This Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini is a fun dish that’s all about creamy cheese and flavorful chicken. You stuff chicken breasts with cheese, roll them up, and bake until golden!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook evenly. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even turkey breasts. Just adjust cooking time as they may vary.
Cheese: Mozzarella is great for gooeyness, but you can swap it with provolone or even cheddar if you like a sharper taste. Cream cheese adds creaminess, but ricotta can work too for a lighter texture.
Heavy Cream: Using heavy cream gives a rich sauce, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or even a lower fat milk, just remember to add a little flour to help thicken the sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Basil adds freshness, but feel free to use spinach or even parsley for a different flavor. Dried herbs like oregano work too, but fresh is always a nice touch!
How Do I Butterfly Chicken Breasts Properly?
Buttering chicken breasts can be tricky, but it’s a key step for rollatini. Doing it right helps the chicken cook evenly with no risk of drying out. Here’s how:
- Place the chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, hold it steady with one hand.
- Slice the chicken horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through. Open it up gently, like a book.
- You can also use a meat mallet to pound it thin, which helps when rolling and cooking.
Either way, aim for about 1/4 inch thickness for the best results. This helps the cheese melt perfectly inside!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For the Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus extra leaves for garnish)
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken rollatini takes about 30 minutes of prep time plus 20-25 minutes to bake. So, plan for about an hour in total to prepare and enjoy this cheesy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to get your chicken nice and golden!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Using a sharp knife, butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, then open it like a book. Alternatively, you can pound the chicken breasts to about 1/4 inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap. This helps them cook evenly.
3. Season the Chicken:
Next, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This adds great flavor!
4. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and chopped basil until you have a smooth and creamy filling. It should look delicious!
5. Fill the Chicken:
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over one side of each chicken breast. Make sure to cover it well for nice cheesy bites!
6. Roll and Secure:
Carefully roll up each chicken breast tightly, starting from the cheese-filled side. You can secure them with toothpicks if they don’t hold on their own.
7. Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken rollatini on all sides until they are golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. This gives them a gorgeous color and flavor!
8. Add the Cream:
Once the chicken is seared, remove the skillet from the heat. Pour the heavy cream over and around the chicken rolls. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes!
9. Bake:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Cool and Garnish:
Carefully remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle some of the creamy sauce over the chicken, and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese.
Serve your Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a delightful meal. Enjoy your cheesy creation!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is great for meltiness, you can substitute it with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor. For a lighter option, try using ricotta instead of cream cheese!
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Carb?
If you want a low-carb version, skip the pasta and serve the chicken rollatini with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables. Cauliflower rice is another great low-carb alternative!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken rolls and even fill them a day ahead. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge. You can then sear and bake them when you’re ready to eat!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through.
