| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 597 | 33g | 9g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 1g | 52g | 2.18g |
Why I Love Italian Stuffed Chicken Rolls with Speck and Mozzarella in Red Wine
Here I am, reminiscing about the family gatherings back in Gujarat, when the house was filled with the aroma of comfortingly spicy food. And yet, as I introduce you to this incredible Italian recipe – the Stuffed Chicken Rolls with Speck and Mozzarella in Red Wine – you might just be confused. But fear not, dear reader, this journey from India to Italy is informed by my love for diverse flavors that have shaped my culinary journey. While we won’t be delving into my customary Indian-American fusion today, we will journey together to the shores of Italy.
Experience Transcends Borders
Through the process of preparing Stuffed Chicken Rolls with Speck and Mozzarella in Red Wine, I realized how all cultures have their comforting, ‘roll-it-up’ dish. We Gujaratis love our Khandvi (thin rolls of gram flour and yogurt), just as Italians savor these stuffed chicken rolls. This recipe, while being Italian in its heart, soul, and flavors, resonates with the international love for packed flavors and comforting food.
The addition of speck (a type of Italian smoked ham, you can learn more about it here), mozzarella, and red wine ensures an enjoyable depth of flavors and an irresistible, gooey, cheesy core. As a lover of Massimo Bottura’s authentic Emilian recipes, the influence is subtle but surely there!
Serving It Up
These chicken rolls are a standalone winner for any party or family dinner. They could perfectly complement a plate of Aglio e Olio (garlic and oil pasta) or perhaps a refreshing Caprese Salad. And if you’re wondering about their pairing with wine, a bottle of Italian red would, naturally, suit best.
Join me, as we step into the kitchens of our beloved nonnas (grandmothers in Italian), roll up our sleeves, and delve head first into the exciting world of Italian cuisine. Here’s to celebrating the family bonds that specific recipes, like these Stuffed Chicken Rolls with Speck and Mozzarella in Red Wine, elicit – irrespective of whether that family is in Gujarat, California, or the rolling hills of Tuscany.
What You’ll Need
- 6 skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 12 thin slices of Speck (Italian smoked ham)
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups red wine
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 6 toothpicks or metal skewers for securing chicken rolls
Method
Step One
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, use a kitchen hammer to slightly flatten the chicken breasts. Make sure they are thin enough to roll but not too thin to break. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Two
Lay 2 slices of the speck on each flattened chicken breast, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the speck. Carefully roll each chicken breast, securing them with toothpicks or metal skewers to ensure they maintain their shape.
Step Three
Place a large, oven-safe pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion, stirring until they’re fragrant and the onion is translucent.
Step Four
Sear the stuffed chicken rolls on all sides until they’re nicely browned. This will seal in the flavors and keep the juices inside the chicken while it’s baking. Then, remove the pan from heat.
Step Five
Pour the red wine over the seared chicken rolls in the pan. Then spread the tomato sauce evenly over and around the rolls. Sprinkle the finely chopped rosemary and parsley on top.
Step Six
Next, transfer the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. The timing may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts.
Step Seven
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let the stuffed chicken rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure the cheese doesn’t ooze out when cutting into the rolls. Remove the toothpicks or skewers carefully before serving. Enjoy your Stuffed Chicken Rolls with Speck and Mozzarella in Red Wine.
