Chicken Rolls with Leeks and Citrus (Involtini di Pollo con Porri e Agrumi)
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to prepare this delightful dish full of fresh flavors and vibrant aromas.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 500g |
| Breadcrumbs | 100g |
| Orange | 1 |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Leek | 1 |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Parsley | 1 sprig |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create these mouthwatering chicken rolls with leeks and citrus:
-
Prepare the filling:
Start by preparing the filling for the chicken rolls. In a food processor, combine the breadcrumbs, a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, parsley, and the peeled garlic clove. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and mixed together. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. -
Add citrus:
Zest half of the lemon and add the zest to the breadcrumb mixture. Then, cut the zest into small cubes, and stir it into the bowl with the breadcrumbs. This will add a fragrant, citrusy depth to the filling. -
Prepare the leek:
Cut off the root end of the leek, remove any tough outer leaves, and slice it into rings. Rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt, then set aside. -
Assemble the rolls:
Lay out the chicken breast slices on a cutting board. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the breadcrumb mixture at the wide end of each chicken slice. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling, securing the ends as you go. -
Cook the rolls:
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the leek rings and sauté them gently until they soften and begin to caramelize, about 3-5 minutes. -
Brown the chicken rolls:
Once the leeks are soft, raise the heat to medium-high and add the chicken rolls, placing them seam side down first. Let them sear for 3 minutes until they are golden brown on that side. Turn them over and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. -
Add the citrus juice:
Squeeze the juice of the lemon and the remaining half of the orange over the chicken rolls. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let everything simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the chicken to fully cook through and absorb the citrus flavors. -
Serve and enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked and the filling is flavorful, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the rolls hot, garnished with extra leek rings and a fresh drizzle of citrus juice. Pair with a side of your favorite vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Rolls
- Make sure to not overstuff the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture to prevent any spilling while cooking.
- If you like your chicken extra juicy, you can add a splash of chicken broth to the pan before covering it and simmering the rolls.
- For added color and flavor, consider garnishing the dish with some finely chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy this vibrant, citrus-infused chicken recipe that brings together the refreshing flavors of leeks and orange with the tender richness of chicken. A delightful and elegant meal for any occasion!
