Queen Elizabeth'S Chicken
Elegant chicken roulades filled with cheese and ham, baked to golden perfection and served with flavorful tomato and apricot sauce for a sophisticated meal.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breast fillets ⓘ
- seasoned salt ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 6 tsp. finely chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 6 slices smoked ham ⓘ
- white rice
- brown rice ⓘ
- wild rice
- canned apricot halves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups canned whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 3/4 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry white wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Top each chicken breast with 1 teaspoon chopped parsley, 1 slice Swiss cheese, and 1 slice smoked ham.
- Roll each chicken breast tightly and brush with melted butter.
- Roll each in fresh bread crumbs to coat evenly.
- Arrange the chicken rolls seam side down in a square baking dish, placing them close together.
- Pour the remaining melted butter over the chicken and sprinkle with remaining bread crumbs.
- Cover the dish and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove cover and continue baking until the chicken is golden, about 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with white, brown, and wild rice mix, garnished with drained apricot halves and a sauce made from canned tomatoes, heavy cream, white wine, salt, and sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the white wine mixed with garlic and herbs for a couple of hours before preparation. If Swiss cheese is unavailable, Gruyère makes a great substitute. You can also use leftover chicken from other recipes, such as Linda's Chicken Breasts, to save time. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens may vary.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a mix of white, brown, and wild rice. To elevate the meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For a touch of sweetness, garnish with the drained apricot halves. You can also serve it with a sauce made from the canned tomatoes, heavy cream, and white wine to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Queen Elizabeth's Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Queen Elizabeth'S Chicken contains roughly 768 calories, with 8g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1464mg per serving (64% 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 use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses such as provolone or mozzarella. Each will impart a different flavor, so choose based on your preference. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain the dish's creamy texture.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Keep in mind that using alternatives can alter the richness of the sauce, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken rolls a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake them fresh when you're ready to serve, ensuring they stay moist and flavorful. This makes it a convenient option for dinner parties.
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).