Poulet A Deux
Poulet A Deux features tender chicken breasts wrapped around savory ham and melted cheese, baked in a rich tomato sauce with a hint of spice. This elegant yet straightforward dish offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions. It combines comfort and sophistication in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to flatten.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cover with slices of ham.
- Place 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese in the center of each.
- Roll up each chicken breast and secure with toothpicks.
- Arrange the rolled chicken in a baking dish.
- Combine tomato sauce, sugar, salt, Tabasco, and garlic powder; pour over the chicken.
- Cover and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove toothpicks.
- Place a slice of Mozzarella cheese over each roll.
- Return to oven until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the tomato sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute turkey for the chicken and use low-fat cheese. You can also swap out the pre-cooked ham for cooked prosciutto for a different taste. Be sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Poulet A Deux with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Vichyssoise-Potato Leek Soup for a comforting dinner. A light red wine or sparkling water can complement the dish nicely, enhancing the flavors of the ham and cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Poulet A Deux can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This will help maintain the cheese's meltiness without drying out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poulet A Deux contains roughly 265 calories, with 16g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1350mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Poulet A Deux ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls a day in advance. Assemble them, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What can I substitute for the Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative that will provide a similar salty flavor. Nutritional yeast can also be used for a dairy-free option, giving a cheesy flavor without the milk.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! To amp up the spice, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of Mozzarella for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).