This stuffed chicken breast with classic stuffing is the perfect Thanksgiving dinner for two - juicy, festive, and easier than roasting a whole turkey.
For the stuffing:
4 slices whole wheat sandwich bread (about 3 cups), cut into ¼-inch cubes
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup onion, finely diced
¾ cup celery, finely diced
1/2 teaspoon dried ground sage + 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
¾ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
¾ teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
2–3 tablespoons dried cranberries, chopped
⅔ cup chicken broth, plus more if needed
For the chicken roll-ups/roulades:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied into 4 cutlets, pounded thin - See my [chicken roulade recipe] for a detailed guide on preparing chicken breasts)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon onion powder
4 slices prosciutto (use 2 per roulade if chicken pieces are large)
Olive oil, for brushing (if not using prosciutto)
For the gravy:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ cup reserved cooked vegetable mixture (from stuffing)
1½ to 2 cups chicken broth (see note)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Prep the bread cubes: Cut bread into ¼-inch cubes (a serrated knife works best). Spread on a baking sheet and toast at 250°F for about 30 minutes, until dried out.
Cook the vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened. Stir in sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Reserve ¼ cup of the mixture for the gravy.
Make the stuffing: In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, remaining vegetable mixture, dried cranberries, parsley, and chicken broth. Stir until bread is evenly moistened, adding more broth as needed.
Prepare the chicken: Butterfly and pound chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. (See my [chicken roulade recipe] for a detailed guide on preparing chicken breasts).
Assemble roulades: Spread a thin layer of stuffing over each cutlet. Roll tightly. Wrap each with prosciutto (use 2 slices if needed). If not using prosciutto, secure with toothpicks or twine and brush lightly with olive oil. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Roast at 400°F for 22–25 minutes. To check doneness, slice the largest roulade in half — the chicken should be opaque and juices clear. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Make the gravy: In the same skillet used for the vegetables, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Add the reserved vegetable mixture, then slowly whisk in broth. Simmer 5–8 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. (Use 1½ cups broth for thicker gravy, 2 cups for thinner.)
Serve: Slice roulades into halves or pinwheels and serve warm with gravy.
Yield: Makes 4 roulades - enough for 2 people with hearty leftovers, or 4 people for lighter servings.
Make ahead: Stuff and roll chicken up to 24 hours in advance, then bake when ready. Gravy can also be made ahead and reheated.
Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer.
Shortcut: You can substitute boxed stuffing mix or store-bought dried bread cubes for the homemade version. You can also prepare the bread cubes ahead of time to speed up the cooking time.
Find it online: https://www.myeclecticbites.com/chicken-breast-with-stuffing/