Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach – A Delicious, Comforting Dinner Idea

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Cooking is more than just putting food on the table; it’s about creating something that brings warmth, joy, and satisfaction to the people you love. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach is a dish that will undoubtedly impress everyone. Tender chicken, creamy melted fontina cheese, and fresh spinach wrapped into a beautiful involtini – it’s the perfect combination of flavor and comfort. In this article, you’ll learn how to make this delightful recipe from scratch, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to help you achieve the best results.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach

When it comes to dinner, we all crave dishes that combine rich flavors with a touch of elegance. This Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach recipe does just that. Here’s why this dish should become a staple in your kitchen:

• Flavor-packed and indulgent: The tender chicken envelops a filling of melty fontina cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and spinach, which adds depth and freshness. The combination of the cheese’s creaminess and the spinach’s earthy notes is a marriage made in culinary heaven.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, this dish is versatile enough to impress guests or satisfy your family. It’s a meal that looks gourmet but isn’t overly complicated to prepare.
• Simple and easy-to-follow steps: Don’t worry if you’re not an expert cook. This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll find all the tips you need to execute it flawlessly.

So, are you ready to make Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach? Let’s gather the ingredients and get started!

What You Need for Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach

Before you begin, let’s gather everything you need to make this dish. Here’s a breakdown of all the ingredients required:

For the Sauteed Spinach

Ingredient	Amount
Olive oil	1/4 cup
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Spinach	8 ounces
Salt and pepper	To taste

For the Sauteed Mushrooms

Ingredient	Amount
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Mushrooms, diced	1/2 pound
Salt and pepper	To taste

For the Chicken Involtini

Ingredient	Amount
Chicken cutlets	8 large, pounded 1/4 inch thick
Salt and pepper	To taste
Olive oil	1/4 cup
Garlic, sliced	4 cloves
Flour, for dredging	1/2 cup
Lemon juice	2 tablespoons
Dry white wine	1/2 cup
Low sodium chicken stock	1/2 cup
Fontina cheese, shredded	1 cup
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs	1/2 cup, divided
Butter, cubed	2 tablespoons
Italian parsley, minced	2 tablespoons

Pro Tip: If you’re in a rush or just want a quicker option, feel free to substitute the spinach with frozen spinach. Just make sure to thoroughly drain any excess moisture before using.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the steps of preparing this delightful dish. Don’t worry – it’s easier than you might think, and the results are well worth the effort!

Preparing the Sauteed Spinach

The first step in creating this flavorful dish is sautéing the spinach. This simple task enhances the spinach’s natural flavors and allows it to blend seamlessly into the filling.

1. Heat the Olive Oil: Place a large pan over medium-low heat and add the 1/4 cup of olive oil.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Spinach: Add the 8 ounces of spinach to the pan. Stir frequently, allowing the spinach to wilt down as it cooks. This will only take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drain the Spinach: Once the spinach is cooked down, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly, then use a fine-mesh strainer to press out any excess moisture. After draining, chop the spinach and set it aside.

Preparing the Sauteed Mushrooms

Mushrooms add a wonderful, earthy flavor to this dish. Sautéing them enhances their natural umami notes, which perfectly complements the other ingredients.

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a separate large pan, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the diced mushrooms to the pan. Cook them until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, set the mushrooms aside and allow them to drain on a paper towel.

Preparing the Chicken Involtini

This is where the magic happens! You’ll be assembling your chicken rolls (involtini) and getting them ready for baking.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, mushrooms, shredded fontina cheese, and 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. This will be the stuffing for your chicken rolls.
3. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff the Chicken: Lay each chicken cutlet flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the spinach and cheese mixture into the center of each cutlet. Be sure to leave a border around the edges.
5. Roll the Chicken: Carefully roll each chicken cutlet around the filling and secure the ends with toothpicks to keep everything in place.
6. Dredge in Flour: Lightly dredge each chicken roll in the 1/2 cup of flour. Shake off any excess flour.

Cooking the Chicken Rolls

Now comes the fun part: cooking and baking your chicken rolls!

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large, oven-safe pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken rolls and sear them until they’re golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Add the sliced garlic to the same pan and sauté until it becomes golden, about 1 minute. Next, pour in the dry white wine and low-sodium chicken stock, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it cook for 2 minutes or until the sauce has reduced by about half.
3. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Place the seared chicken rolls back in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs over the chicken rolls.
4. Add Lemon and Butter: Drizzle the chicken rolls with the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and drop in the cubed butter.
5. Bake: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The chicken should be perfectly cooked and juicy.
6. Garnish: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with fresh, minced Italian parsley for an added burst of flavor.

Let It Rest: Allow the chicken rolls to rest for about 5-10 minutes before removing the toothpicks and serving.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach

• Use Thin Chicken Cutlets: For the best results, be sure to pound your chicken to about 1/4 inch thickness. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy on the inside.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing and roll the chicken ahead of time. Just refrigerate the rolls until you’re ready to cook. This is especially helpful if you’re entertaining guests.
• Substitute the Cheese: Fontina cheese is delicious, but if you don’t have it on hand, feel free to substitute it with mozzarella or provolone for a similar creamy texture.
• Add More Veggies: If you’d like to add more vegetables to the dish, you can mix in sautéed onions, zucchini, or even bell peppers into the filling.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach

It’s always a good idea to know what’s going into your meal, especially if you’re trying to maintain a balanced diet. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving (based on 4 servings per recipe):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

This dish is a great source of lean protein, vitamins from spinach, and healthy fats from the olive oil and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes! If you don’t have fontina cheese, you can easily substitute it with mozzarella, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar. Each option will bring its own flavor, but all will work wonderfully in this recipe.

Can I make Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check this. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken, and the juices should run clear.

Can I freeze leftover chicken rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken rolls. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout.

Conclusion: Enjoy a Flavorful Meal with Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of preparing a dish that not only tastes incredible but also looks like a gourmet meal. Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach combines rich flavors with simple ingredients to create a dish that will surely become a favorite in your home. From the creamy fontina and spinach stuffing to the tender chicken and savory sauce, every bite is a little taste of comfort.

So why wait? Get in the kitchen and give this recipe a try. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, Chicken Rolls with Fontina and Spinach is sure to impress.

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