This Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini is a fun twist on chicken. It features juicy chicken breasts rolled up with creamy cheese and spinach, all baked until bubbly and golden.
The best part? It’s so easy to make, I love serving it with pasta. It feels fancy, but takes hardly any time. Who knew dinner could be such a breeze? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken for easy rolling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey cutlets can work well too.
Cheeses: Ricotta adds creaminess, while mozzarella gives that gooey texture. Can’t find ricotta? Cottage cheese blended smooth is a great alternative!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its richness. If you’re watching your calories, try half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute like coconut cream for a similar effect.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a bright note. If fresh isn’t available, a teaspoon of dried basil can substitute, but use it sparingly as it’s more potent.
How Can I Roll the Chicken Without It Falling Apart?
Rolling chicken can be tricky, but there are some tips to make it easier. First, pound the chicken to an even thickness to help it cook uniformly. Next, after adding the cheese filling, start rolling from one end tightly and secure it with toothpicks to hold the shape.
- Use a clean, dry kitchen towel to help hold the chicken while rolling.
- Don’t overfill; a generous amount of cheese that doesn’t spill out works best.
- When browning, use medium-high heat. This helps to seal it without overcooking the chicken.
Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 25-30 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 45-50 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, take your chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it easier to roll. Season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped basil. Stir well until all the ingredients are mixed nicely together.
3. Roll Up the Chicken:
Take a spoonful of the cheese mixture and spread it evenly over each chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll each chicken breast tightly from one end to the other. If needed, use toothpicks to secure them in place so they don’t unroll during cooking.
4. Brown the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken rolls and brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This not only adds flavor but also helps to seal in the moisture.
5. Assemble in a Baking Dish:
Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a baking dish, placing them seam-side down to keep them from unrolling.
6. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Next, stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese and add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Bake the Rollatini:
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken rolls in the baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once ready, remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini
Can I Use Thicker Chicken Breasts?
While the recipe works best with thinly pounded chicken breasts, if you have thicker ones, you can still use them. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time; they may need to bake a little longer to cook through fully!
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken rolls and the creamy sauce ahead of time. Just store the chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, just pour the sauce over and bake as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Freeze Chicken Rollatini?
Yes, you can freeze chicken rollatini! After assembling the rolls, but before baking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-50 minutes or until fully cooked.
