Spicy Chicken Pinwheels

I found myself with leftover chicken yet again.  I wasn't in the mood for Mexican and I didn't just want sliced chicken with some veggies.  I craved flavor.  I also had to make pizza sauce.  It tastes better if it can mellow for a day or two.  I started puttering around in the pantry and this is what I came up with.

Hubs ate three pinwheels and requested one for his lunch tomorrow.  I'd call that a winner!  We both decided that the filling would make an excellent filling for ravioli too.

Missing: One large egg!

Spicy Chicken Pinwheels
Makes 6 Pinwheels
2 cups Pizza Sauce (+ extra to serve if you like things saucy)
1 tablespoon Sugar
6 Lasagna Noodles, cooked and cooled (make a few extra to account for some that will rip)
Chicken Filling*
~2 cups cooked Chicken, shredded
~3 Garlic Cloves, minced
~1/2 teaspoon crushed Fennel or Anise seed
~1/2 teaspoon dried Basil
~1/2 teaspoon dried Oregano
1/ teaspoon crushed Red Pepper
~1/3 cup chopped Black Olives
~1/3 cup chopped canned Mushrooms
4 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, grated
3 ounces  Parmesan Cheese, grated fine (+ extra to sprinkle)
1 large Egg

 

Cook lasagna noodles in salted water as directed by package.

Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

To make filling, shred chicken.

Add all seasonings.  Mix well.

Add black olives and mushroom and again, mix well.

Add both cheeses and egg.

Mix together completely with your hands.  Don't be scared.  Get in there! Mixture should have no big chunks of chicken and hold together lightly.

Lay out lasagna noodles and distribute mixture evenly.

Spread mixture evenly over noodles, trying to keep it about the same depth over whole noodle.

Roll from short end.  Don't worry if some of the ends are a bit ragged.  Just make sure to put that end on the inside.

Spray baking dish with cooking spray & put about 3-4 tablespoon sauce in bottom to coat.

Lay noodle rolls in pan.

Cover with sauce, making sure it gets in between rolls.
Bake at 350 degree F for 30 minutes.

Take out and sprinkle with more shredded Parmesan then return to oven.

Continue to bake until sauce is bubbly and cheese is browned, about 20-30 minutes.  Isn't my new baking dish adorable?  Thank you, Charlotte, for the new Winterberry addition!

Serve with extra grated Parmesan and extra sauce if desired.