Poulet Del Monico De Jean("Chicken Del Monico By Gene")
Poulet Del Monico de Jean features tender chicken breasts layered with ham, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs, then baked to perfection. Rich and flavorful with a hint of wine and lemon, it's an elegant dish perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated dinner for those who enjoy savory, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and pound them out to an even thickness.
- Layer slices of prosciutto or West Phalian ham over the chicken.
- Spread soft cream cheese over the ham, then sprinkle with chopped chives, parsley, garlic, thyme, and paprika.
- Add a thin pat of butter on top of the cheese layer.
- Roll up the chicken to enclose the fillings, then seal the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Place the rolled chicken in a casserole dish or pan.
- Drizzle white sweet wine, half a stick of melted butter, and lemon juice over the chicken rolls.
- Top with shredded Asiago cheese and another slice of ham.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Broil briefly to brown the cheese on top.
- Garnish with lemon slices and sprinkle paprika over the dish before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, particularly thyme and chives. If you can't find prosciutto, West Phalian ham is a great alternative. For a healthier option, you can substitute the cream cheese with a low-fat version or Greek yogurt. This dish can also be made with turkey breasts for a lighter variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Del Monico with a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad with vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the dish. It also pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Vichyssoise-Potato Leek Soup as a starter.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Del Monico can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poulet Del Monico De Jean("Chicken Del Monico By Gene") contains roughly 158 calories, with 10g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (75% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A.
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 prepare Chicken Del Monico ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls a day in advance. Assemble them as instructed, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply add the wine and butter before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and saves time on the day you plan to serve it.
What can I use instead of Asiago cheese?
If you don't have Asiago cheese, you can substitute it with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor profile. Both options will provide a nice sharpness to balance the creaminess of the other cheeses in the dish.
Can Chicken Del Monico be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Del Monico. Wrap the cooked and cooled chicken rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed until heated through.
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).