Potato Rolls with Chicken

Here’s a full write-up for **Potato Rolls with Chicken**, covering its introduction, origin, cultural significance, ingredients, and more!

## **Potato Rolls with Chicken**

### **Introduction**
Potato Rolls with Chicken are a savory and comforting dish combining the softness of potato-based rolls with the heartiness of seasoned chicken. These rolls are perfect for a satisfying meal, offering a wonderful balance between fluffy texture and flavorful filling. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, Potato Rolls with Chicken are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

### **Origin**
Potato-based bread has been a staple in various cultures, but the concept of stuffing rolls with a savory filling like chicken is often linked to **Eastern European** and **American** comfort foods. Potatoes have long been used in bread-making due to their ability to produce a soft, moist texture. The addition of chicken transforms this simple roll into a meal-worthy delight. In many cases, the concept of combining bread and meat comes from the desire to create filling, affordable dishes that could feed a large number of people, making Potato Rolls with Chicken an ideal comfort food across different regions.

### **Cultural Significance**
Potato Rolls with Chicken represent a combination of practicality and indulgence. Often served during family gatherings, church events, or as a filling meal on busy nights, they carry the essence of **family-style cooking**. In many cultures, potato bread is a symbol of home-cooked goodness, comfort, and tradition. The addition of chicken makes this dish both filling and satisfying, providing the necessary protein and hearty flavors.

### **Ingredients Quantity** *(Makes 12 rolls)*

**For the Potato Rolls:**
– 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cooled)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
– 1/4 cup warm milk
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 tbsp active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 egg

**For the Chicken Filling:**
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1 tbsp mustard (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

**For the Egg Wash:**
– 1 egg (beaten, for brushing on top of the rolls)

### **Optional Additions**
– **Vegetables**: Add finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or carrots to the chicken filling for added nutrition and flavor.
– **Cheese**: Mix shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan into the chicken filling for a cheesy twist.
– **Herbs**: Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme to enhance the flavor of the chicken filling.
– **Seasoning**: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can be added to the filling for a little extra heat.

### **Tips for Success**
– **Cool the potatoes before using them** in the dough to avoid affecting the yeast.
– **Let the dough rise properly**: Ensure your yeast has activated before adding it to the dough, and allow enough time for the dough to rise to ensure fluffy rolls.
– **Shape the rolls tightly** to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
– If your rolls are **too sticky** to handle, add small amounts of flour while kneading.
– Be sure to **brush the rolls with egg wash** just before baking to achieve a beautiful golden brown finish.

### **Instructions**

1. **Prepare the dough**:
– In a bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
– In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter. Add the yeast mixture and egg. Stir until combined.
– Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add more flour as needed.
– Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

2. **Prepare the chicken filling**:
– In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, green onions, mustard (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully mixed and creamy.

3. **Shape the rolls**:
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten each one into a disc.
– Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each disc and fold the edges up to form a roll. Pinch the seams tightly to seal the rolls.
– Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet, seam side down, and let them rise for an additional 15–20 minutes.

4. **Bake**:
– Brush each roll with the beaten egg wash for a glossy finish.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.

5. **Serve**:
– Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a main dish or appetizer.

### **Description**
Potato Rolls with Chicken are soft, pillowy rolls filled with a creamy and savory chicken mixture. The potato dough adds a tender texture, while the chicken filling offers a satisfying and hearty bite. These rolls are the perfect combination of comfort food and flavor, with the fluffy bread complementing the rich chicken filling.

### **Nutritional Information** *(approx. per roll)*
– **Calories**: 220–250
– **Protein**: 12g
– **Carbohydrates**: 30g
– **Fat**: 9g
– **Saturated Fat**: 5g
– **Sodium**: 330mg
– **Fiber**: 1g
– **Cholesterol**: 40mg
*(Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)*

### **Conclusion**
Potato Rolls with Chicken are a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for any occasion. These rolls are easy to make, customizable to suit your taste, and can be enjoyed as a satisfying dinner or a delightful snack. The combination of soft, fluffy potato dough and flavorful chicken filling is sure to please the whole family.

### **Recommendation**
Pair these rolls with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. They can also be served as a snack for gatherings or as part of a cozy dinner. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven for a delicious meal the next day.

### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
You can make Potato Rolls with Chicken a healthier option by using **whole wheat flour** or a gluten-free flour blend for the dough. Opt for **lean chicken breast** and reduce the amount of cream cheese for a lighter filling. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables into the chicken filling will boost the nutritional content, making these rolls both delicious and nutritious.

Would you like this recipe formatted as a printable card or blog-style post? Let me know how I can assist further!

Leave a Comment