Spring has officially arrived, bringing longer days, sunshine and a fresh breeze into the heart of the home. If you are wondering what light chicken dishes are perfect for spring or looking for good food and cocktails for a spring dinner party, Vanilla Zulu has just the culinary inspiration you need. 

This time of year invites us to trade heavy winter comfort for bright, garden-fresh brightness. Think fragrant bouquets of basil and rosemary, rich tomato bases bursting with sweetness and crisp, berry-infused ice. This menu captures the essence of spring on a plate, giving you a go-to weekday meal or a crowd-pleasing weekend spread that tastes like sunshine. 

Italian Chicken Involtini Recipe

Nothing says spring dining quite like a vibrant meal that feels indulgent yet light enough for warmer weather. This Italian chicken bake recipe takes classic chicken involtini – tender chicken rolls stuffed with creamy mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil – and bakes them directly over a quick homemade sauce to lock in moisture. It’s an effortless, crowd-pleasing dish that lets you prep ahead, throw it in the oven, and step outside to enjoy the sunshine.  

Ingredients

For the Involtini:

• 500-600g chicken breast fillets

• 12 thinly shaved slices of prosciutto or streaky bacon

• 80g sliced or grated mozzarella cheese

• 24 fresh basil leaves (or pesto)

• 100g diced bacon or sun-dried tomatoes

• Salt and black pepper to season

For the Sauce  Quick Sauce:

• 700g jar passata
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 5ml salt
• Large pinch black pepper
• Fresh cherry tomatoes

OR Sugo Sauce:

• Olive oil (for frying)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup roasted red capsicums (skinned and chopped)
• 500ml tomato passata
• Salt and pepper to season
• 1 pinch cumin, Ras el Hanout or chili (optional for heat)

Method

1. Prepare the Sauce: Fry the chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the roasted red capsicums, tomato passata and seasonings. Cook through, then blend with a stick blender or food processor until smooth. Pour into the base of a greased baking dish.
2. Prep the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthways to open it up. Flatten using a meat mallet or rolling pin until thin and tender. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Involtini: Lay 3 slices of prosciutto or streaky bacon side-by-side on your chopping board. Place a flattened chicken breast on top, followed by mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves and diced sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Roll and Bake: Carefully roll the chicken into a tight parcel. Place it into the baking dish over the tomato sauce. Repeat for the remaining chicken. Scatter fresh cherry tomatoes around the dish, season, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
5. Cook: Bake in a preheated oven at 200℃ for 25-30 minutes until the prosciutto is browned and crispy and the chicken is fully cooked. Serve hot with extra fresh basil garnish.

Sip, Roll & Bake Your Way to Glory!

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Blueberry & Rosemary Gin Cocktail

Pair your meal with one of the best gin cocktail recipes for warmer weather! This gin and rosemary cocktail blends juicy berries, aromatic herbals, and crisp tonic into a refreshing gin cocktail that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz top-shelf gin of choice

• 150ml tonic water

• ½ glass of ice

• 1 tbsp frozen blueberries

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (garnish)

Method

1. Fill a glass halfway with ice.
2. Pour in your gin, tonic water and frozen blueberries.
3. Stir gently to combine the flavours.
4. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary and serve.

Love bringing these bright, seasonal flavours to life? The deliciousness doesn't have to stop at your home oven. Come cook, laugh and sip with us in person – our chef-led masterclasses are designed to turn everyday cooks into culinary showstoppers. Join us for an unforgettable experience by exploring our cooking classes or treat a fellow food lover with a Vanilla Zulu Gift Voucher.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in the oven? 

Flattening the chicken breasts evenly ensures quick and uniform cooking. Baking the involtini directly on top of the tomato sauce keeps the meat moist through steam and ambient heat while allowing the outer bacon or prosciutto layer to crisp up at 200°C. 

What can I substitute for prosciutto or streaky bacon?

Pancetta or thin slices of deli ham work well as direct substitutes. If you avoid pork products, you can wrap the chicken rolls in thinly sliced turkey bacon, or skip the outer wrap entirely and secure the chicken rolls with toothpicks before baking.

Where can I find more Italian recipes like this one? 

If you loved this chicken involtini bake, our Quickies Italian Cookbook is packed with more simple, restaurant-style Italian recipes you can recreate at home. It's the perfect companion for anyone wanting to bring a taste of Italy to their weeknight dinners without the fuss. 

Do Vanilla Zulu cooking classes cater to beginner cooks? 

Yes. Vanilla Zulu’s cooking classes are designed for all skill levels, from complete beginners wanting to learn basic techniques to experienced home cooks looking to master restaurant-quality dishes and modern presentation styles. If you're keen to build your confidence in the kitchen over time, our Complete Cooking Skills Course is a great next step, taking you from the fundamentals through to more advanced techniques across six structured weeks.