Chicken Ballotine with Spinach, Ricotta, Sundried Tomatoes, and Mushroom Sauce

Chicken Ballotine with Spinach, Ricotta, Sundried Tomatoes, and Mushroom Sauce

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

Looking for a show-stopping chicken recipe that’s full of flavor? This Chicken Ballotine stuffed with spinach, ricotta, and sundried tomatoes, served with a rich mushroom sauce, will elevate your dinner game. Perfect for special occasions or simply when you’re craving something indulgent, this dish pairs tender chicken with a creamy, savory filling. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this delectable chicken ballotine.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded flat)

• 200g fresh spinach (wilted and chopped)

• 100g ricotta cheese (or sheep’s cheese)

• Around 4 slices of sundried tomatoes

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil (for searing)

For the Mushroom Sauce:

• 200g mushrooms (such as cremini or button, sliced)

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 150ml heavy cream

• 100ml chicken or vegetable stock

• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

• Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.

• Add the spinach and cook until wilted, then let it cool and squeeze out any excess water.

• In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

• Carefully fold in the halved sundried tomatoes, keeping them intact for a burst of flavor in each bite.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

• Lay the flattened chicken breasts on a clean surface.

• Spread the spinach, ricotta, and sundried tomato mixture evenly over each chicken breast.

• Roll each chicken breast tightly, securing with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the shape.

3. Cook the Chicken Ballotine:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

• Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat.

• Sear the chicken rolls on all sides until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).

• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.

4. Prepare the Mushroom Sauce:

• While the chicken is in the oven, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.

• Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden and softened, about 5-7 minutes.

• Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

• Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.

• Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve:

• Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

• Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine and slice the chicken into medallions.

• Serve the sliced chicken ballotine on a plate, drizzled generously with the creamy mushroom sauce.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Ballotine:

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensure that the chicken breasts are pounded evenly for uniform cooking. This will help the chicken cook faster and more evenly, avoiding undercooked sections.

• Secure the Roll Well: Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to tightly secure the chicken rolls to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

• Make the Sauce Ahead: The mushroom sauce can be prepared ahead of time and reheated just before serving to save on time when hosting.

• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add additional ingredients like pine nuts or feta cheese to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

This chicken ballotine with spinach and sundried tomatoes is the perfect combination of juicy, flavorful chicken with a creamy and savory filling. Paired with the luxurious mushroom sauce, it’s a meal that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy this gourmet dish with a side of roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes!