Chicken Pancakes Bolognese Sauce

Chicken Pancakes with Bolognese Sauce is my secret weapon for whenever I want to bring a big comforting meal to the table without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish pairs soft savory pancakes with juicy chicken, all topped with a rich hearty Bolognese sauce that tastes like it simmered all day. It is the kind of recipe that combines casual and cozy for a family dinner that everyone looks forward to.

I started making these out of pure curiosity after my daughter requested pancakes for dinner but wanted something new. The Bolognese topping was an instant hit and now we use this for birthdays and Sunday nights when we are all craving home-cooked comfort.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: use cooked chicken for tender texture and best if you have leftovers from roasting or poaching
• All-purpose flour: brings the fluffy base to pancakes and choose unbleached for more flavor
• Eggs: help the pancakes hold together and make them light
• Milk: creates the right consistency for batter and whole milk gives the most richness
• Salt: balances the batter and draws out flavors in both pancakes and sauce
• Pepper: adds just enough warmth especially freshly cracked
• Ground meat: best is beef for Bolognese but try turkey if you prefer leaner
• Canned tomatoes or ripe fresh tomatoes: add depth and soak up the spices in sauce
• Onion: gives an aromatic base and chop it finely so it melts into the sauce
• Garlic: adds a big flavor punch always go for fresh cloves not jarred
• Italian herbs: classic basil and oregano dried or fresh light up the whole dish

Instructions

Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:

Chop the onion and garlic very finely so they melt into the sauce and start by heating a splash of olive oil in a wide skillet on medium heat

Cook the Ground Meat:

Add the ground beef or turkey to the same pan and increase the heat a little brown the meat thoroughly and break it up as it cooks so you get a uniform texture cook for around seven minutes until all the pink is gone and it smells savory and rich

Simmer the Sauce:

Pour in your canned or chopped fresh tomatoes along with a sprinkle of herbs salt and pepper stir well and drop the heat to a gentle simmer let this bubble very softly for at least fifteen minutes stirring now and then so it thickens and flavors deepen

Make the Pancake Batter:

While the sauce is bubbling whisk together flour eggs milk salt and pepper in a large bowl whisk firmly until no lumps remain aim for a batter that slowly streams off a spoon but is not too watery

Cook the Pancakes:

Heat a nonstick or well-buttered pan on medium ladle in enough batter to make a medium sized pancake swirl it to an even thickness cook for up to three minutes until golden underneath then flip gently and cook another minute or two once done slide onto a plate and repeat with remaining batter

Prepare the Chicken Filling:

Take your cooked chicken and shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces set aside seasoning lightly with salt and pepper if needed

Assemble the Dish:

Lay a pancake flat and spoon a line of chicken down the center top generously with hot Bolognese sauce fold the pancake over or roll it up and arrange on warm plates ready to serve with extra sauce on top if you love it extra saucy

I always look forward to adding whatever fresh herbs are growing on my kitchen windowsill to the sauce. There is something so wonderful about stirring in the basil just before serving. Last Christmas we made a huge batch with cousins and had a pancake-rolling contest—nobody could stop laughing.

Storage Tips

Keep extra pancakes in a sealed container in the fridge for three to four days. Store leftover sauce separately so pancakes do not get soggy. To serve from the fridge briefly reheat pancakes in a dry skillet and bring sauce up to a simmer on the stovetop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out chicken for turkey or even shredded rotisserie. Use gluten free flour blend if you are cooking for someone with intolerance. If you are out of Italian herbs use thyme or even a little rosemary in the sauce it changes the flavor but keeps things interesting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad bright greens are best to balance the richness. Add a little grated cheese over the pancakes right before serving for extra comfort. Double up the Bolognese and freeze half for an easy pasta night another time.

These pancakes are the ultimate comfort meal with endless ways to adapt. Serve them warm and watch your family ask for this recipe again and again.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How can I ensure the pancakes stay soft?

Use a non-stick pan, cook over medium heat, and avoid overmixing the batter so the pancakes remain light and tender.

→ Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, cooked turkey or shredded beef can be used instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.

→ What type of ground meat works best for the Bolognese sauce?

Beef is classic, but you can also use pork or a mixture for a richer sauce.

→ Is it possible to prepare elements in advance?

Absolutely. Both pancakes and sauce can be made ahead and reheated before assembling for convenience.

→ Which herbs enhance the sauce best?

Basil and oregano are ideal Italian herbs, but thyme or marjoram can add depth as well.