This Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini features tender chicken stuffed with creamy cheese and rolled up for a fun twist on dinner. It’s both cheesy and satisfying, perfect for any night!
Rolling up chicken might sound fancy, but trust me, it’s super easy! I love serving this dish with a side of pasta or a simple salad. It’s a hit every time—no one can resist that cheesy goodness! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for rollatini. If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless thighs for a richer flavor and tenderness.
Cheeses: The blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta gives a great texture. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan cheese alternatives. Cashew cheese is a decent ricotta substitute!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor when searing. If you’re out, avocado oil works well too. It has a high smoke point, which is perfect for cooking.
Heavy Cream: It creates a nice sauce. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even unsweetened almond milk thickened with a bit of cornstarch.
How Do I Perfectly Roll the Chicken?
Rolling the chicken properly ensures the filling stays inside. After pounding the cutlets, lay them flat and place the filling at the wider end. Gently roll from this end towards the thinner end while tucking in the sides as you go. Secureting with a toothpick helps, but you can also use kitchen twine if available.
Don’t rush this step! Make sure not to overfill, or the cheese will ooze out during cooking. A little patience here goes a long way for delicious rollatini!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your delicious rollatini once they’re assembled.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and slice it horizontally to create thin, even cutlets. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and makes rolling easier.
3. Season the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken cutlets generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This step is key for flavor!
4. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses. Mix well until all the cheeses are blended together.
5. Roll the Chicken:
Take a spoonful of the cheese mixture and place it on the wider end of each chicken cutlet. Carefully roll the chicken up from the wider side to enclose the filling, tucking in the sides as you go. Secure with toothpicks if necessary to keep them intact.
6. Sear the Rollatini:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken rollatini to the skillet and sear them on all sides until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. This adds a delicious crust!
7. Add the Cream:
Pour the heavy cream over the chicken rollatini in the skillet. Allow it to gently simmer, which will help create a lovely sauce as it thickens slightly.
8. Bake the Rollatini:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. You can check with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
9. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rollatini rest for about 5 minutes. Remove any toothpicks carefully!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the chicken rollatini and drizzle with the creamy sauce from the pan. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For a bit of heat, feel free to sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Enjoy your easy and cheesy meal!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give you a richer flavor and can be a bit juicier. Just ensure they are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Rollatini?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the rollatini a day in advance! Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if you bake them straight from the fridge.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Rollatini?
These rollatini pair beautifully with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a simple salad. You can also serve them over steamed veggies for a lighter option!
