Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Chicken Roulade with Spinach - A Taste of Sicilian Comfort
A tender chicken roulade filled with spinach, pancetta and pecorino-an elegant yet homely Sicilian classic that brings warmth to any table.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 600 g chicken breast
- ✓ 150 g stale bread
- ✓ 400 g spinach
- ✓ 100 ml whole milk
- ✓ 30 g grated Sicilian pecorino
- ✓ 1 egg
- ✓ 1 garlic clove
- ✓ 150 g pancetta or lardo
- ✓ 30 g sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- ✓ 40 g walnuts
- ✓ 3 rosemary sprigs
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil
📊 Nutritional Information
If you're looking for a dish that wraps up the rustic comfort of Sicilian family cooking in one elegant bite, this Chicken Roulade with Spinach is absolutely worth making.
It’s the sort of recipe that has graced Sicilian Sunday tables for generations: simple ingredients, lovingly prepared, coming together to create something truly memorable.
Tender chicken breast is rolled around a savoury filling of softened bread, wilted spinach, pancetta and sun-dried tomatoes. A generous grating of pecorino brings depth, while fresh rosemary lifts the aroma beautifully.
The result? A roulade that is moist, full of flavour, and perfect for sharing-whether at a cosy family lunch or during a relaxed dinner with friends.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Finely chop the pancetta and sun-dried tomatoes. Add the chopped walnuts and rosemary, drizzle with a little olive oil, and mix well.
- 2
Wash the spinach, then sauté it gently in a pan with garlic and a splash of olive oil for about 10 minutes. Set aside.
- 3
Cut the bread into cubes and soak it in milk until softened. Add the egg, pecorino, salt and pepper, then fold in the pancetta mixture.
- 4
Slice the chicken breast open and flatten it with a meat tenderiser. Season lightly with salt.
- 5
Spread the filling over the chicken and top with the cooked spinach.
- 6
Roll up the chicken tightly and secure it with kitchen twine.
- 7
Place the roulade in a baking dish with a little olive oil and rosemary. Bake at 180°C for 50–55 minutes, finishing under the grill for a golden top.
- 8
Allow to rest, then slice and serve warm.
💡 Tips and Variations
For an extra indulgent version, add a few slices of cheese to the filling.
If you prefer a smoky touch, swap the pancetta for speck.
📦 Storage
- • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- • Freeze the roulade (whole or sliced) wrapped tightly in cling film for up to 3 months.
- • Defrost in the fridge and reheat at 180°C for 15–20 minutes.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this roulade with a glass of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, served at 16–18°C.
Its bright fruit notes and soft tannins complement the richness of the filling and the savoury sweetness of the chicken.
Thank you for cooking along with me!
This Sicilian Chicken Roulade with Spinach is a dish that brings people together-warm, generous and full of flavour.
I hope it becomes one of your favourites too. Buon appetito!
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate
Potrebbero interessarti anche:
-
Lamb with Artichokes - a Traditional Sicilian Dish for Special Occasions Easter Recipes Main Courses Meat Main CoursesDiscover how to prepare this elegant Sicilian lamb and artichoke dish - a comforting classic perfect for family gatherings and festive meals.
-
Grilled Breaded Calamari: A Taste of the Sicilian Coast Quick Recipes Main Courses Seafood Main CoursesTender grilled calamari coated in crisp golden breadcrumbs - a simple, sun-soaked Sicilian dish that brings the sea straight to your table.
-
Sweet and Sour Sicilian Meatballs - A Homely Classic with a Sun-kissed Twist Main Courses Meat Main CoursesTender Sicilian meatballs simmered in a glossy sweet-and-sour tomato sauce, infused with almonds, cinnamon and the warmth of the Mediterranean.
-
Siracusan Bobbia: A Simple, Honest Sicilian Summer Side Quick Recipes Main CoursesDiscover Siracusan bobbia, a rustic Sicilian side dish of peppers, potatoes and onions - full of sunshine and Mediterranean character.
-
Courgette Parmigiana: Discover the Colours and Flavours of a Sicilian Summer Main Courses Vegetarian Main CoursesDiscover courgette parmigiana - all the vibrant colours and flavours of a Sicilian summer captured in one irresistible dish!
-
Sicilian-Style Pizzaiola Beef: A Rustic Classic Quick Recipes Main Courses Meat First CoursesTender beef simmered in a fragrant tomato and oregano sauce — a simple, homely Sicilian dish bursting with honest flavour.
-
Sicilian Stuffed Artichokes: A Taste of the Island’s Springtime Soul Main CoursesA comforting and fragrant Sicilian dish where tender artichokes cradle a savoury, cheese-laced filling - rustic, seasonal and irresistibly Mediterranean.
-
Sicilian Fried Salt Cod - A Christmas Classic Starters Christmas Recipes Quick Recipes Fish Main Courses Main CoursesDiscover this beautifully simple Sicilian fried salt cod, a crisp and golden Christmas classic that brings Mediterranean warmth to the festive table.
-
Slow-Braised Sicilian Lamb with Potatoes Easter Recipes Main Courses Meat Main CoursesA comforting, slow-cooked Sicilian lamb dish gently braised with red wine, herbs and tender potatoes - perfect for a Sunday lunch or a special gathering.
-
Palermitan-Style Breaded Veal - A Simple and Authentic Sicilian Classic Quick Recipes Main Courses Meat Main CoursesA light, flavourful Sicilian-style breaded veal cutlet, inspired by the traditional cooking of Palermo — quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.