizzled with a rich cream sauce made from the pan drippings, this dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also leaves a lasting impression at the dinner table. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and brings a touch of gourmet elegance to your meal. Join the memories of cooking and enjoying this dish with loved ones, just like I do with my son—every bite is a celebration of flavor and togetherness.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 (boned and pounded to 1/4 inch thickness)
prosciutto
4 slices
goat cheese
4 ounces (softened)
fresh basil
8 ounces (leaves only)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
butter
3 tablespoons (divided)
garlic cloves
3 (finely diced)
white wine
1/2 cup (for deglazing)
chicken stock
1 1/2 cups (divided)
creme fraiche
1 cup
lemon juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or Silpats and pound with a heavy skillet until they reach a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Prepare several chicken breasts in advance by freezing them individually for quick meals later.
3
On a large plate, lay out the prosciutto slices. Scoop out 1-ounce portions of goat cheese with a small ice cream scoop or spoon and evenly distribute them over the prosciutto. Top with fresh basil leaves and gently press down to compact.
4
Carefully roll up the chicken breasts with the filling inside and secure each roll with toothpicks.
5
In a heavy saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant. Pour in the white wine and 1 1/4 cups of chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the sauce until it thickens and reduces by half.
6
In an oven-proof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken roulades, browning them on all sides.
7
Once browned, add the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken stock to the skillet and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8
After cooking, remove the chicken rolls from the oven and cover them loosely with aluminum foil on a plate. Pour the remaining contents of the skillet into the reduced sauce, then stir in the creme fraiche, fresh tarragon, and lemon juice until well combined.
9
To serve, spoon a small ladle of sauce onto each plate and place a chicken roulade on top. Enjoy with rice pilaf and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Basil Chicken Roulade?
It is a gourmet dish featuring chicken breasts pounded thin and rolled with prosciutto, goat cheese, and fresh basil, finished with a creamy lemon tarragon sauce.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless chicken breasts are best as they can be easily pounded to a consistent thickness for rolling.
How thin should I pound the chicken breasts?
The chicken should be pounded to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch using a heavy skillet or meat mallet.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can pound the chicken breasts in advance and freeze them individually between plastic sheets for quick meal prep later.
What are the main filling ingredients?
The filling consists of prosciutto slices, softened goat cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
How much goat cheese goes in each roulade?
Each chicken breast should be filled with approximately 1 ounce of goat cheese.
How do I keep the chicken rolls from falling apart?
Secure each rolled chicken breast with toothpicks before browning and baking.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What kind of wine is recommended for the sauce?
A dry white wine is used for deglazing the saucepan to create the base for the rich cream sauce.
How do I prepare the sauce reduction?
Melt butter, sauté garlic, then add white wine and 1 1/4 cups of chicken stock; boil until the mixture reduces by half.
How is the chicken initially cooked?
The chicken roulades are first browned on all sides in an oven-proof skillet with olive oil and butter.
How much chicken stock is used during the baking process?
The remaining 1/2 cup of chicken stock is added to the skillet before transferring it to the oven.
How long does the chicken bake?
The chicken should bake for 20-25 minutes until it is fully cooked through.
What should I do after taking the chicken out of the oven?
Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil on a plate to rest.
What is the secret to the creamy sauce?
The sauce is finished by combining the skillet drippings with the reduction, creme fraiche, fresh tarragon, and lemon juice.
Can I use something other than creme fraiche?
While the recipe calls for creme fraiche for its richness, heavy cream can be used as a substitute if needed.
What herb is used to flavor the sauce?
Freshly chopped tarragon is stirred into the sauce at the end for an aromatic finish.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
It is recommended to serve the chicken with rice pilaf and steamed vegetables.
How much basil do I need?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of fresh basil leaves.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its elegant presentation and complex flavors make it perfect for special occasions or gourmet dinners.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 3 finely diced garlic cloves.
What type of skillet is needed?
An oven-proof skillet is required so you can move the chicken directly from the stovetop to the oven.
Should the goat cheese be cold or softened?
The goat cheese should be softened to make it easier to distribute over the prosciutto.
What do I do with the skillet drippings?
The drippings are poured into the reduced sauce to add flavor before adding the cream and lemon.
How do I plate the dish?
Spoon a small ladle of the cream sauce onto the plate and place the chicken roulade directly on top.
What is the purpose of the prosciutto?
The prosciutto adds a savory, salty layer that complements the creamy goat cheese and fresh basil.
Can I use a different cheese?
While goat cheese is traditional for this recipe, you could substitute it with Boursin or a mild feta.
What is the primary cooking oil used?
A combination of olive oil and butter is used for browning the chicken to enhance flavor and prevent burning.