Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Roulade
11 September 2024
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Roulade
This roulade transforms any meal into an unforgettable experience. Juicy chicken fillets are layered with creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and ripe tomatoes, then wrapped in crispy bacon. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a visually stunning dish with rich, savory flavors that will impress every guest.
So, if all that sounds good to you, read on!
Move over roast chicken, there’s a new show-stopper in town! I can’t believe I hadn’t transformed these classic ingredients into the ultimate centerpiece dish before now, but here it is: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Roulade—a true culinary masterpiece.
3 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe:
IMPRESSIVE – This roulade looks straight out of a gourmet kitchen, but it’s simple enough for home cooks!
FLAVOR-PACKED – Juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and crispy bacon combine for a medley of flavors you’ll crave.
VERSATILE – Perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or even meal prep when you want something extra special.
My favorite part? The way the bacon crisps up to golden perfection, locking in all the juices and flavor. Plus, slicing into the roulade reveals those gorgeous layers—melted cheese, basil, and tomatoes nestled inside tender chicken. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gasp “wow!” before diving in.
Honestly, I should challenge everyone to see who can make the neatest roulade slice—it’s like unveiling a work of art. The best part? It tastes just as amazing as it looks.
So there you have it—the ultimate recipe to turn any meal into a memorable occasion. Easy to prepare, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor, this Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Roulade will be your new go-to for impressing friends, family, and yourself!
Ingredients in Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Roulade
Here’s what you need to make Chicken Roulade:
Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. To ensure even cooking, you can pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps to prevent the chicken from being dry while ensuring it cooks through evenly. For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken with some olive oil, a pinch of the spices listed below, and fresh lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
Bacon: Use high-quality bacon slices for a rich, smoky flavor. You can wrap the chicken breasts with bacon strips, securing them with toothpicks if necessary, to add a crispy and savory element to the dish. Alternatively, you can chop the bacon into smaller pieces and fry them separately to use as a garnish.
Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella works best for a creamy, melty texture. Slice it into rounds or shred it, depending on how you’d like to layer it in the recipe. If you prefer a stretchier texture, you can use low-moisture mozzarella instead of fresh.
Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Cherry or grape tomatoes are excellent for roasting, as they become sweet and slightly caramelized when cooked. If using larger tomatoes, slice them thinly and layer them on top of or underneath the mozzarella. You could also opt for sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant, slightly sweet touch to the dish. Tear them into smaller pieces or leave them whole for garnish. If you’re baking this dish, you can add the basil leaves at the end to maintain their bright flavor and prevent them from wilting too much.
Spices:
- Salt and Pepper: These staples enhance the overall taste. Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Dried Garlic and Dried Onion: These add a warm, aromatic base. Mix them with olive oil to coat the chicken or sprinkle directly over the dish.
- Paprika: Use sweet paprika for a mild flavor or smoked paprika if you want to enhance the smoky notes from the bacon. Sprinkle it over the chicken and bacon for color and depth.
How to make Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Roulade
Before you begin, it’s important to prepare your ingredients to ensure the dish comes together smoothly. Start by trimming the chicken breasts and pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Next, gather your spices and mix them together for easy seasoning. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, keeping them ready for layering, and tear a few fresh basil leaves for garnish. Cook the bacon until it’s partially crisp, this helps it finish perfectly when baked with the chicken. Once everything is prepped, you’ll be ready to assemble a flavorful, hearty dish in no time.
1. Prepare the meat
Cut the meat into thin fillets. Pound the meat fillets with a kitchen mallet until they are thin. Season the meat with salt, pepper, dried garlic, dried onion, and paprika.
2. Prepare the filling ingredients
Start by slicing the mozzarella into thin, even slices to ensure it melts uniformly during cooking. Next, slice the tomatoes into consistent rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. Aim for slices that are thick enough to hold their shape but thin enough to cook through easily. Set both aside in separate bowls for quick assembly later.
3.Assembling the roulade
On a cutting board, spread a piece of plastic wrap. Arrange the bacon slices on the plastic wrap, side by side, to form a base. Place the seasoned meat on top of the bacon. Add a slice of mozzarella, a basil leaf, and a slice of tomato on top of the meat. Continue adding layers of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes until the entire meat fillet is covered.
4. Rolling & baking
Carefully roll everything up, using the plastic wrap to form a compact roulade. Place the roulade in a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 190-200 degrees Celsius until the roulade is fully cooked and the bacon is crispy.
Ready to Serve
This chicken, bacon, and mozzarella dish is a hearty and flavorful option that’s sure to impress at any dinner table! Perfectly seasoned and packed with creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Let me know if you’d like adjustments or serving suggestions!
Now that your dish is ready to serve, enjoy the perfect balance of crispy bacon, creamy mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes, all layered over perfectly cooked chicken. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a festive celebration, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor and color!
I’d love to know what you think if you give this a try! 🙂 – Angi
Watch how to make it
Follow along with this detailed, step-by-step video guide to discover just how simple and enjoyable it is to prepare this Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Roulade
The best part? It’s quick and easy, so you can impress your family or guests with a delicious homemade dish in no time! Grab your ingredients, hit play, and let’s get started!
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Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Roulade
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts sliced into thin fillets
- 12 –14 slices bacon
- 1 ball mozzarella sliced
- 2 tomatoes sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried garlic
- 1 tsp dried onion
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin fillets. Pound each fillet with a kitchen mallet until even and thin. Season both sides with salt, pepper, dried garlic, dried onion, and paprika.
Prepare the Filling
- Slice the mozzarella into even pieces. Slice the tomatoes into rounds. Set aside along with fresh basil leaves.
Assemble the Roulade
- Lay a piece of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Arrange the bacon slices on top, slightly overlapping, to form a base.
- Place the seasoned chicken fillets over the bacon. Layer mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and basil leaves evenly over the chicken.
Roll the Roulade
- Using the plastic wrap to guide you, roll everything tightly into a compact log. Transfer the roulade to a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Roulade
- Bake in a preheated oven at 190–200°C (375–400°F) until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is golden and crispy, about 35–45 minutes depending on thickness.
Serve
- Let the roulade rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy a flavorful combination of chicken, bacon, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
Notes
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