Chicken Rolls with Leeks and Citrus

Here is a recipe to prepare chicken rolls with leeks and citrus that will enliven your palate with a touch of citrus freshness!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 medium-sized leeks
• 1 organic orange
• 1 organic lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Aromatic herbs to taste (rosemary, thyme, sage)
• Dry white wine to taste for deglazing
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine

Preparation

1. Clean the chicken breasts by removing any fat residues and lightly pound them to make them thinner and more uniform.
2. Wash the leeks and cut them into long strips.
3. Prepare a julienne of zest from the lemons and oranges, being careful not to include the white part that could be bitter.
4. Grate a bit of the orange and lemon zest and set aside to use later in the rolls.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and chopped aromatic herbs over the flattened chicken breasts.
6. Add the leek strips and a pinch of grated citrus zest over each chicken breast.
7. Roll up the chicken breasts with the filling inside and secure them with toothpicks or tie them with kitchen twine.
8. In a pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil and brown the rolls on all sides until golden.
9. Deglaze with dry white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
10. Lower the heat, cover, and continue cooking for about 20 minutes, checking occasionally and adding a bit of water if necessary.
11. Once cooked, remove the rolls from the pan, remove the toothpicks or twine, and place them on a serving dish.
12. If desired, you can thicken the cooking sauce with a bit of corn starch dissolved in cold water and then pour the sauce over the rolls.

Curiosity

Citrus fruits are often used in Mediterranean cuisine for their ability to add a note of freshness and acidity to dishes, skillfully contrasting with fattier ingredients such as meat. Using both the zest and juice can create a harmony of flavors that enhances the senses and enriches the dish with vitamins and aroma.