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Cheesy Chicken Roll-Ups
About This Recipe
Cheesy Chicken Roll-Ups are a comforting, family-friendly dish made from thinly pounded chicken breasts rolled around a creamy cheese filling, baked in a savory sauce until tender and golden. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying main course with an appealing presentation. Each piece slices beautifully to reveal layers of seasoned chicken and melted cheese. Whether you need an easy weeknight meal or a dish to serve guests, these roll-ups offer delicious flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesy Chicken Roll-Ups are incredibly versatile. They are simple to assemble, yet the final presentation looks elegant enough for gatherings. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and a flavorful sauce makes every bite rich and satisfying. This recipe also allows for many variations—you can add spinach, mushrooms, or spices to customize the filling. Another advantage is that the dish can be prepared in advance and baked right before serving, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Roll-Ups:
• 4 large boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper as needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are thick, slice them in half horizontally or pound them gently between parchment paper until thin and even. This ensures they roll easily and cook uniformly.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella, cheddar, and softened cream cheese. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the filling becomes smooth and spreadable.
3. Lay each chicken piece flat on a clean surface. Spread a spoonful of the cheese mixture across the surface of each piece, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Roll each chicken breast tightly, securing the edges as you go. If necessary, use toothpicks to keep the roll sealed. Place the rolls seam-side down on a plate while preparing the sauce.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or coat it with non-stick spray.
6. In a skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Arrange the chicken roll-ups in the greased baking dish. Pour the warm sauce evenly over the top. This helps keep the chicken moist and enhances the flavor during baking.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Let the roll-ups rest for 5–8 minutes before slicing or serving. This rest time helps the juices settle and allows the cheese filling to thicken slightly, making cleaner slices.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely. Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you may substitute with provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes. Spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted peppers make excellent additions as long as they are drained well before mixing into the cheese.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, add 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time.
My chicken roll-ups unrolled while baking. What went wrong?
This usually means the chicken was not rolled tightly enough or the pieces were too thick. Pounding the chicken thin helps it stay secure, and placing them seam-side down prevents them from opening.
You Must Know
The key to perfect chicken roll-ups is uniform thinness. If the chicken pieces are too thick, they will not roll smoothly and may cook unevenly. Also, be sure to spread the cheese filling lightly—too much filling can leak out during baking. Finally, allowing the dish to rest before slicing helps maintain a clean presentation and enhances the overall texture.
Storage Tips
Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked roll-ups for up to 2 months. For best results, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, place in a sealed container, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.