Flamenquín de Pollo (Chicken Flamenquín)

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1 lb) 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1 lb)
• 8 slices of ham 8 slices of ham
• 8 slices of cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar) 8 slices of cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 1g)
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently with a meat mallet until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
2. 2.
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. 3.
   Lay 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of cheese on each chicken breast.
4. 4.
   Roll up the chicken breasts tightly, securing them with toothpicks.
5. 5.
   In a shallow dish, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt.
6. 6.
   Dip each chicken roll into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is coated evenly.
7. 7.
   Roll the chicken rolls in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
8. 8.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
9. 9.
   Fry the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
10. 10.
    Remove the toothpicks and let the Flamenquín rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
11. 11.
    Slice the Flamenquín into thick rounds and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breast — Pound the chicken breasts gently and evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Breadcrumbs — For a more flavorful coating, you can mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese or dried herbs like oregano or thyme.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the toothpicks from burning during frying, soak them in water for a few minutes before using.
• For a healthier alternative, you can bake the Flamenquín in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Experiment with different types of cheese and ham to customize the flavors to your liking.
• Serve the Flamenquín with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy exterior.

Serving advice

Serve the Flamenquín de Pollo hot as a main course. Accompany it with a side of crispy fries or a refreshing green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced Flamenquín on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Serve it alongside the side dish and salad for an appealing presentation.