Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden chicken breast and revealing a hidden treasure of sweet, herbaceous filling that transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary masterpiece. These Herb and Apple Filled Chicken Breast Rolls are not just a recipe—they're a gastronomic adventure that combines the juicy tenderness of chicken with the unexpected brightness of fresh apples and aromatic herbs. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or elevate your weeknight cooking, this dish promises to be a game-changer that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by carefully butterflying them, creating a flat surface that can be rolled. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine diced apple, breadcrumbs, fresh chopped thyme, and rosemary. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful filling.
- Season the inside of each butterflied chicken breast with salt and pepper. Distribute the apple-herb mixture evenly across the opened chicken breasts, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll each chicken breast tightly, ensuring the filling stays compact. Secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent unrolling during cooking.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering.
- Place the chicken rolls seam-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, rotating to achieve an even golden-brown exterior.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Remove toothpicks or twine, slice the rolls diagonally, and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs.
Tips
- Butterfly your chicken breasts carefully and evenly to ensure uniform cooking and easy rolling.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the salt and pepper adhere better and promote beautiful browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature—165°F is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Don't skip the resting period after cooking; it helps redistribute juices and keeps the meat moist.
- If you don't have kitchen twine, toothpicks work great for securing the rolls, but remember to remove them before serving.
- Choose a crisp apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in your filling.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of grated parmesan or chopped nuts to the breadcrumb mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
