Easy Chicken Roulade Recipe With Spinach & Sundried Tomatoes (GF)

4 servings
50 min

This Chicken Roulade Recipe turns simple ingredients into a special dinner easy enough for a weeknight meal. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a gluten-free Mediterranean mix of spinach, ricotta, and sundried tomatoes. It's rolled, seared, and baked until golden, slicing easily to reveal a colorful swirl of filling.

Sliced chicken roulade with spinach, sundried tomatoes, and herbs, arranged on fresh spinach leaves atop a wooden board, garnished with chopped parsley and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

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This chicken roulade recipe stands out for its fresh, Mediterranean flavor and easy preparation. The filling brings together creamy ricotta, wilted spinach, and the bold flavor of sundried tomatoes for a combination that feels both light and comforting.

Instead of using heavy sauces or breading, the olive oil sear and simple herbs let the ingredients shine. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and gives the dish a polished finish that looks like it came from your favorite restaurant.


If you love this kind of flavorful, home-style chicken dinner, try my Italian Breaded Chicken for a crisp gluten-free twist, my Tuscan Chicken for a lemon zing, or my Chicken Marsala Thighs for a comforting classic with rich mushroom flavor. Each one brings a different taste of the Mediterranean table and pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.


Ingredients


You will need the following ingredients to make this stuffed chicken:

A plate with raw chicken breasts, ready for a flavorful Chicken Roulade, is surrounded by labeled ingredients: spinach, sundried tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, ricotta cheese, provolone cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

Ingredient Notes


  • Chicken - Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them thin before pounding. Getting the chicken to about ¼-inch thick helps it cook evenly and roll easily without tearing.
  • Spinach - Fresh spinach works best, but frozen can be used once thawed and squeezed dry. I tested both and found the fresh version gives a brighter color and cleaner flavor.
  • Sundried Tomatoes in Oil - They bring a deep, tangy flavor that balances the creamy filling. I prefer oil-packed tomatoes for their softer texture but soaking dried sundried tomatoes in hot water to rehydrate them also works.
  • Ricotta Cheese - Just a few spoonfuls add creaminess and help to bind the filling. Cream cheese works if you prefer a little extra tanginess.


See the recipe card for quantities.


How To Make Chicken Roulade Recipe: Step-By-Step


Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:

Two raw chicken breasts, perfect for making Chicken Roulade with sundried tomatoes and spinach, are seasoned with salt and black pepper on a white plate, set on a light-colored textured surface.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice each chicken breast into thinner fillets. Use a rolling pin to pound the chicken gently. Season with salt and pepper.

Sauteed spinach leaves in a stainless steel pan on a light-colored countertop, perfect for pairing with chicken roulade. A white circle with the number 2 appears in the bottom left corner of the image.

Step 2: Using a skillet, cook the spinach with a splash of water until tender. Chop it thinly and set it aside.

A clear glass bowl filled with a vibrant mix of chopped spinach, sundried tomatoes, shredded cheese, and seasonings. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl, stirring the perfect filling for a delicious Chicken Roulade.

Step 3: Mix the spinach with the sundried tomatoes, provolone, garlic, and ricotta. Stir to combine.

A raw chicken breast fillet for Chicken Roulade is topped with chopped spinach, sundried tomatoes, grated cheese, and herbs on a white plate. A white circle with the number 4 is in the corner.

Step 4: Spoon some of the spinach mixture on top of each chicken fillet. Leave the edges clean so it's easier to roll.

Four uncooked chicken roulade breasts rolled and tied with string, seasoned with herbs and paprika, are arranged on a white surface. A white circle with the number 5 appears in the lower left corner of the image.

Step 5: Roll each chicken fillet as tightly as possible. Use kitchen twine to tie them nicely. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.

Four chicken roulades tied with string sizzle in a cast iron skillet, filled with spinach, sundried tomatoes, and cheese. A white circle with the number 6 appears in the bottom left corner.

Step 6: Heat the olive oil and butter in the oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Slice into rounds and drizzle with balsamic glaze, if using.


Pro Tips


Even thickness matters. Pounding the chicken evenly helps it cook at the same rate and makes rolling smooth and tight.

Don't overfill. It's tempting to pack in more, but keeping the filling light prevents it from spilling out during searing or baking.

Use a thermometer. Chicken roulade is perfect when it reaches 165°F. Pull it from the oven as soon as it hits that mark to keep it juicy.

Close-up of two slices of chicken roulade filled with spinach, sundried tomatoes, and cheese, garnished with chopped herbs and served on a wooden board with fresh green leaves underneath.
Variations


  • Cheese Swaps - Try feta or mozzarella instead of provolone. Feta adds a salty bite, while mozzarella keeps things mild and extra melty. You can also go dairy-free and skip the cheese.
  • Vegetable Twists - Swap the spinach for kale, arugula, or even chopped roasted red peppers for a different flavor and color.


This chicken roulade pairs beautifully with fresh Mediterranean sides that balance its creamy, savory filling. Try it with Roasted Heirloom Carrots for a hint of sweetness, or add some brightness with a Chickpea Orzo Salad or Italian White Bean Salad.

For something simple yet bold, drizzle a little Lemon Yogurt Sauce with Mint and Garlic over each slice just before serving. Together, they make a colorful, gluten-free meal that feels as beautiful as it tastes.


Frequently Asked Questions


How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Don't overfill the chicken and make sure it's rolled tightly. Securing each roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks helps everything stay in place while it cooks.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

You can, but it's trickier to roll since thighs are smaller and uneven in shape. For best results, stick with boneless, skinless chicken breasts.


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Easy Chicken Roulade Recipe With Spinach & Sundried Tomatoes (GF)
Recipe details
  • 4  servings
  • Prep time: 35 Minutes Cook time: 15 Minutes Total time: 50 min
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Ingredients

  • ▢ 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
  • ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ▢ 1 cup fresh spinach or 1/2 cup frozen spinach thawed and sqeezed dry
  • ▢ 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes in oil chopped
  • ▢ 1 cup provolone shredded
  • ▢ 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons ricotta
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon olive oil for searing
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ▢ 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ▢ balsamic glaze optional
Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375℉.
Slice each chicken breast into thinner fillets: you will get 2-3, depending on the thickness of your chicken breast. Using a rolling pin or meat mallet, gently pound the breast to a ¼ inch thickness. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Cook the spinach in a cast iron skillet with a splash of water until the spinach has wilted. Remove the spinach and chop it thinly. 1 cup fresh spinach
In a bowl, mix the spinach with the sundried tomatoes, shredded provolone, minced garlic, and ricotta. ½ cup sundried tomatoes in oil, 1 cup provolone, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons ricotta
Spoon some of the mixture on top of each chicken fillet. Leave the edges clean so it's easier to roll the chicken.
Roll each chicken fillet, keeping the filling inside, as tightly as possible. Then use kitchen twine to tie them up nicely.
Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Heat the olive oil and butter in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown, then transfer the skillet to the oven. 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ with a thermometer.
Let rest for 5 minutes.
Slice into rounds and drizzle with balsamic glaze, if using. balsamic glaze
Tips
  • Bring the chicken to room temperature before starting. It cooks more evenly and stays tender inside.
  • Avoid overfilling the roulade. Too much filling makes it hard to roll and can cause the mixture to spill out.
  • Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure each roll before searing. This helps the roulade hold its shape.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the roulades several hours before baking. Refrigerate covered until ready to cook.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
  • Freezing: Freeze fully cooked roulades for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Serving Ideas: Pair this chicken roulade with Mediterranean Eggplant, Italian Potato Salad, or Smashed Fingerling Potatoes.
A Sweet Thyme | Gwen
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