Savory Puerto Rican Plantain Chicken Rolls
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico with these Savory Plantain Chicken Rolls. This comforting dish features ripe yet firm plantains, which are mashed to create a luscious base. The succulent shredded chicken is sautéed with aromatic onions, seasoned to perfection, and combined with colorful mixed vegetables, all rolled into a golden-brown plantain dough. Perfect as a hearty main course, these rolls can also be served alongside fluffy rice or a refreshing salad.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plantains
3 (ripe but firm, peeled and cut in half lengthwise)
Salt
1 teaspoon (for boiling plantains)
Egg
1 (beaten, for mixing with plantains)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 (about 8 ounces each)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning chicken)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning chicken)
Bay Leaf
1 (for flavoring)
Butter
3 tablespoons (for sautéing chicken)
Water
1 cup (for cooking chicken)
Onion
1 small (chopped small)
Frozen Mixed Vegetables
8 ounces (your choice or a blend of cauliflower, broccoli, peas, carrots, corn, green beans, brussels sprouts)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Peel the plantains and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the fibrous vein and discard.
3
In a large saucepan, place the cut plantains and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and simmer for about 3 minutes or until they are tender. To check, insert a fork; it should penetrate easily.
4
Transfer the cooked plantains to a large mixing bowl and mash them until smooth.
5
Incorporate 1 large egg into the mashed plantains, mixing thoroughly until well blended.
6
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with two pieces of parchment paper.
7
Spread the plantain mixture over the parchment-lined baking sheet, aiming for an even layer about 1/4 inch thick. Set aside.
8
In a large frying pan, add the chicken breasts and season them with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add the bay leaf, 3 tablespoons of butter, and 1 cup of water, and bring the mixture to a boil.
9
Once boiling, lower the heat to medium, cover the pan slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, and cook for about 5 minutes.
10
Add the small chopped onion and continue to cook for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Keep an eye on the water level, adding more if necessary to prevent the pan from drying out.
11
After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and let it cool slightly. Discard the bay leaf.
12
Shred the chicken into a large mixing bowl, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked onions from the frying pan into the bowl with the chicken- ensure the onions are not too wet.
13
Add the 8 ounces of frozen mixed vegetables to the mixture and stir until everything is evenly blended.
14
Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture onto the prepared plantain base, leaving about 3 inches at the top and 2 inches at the sides.
15
Using the parchment paper for support, carefully roll the plantains over the filling. Remove the parchment paper as you roll.
16
Arrange the rolled plantains seam-side down on the baking sheet.
17
Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
18
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the rolls rest for about 5 minutes.
19
Cut into 1-inch slices and serve warm, with your choice of cooked rice or a salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Puerto Rican Plantain Chicken Rolls?
These are a comforting Puerto Rican dish featuring mashed ripe plantains rolled with a savory filling of shredded chicken and mixed vegetables.
What kind of plantains should be used for this recipe?
You should use plantains that are ripe yet firm to ensure they mash well and hold their shape.
How many plantains are needed?
The recipe requires 3 ripe but firm plantains.
How do I prepare the plantains before boiling?
Peel the plantains, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the fibrous vein.
How long do the plantains need to boil?
They should simmer for about 3 minutes or until they are tender enough for a fork to penetrate easily.
Why is an egg added to the mashed plantains?
One large egg is incorporated to help bind the mashed plantains into a dough-like consistency.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How thick should the plantain mixture be spread?
Aim to spread the mixture into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
What type of chicken is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 8 ounces each.
What seasonings are used for the chicken filling?
The chicken is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and a bay leaf for flavor.
How much butter is used to cook the chicken?
Use 3 tablespoons of butter for sautéing the chicken breasts.
How is the chicken cooked?
The chicken is brought to a boil with water, butter, and seasonings, then simmered for about 15-17 minutes total until fully cooked.
When should the onion be added to the chicken?
Add the small chopped onion after the chicken has been simmering for about 5 minutes.
What should I do with the bay leaf?
Discard the bay leaf after the chicken is fully cooked and before you begin shredding it.
What kind of vegetables can be included in the filling?
You can use 8 ounces of frozen mixed vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, peas, carrots, corn, green beans, or brussels sprouts.
How do I assemble the filling with the chicken?
Shred the cooked chicken, add the cooked onions, and stir in the frozen mixed vegetables until evenly blended.
How do I place the filling on the plantain base?
Spoon the mixture onto the plantain base, leaving 3 inches at the top and 2 inches at the sides for rolling.
What is the best way to roll the plantains?
Use the parchment paper for support to carefully roll the plantains over the filling, removing the paper as you go.
How should the rolls be positioned for baking?
Arrange the rolled plantains seam-side down on the baking sheet.
How long do the plantain chicken rolls bake?
Bake the rolls for 6 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls are finished when they turn a beautiful golden brown.
Should the rolls rest after baking?
Yes, let the rolls rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
How should I slice the rolls for serving?
Cut the rolls into 1-inch slices.
What are the best side dishes for this recipe?
These rolls are perfect when served alongside fluffy rice or a refreshing side salad.
Is the plantain dough difficult to work with?
By mashing them smooth and adding an egg, the plantains become a pliable dough that is easy to spread and roll.
Can I use different vegetables than those listed?
Yes, you can use your choice of a frozen vegetable blend or specific vegetables you prefer.
Why is water added to the pan with the chicken?
Water is added to help poach and steam the chicken breasts to keep them succulent while cooking.
What should I do if the water in the chicken pan dries out?
Keep an eye on the water level and add more if necessary to prevent the pan from drying out during the simmering process.
Are these rolls served warm or cold?
The rolls should be served warm for the best flavor and texture.
What makes this dish unique to Puerto Rico?
The use of ripe plantains as a dough combined with aromatic seasonings and chicken captures the vibrant, traditional flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine.