Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa

Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with gooey melted cheese and zesty salsa. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is both easy to make and impressive to serve.

History

The origins of Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa are not well-documented, but it is likely that this dish was inspired by traditional Mexican flavors. The combination of cheese, salsa, and chicken is a popular one in Mexican cuisine, and this recipe puts a unique twist on that classic flavor profile.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
3 oz (85 g) monterey jack cheese
1 tbsp melted butter
0.5 cup salsa
2 tbsp minced cilantro (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9-inch (230 mm) square pan or an appropriate baking dish.
Flatten each chicken breast half to a thickness of 0.25 inch (7 mm).
Sprinkle salt evenly over the chicken.
Divide the cheese evenly among the chicken breasts.
Roll up each chicken breast, folding in the sides.
Brush each chicken roll with the melted butter.
Place the chicken rolls seam side down in the prepared dish.
Bake the chicken rolls uncovered for approximately 30 minutes.
Serve the chicken rolls with the salsa poured on top.
Garnish with cilantro, if desired.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos or green chilies to the cheese stuffing for a spicy kick.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco, for a unique flavor.
Top the chicken rolls with avocado slices or sour cream before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness so that they cook evenly.

- Use your favorite type of cheese for the stuffing, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.

- Brushing the chicken rolls with melted butter before baking helps to keep them moist and adds a rich flavor.

- Serve the chicken rolls with extra salsa on the side for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa with a side of rice, beans, or a salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with tortilla chips and guacamole for a Mexican-inspired feast.

Cooking Techniques

Flattening the chicken breasts helps them cook more evenly and allows for easier rolling.

- Baking the chicken rolls in the oven ensures that they are cooked through and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer.

- If you don't have salsa on hand, you can use diced tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake them. This is a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the chicken rolls on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a colorful and appetizing presentation. Serve with extra salsa on the side for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. You can also serve it with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita for a festive touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken rolls in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and may contain gluten (depending on the salsa used).

Summary

Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is a satisfying and flavorful dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

Summary

Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful combination of cheese, chicken, and salsa, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria, who lived in a quaint little village in Italy. Maria was known for her delicious cooking, and I always looked forward to trying out new recipes whenever I visited her.

On this particular day, Maria invited me to join her in the kitchen as she prepared dinner. She had a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous grin on her face, which could only mean that she had something special in store for me. As she began to gather the ingredients for the dish, she started to tell me the story behind it.

Maria explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, and that it was a favorite among her loved ones. She had learned to make it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her own mother, and so on. It was a dish that held a special place in her heart, and she was excited to share it with me.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Maria guided me through the steps of preparing the Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa. We started by pounding the chicken breasts until they were thin and tender, then we spread a generous amount of her homemade salsa on top. Next, we sprinkled a layer of shredded cheese over the salsa, before rolling up the chicken breasts into neat little bundles.

Once the chicken rolls were assembled, we placed them in a baking dish and popped them into the oven to cook. As the aroma of the dish began to fill the kitchen, Maria and I chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company as we waited for the chicken to bake.

When the timer finally beeped, we pulled the dish out of the oven and marveled at how delicious it looked. The cheese had melted into a gooey, savory filling, and the salsa had cooked down into a rich, flavorful sauce. Maria plated up the chicken rolls and served them with a side of pasta and a crisp salad.

As I took my first bite of the Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa, I was immediately transported to a place of comfort and warmth. The flavors danced on my tongue, and I could taste the love and tradition that had gone into creating this dish. Maria watched me with a knowing smile, knowing that she had passed on a piece of her heritage to me through this recipe.

After dinner, Maria and I sat outside on her patio, sipping on glasses of wine and watching the sun set over the rolling hills of the Italian countryside. I thanked her for sharing the recipe with me and for welcoming me into her home with such warmth and hospitality. In that moment, I felt a deep connection to her and to the generations of women who had come before us, all bound together by a love of food and family.

As I returned home from my visit to Maria's village, I carried with me not only the memories of our time together but also the recipe for Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa. It became a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would prepare for my own family and friends, sharing the story of how I came to learn it from a dear friend in a faraway land.

And so, every time I make Cheese-stuffed Chicken Rolls with Salsa, I think of Maria and the bond that we forged over a shared love of cooking and heritage. It is a recipe that not only nourishes the body but also feeds the soul, reminding me of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.