Get ready to elevate your dinner table with Chicken Braciole with Parmesan & Pancetta – a mouth-watering Italian classic with a modern twist! This delicious dish combines savory pancetta, rich Parmesan, and tender chicken, creating a flavor-packed experience that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Chicken Braciole is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavors that bring a touch of Italy right into your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
1/2 cup butter
1 heaping Tbsp. chopped garlic
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
12 slices thinly sliced pancetta
2 quarts of your favorite tomato sauce (homemade or jarred)
Optional substitutions: Substitute pancetta with prosciutto or turkey bacon for a lighter option, and feel free to use dairy-free Parmesan for a lactose-free alternative.
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F. While waiting, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper. Stir well and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half to create 6 pieces. Using a meat pounder, gently pound the chicken until it’s evenly thin and flat.
Assemble with Pancetta: Lay two slices of pancetta on each piece of chicken. Brush the butter mixture evenly over each piece, making sure to cover all areas for maximum flavor.
Roll and Secure: Carefully roll each chicken piece and secure with toothpicks. Place each rolled piece in a baking dish.
Bake: Bake the chicken braciole for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.
Simmer in Sauce: Remove the toothpicks, transfer the chicken to a pot of tomato sauce, and let it simmer for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Pro Tip: Using homemade tomato sauce can elevate the flavors even further! Try adding fresh basil or oregano to add depth.
Notes
Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley enhance the overall flavor of this dish. Avoid using pre-minced garlic for the best results.
Secure Rolls Tightly: Make sure to secure the chicken rolls tightly with toothpicks to keep the pancetta and cheese mixture from spilling out.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Letting the chicken simmer in the sauce for a full hour gives it an incredible tenderness that you’ll love!
