Get ready to elevate your dinner table with Chicken Braciole with Parmesan & Pancetta – a mouth-watering Italian classic with a modern twist! This delicious dish combines savory pancetta, rich Parmesan, and tender chicken, creating a flavor-packed experience that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Chicken Braciole is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavors that bring a touch of Italy right into your kitchen.
The beauty of Chicken Braciole lies in its simplicity and the delightful flavors of its ingredients. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes that are sure to impress your family or guests. Not only is it an impressive meal, but the dish is also adaptable, allowing for variations that cater to your dietary preferences. With a few straightforward steps, you can achieve a restaurant-quality dish right at home, making it a go-to for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Braciole with Parmesan & Pancetta
- Rich Flavors: The combination of pancetta and Parmesan creates a deeply savory taste that is irresistible.
- Versatile: This recipe allows for ingredient substitutions, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s perfect for any home cook.
- Impressive Presentation: Rolled and sauced chicken looks beautiful on the plate, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Comfort Food: Hearty and filling, it’s a dish that warms the soul!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to have an organized kitchen to ensure a smooth experience. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, which will prepare the cooking environment for perfect chicken braciole. Gather your ingredients and tools: you will need a skillet for melting the butter, a meat pounder to tenderize the chicken, and a baking dish for the rolled chicken. Having a pot for simmering the tomato sauce ready is also helpful, as this will be the final step to complete the dish. Consider laying down parchment paper or using a clean cutting board to keep the chicken preparation tidy and easy to manage. As you work, keep your utensils and workspace clean, allowing for an enjoyable and less chaotic cooking experience.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 heaping Tbsp. chopped garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 12 slices thinly sliced pancetta
- 2 quarts of your favorite tomato sauce (homemade or jarred)
- Optional substitutions: Substitute pancetta with prosciutto or turkey bacon for a lighter option, and feel free to use dairy-free Parmesan for a lactose-free alternative.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add in the chopped garlic along with the grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined and let it cool slightly. This buttery mixture is key to infusing the chicken with flavor!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Take each chicken breast and slice it in half horizontally to yield six pieces. Once you have your chicken pieces, use a meat pounder to gently pound each piece until they are thin and evenly flat. This not only helps to tenderize the meat but also ensures even cooking, resulting in juicy chicken every time.
Step 3: Assemble with Pancetta
On each flattened piece of chicken, lay two slices of pancetta. Use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread the butter and Parmesan mixture evenly over each piece of chicken, making sure every bit is coated for maximum flavor. The pancetta will provide a crispy layer, while the butter mixture seeps into the meat as it bakes.
Step 4: Roll and Secure
Starting from one end, carefully roll each chicken piece tightly around the pancetta. Secure the ends of each roll with toothpicks to keep everything together during the cooking process. Place the rolled chicken seam-side down into a baking dish, generously arranging them in one layer. This gives the chicken braciole a chance to roast evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Once you’ve arranged all your rolls in the baking dish, it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has turned a beautiful golden brown. The aroma will be tantalizing!
Step 6: Simmer in Sauce
When the chicken is ready, carefully remove them from the oven and take out the toothpicks. Transfer the chicken rolls into a pot of your favorite tomato sauce, whether homemade or store-bought. Allow them to simmer for about an hour. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a harmonious dish that is both comforting and delectable.
Variations
- Protein: For a different twist, try using turkey or veal instead of chicken. These changes will bring new flavors and textures to the dish.
- Vegetables: Incorporating spinach or roasted bell peppers as a filling can add more nutritional value and a pop of color.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding crushed red pepper flakes for heat or Italian seasoning for an additional flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- This dish is versatile, so feel free to use whatever tomato sauce you prefer, whether it’s homemade or your favorite jarred variety.
- To save time, you can prepare the chicken braciole in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- If you have leftover chicken braciole, it makes for an excellent addition to salads or sandwiches the next day!
- Homemade tomato sauce can take this dish to the next level; try adding fresh herbs for a burst of flavor!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Chicken Braciole with a side of spaghetti for a classic Italian meal.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a light, flavorful contrast.
Tips
- Make sure to pound the chicken evenly to avoid overcooking thinner areas while allowing thicker parts to cook correctly.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone, in place of Parmesan for unique flavor combinations.
- To ensure every bite is bursting with flavor, brush the rolled chicken generously with the butter mixture and let it marinate if you have time.
- Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving for safety and ease.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 650mg
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Braciole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken braciole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just cover it well to prevent drying out.
What can I serve with Chicken Braciole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, risotto, or a simple garden salad. Italian bread or garlic bread complements the meal perfectly.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Chicken Braciole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying again!
Can I freeze Chicken Braciole?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked chicken braciole by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it inside a freezer bag. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicken Braciole with Parmesan & Pancetta is a delightful dish that is sure to impress both friends and family. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, you’ll find it to be a versatile addition to your mealtime repertoire. This Italian classic can be modified to suit various dietary needs and is perfect for any occasion—whether casual or celebratory. So why not try your hand at this recipe? We encourage you to leave your comments below, share your experiences, or even experiment with your variations. Bon appétit!
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Chicken Braciole with Parmesan & Pancetta
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Braciole with Parmesan & Pancetta is a mouth-watering Italian classic, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 heaping Tbsp. chopped garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 12 slices thinly sliced pancetta
- 2 quarts of your favorite tomato sauce (homemade or jarred)
- Optional substitutions: Substitute pancetta with prosciutto or turkey bacon for a lighter option, and feel free to use dairy-free Parmesan for a lactose-free alternative.
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add in the chopped garlic along with the grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined and let it cool slightly.
- Take each chicken breast and slice it in half horizontally to yield six pieces. Use a meat pounder to gently pound each piece until they are thin and evenly flat.
- On each flattened piece of chicken, lay two slices of pancetta. Spread the butter and Parmesan mixture evenly over each piece of chicken.
- Starting from one end, carefully roll each chicken piece tightly around the pancetta. Secure the ends of each roll with toothpicks.
- Once you’ve arranged all your rolls in the baking dish, bake for about 30 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, take out the toothpicks, and transfer the chicken rolls into a pot of your favorite tomato sauce, allowing them to simmer for about an hour.
Notes
This dish is versatile; you can prepare the chicken braciole in advance, and use your preferred tomato sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Protein: 25 g