This Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini is a fun and tasty dish! Juicy chicken rolls are filled with creamy cheese and baked until golden. It’s like a hug in a dish! 🥰
I love how simple it is to whip up on a busy weeknight. Just roll, bake, and enjoy! Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any left! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you prefer a different protein, thinly sliced turkey can work well too. For a vegetarian option, you could use thin slices of zucchini or eggplant.
Cheeses: Ricotta gives a creamy texture, while mozzarella adds meltiness. If you’re out of ricotta, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. For a stronger flavor, try swapping some mozzarella for provolone.
Seasonings: Fresh basil really brightens up the rollatini. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil or even spinach can add flavor. Italian seasoning is a mix of herbs, so you can create your own blend with oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
Heavy Cream: This is used for the creamy sauce. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or a plant-based milk can work, but the sauce may be less rich. For dairy-free, use coconut cream.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Rolls Cook Evenly?
A key to evenly cooked chicken rolls is pounding the breasts to a uniform thickness of about 1/4 inch. This helps them cook at the same rate. After seasoning, neatly spreading the cheese mixture helps distribute flavor throughout the roll.
- Prepare a clean cutting board and plastic wrap. Place chicken between them and gently pound with a meat mallet.
- When rolling, make sure to start from the thinner end of the chicken to keep a tight roll. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Searing in a hot skillet gives a nice color and flavor before baking, so be sure to let the skillet heat up before adding the rolls.
Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini Recipe
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, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful chicken rollatini will take about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take each chicken breast and if they’re thick, slice them horizontally. Place them between sheets of plastic wrap and pound them down to about 1/4 inch thickness with a meat mallet. Don’t forget to season both sides with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste!
2. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped basil, and Italian seasoning. Mix it well until everything is nicely combined.
3. Roll the Chicken:
Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture over one side of each chicken breast. Carefully roll them up tightly from the end with the cheese mixture. Use toothpicks if necessary to hold everything together.
4. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken rolls seam-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 3 minutes on each side until they get a lovely golden brown color.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Once the chicken is seared, remove the skillet from the heat. In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter and then add the heavy cream. Warm the mixture gently while stirring until it thickens slightly. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the chicken rolls in the skillet.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top of the rolls. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is nice and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. Serve your delicious Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini warm with the creamy sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy!
This cheesy chicken rollatini is tender, flavorful, and topped with a luscious creamy sauce, perfect for an impressive yet easy meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Easy Cheesy Chicken Rollatini
Can I Use Thicker Chicken Breasts?
Yes, but be sure to pound them down to about 1/4 inch thickness for even cooking and easier rolling. If the chicken is too thick, it may not cook through properly.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese works as a great substitute. You can also blend cream cheese with a little milk for a creamy texture similar to ricotta.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can add a splash of cream to refresh the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rollatini and sauce in advance; just assemble and refrigerate before baking. When ready to cook, bake straight from the fridge—it may take an extra 5-10 minutes to reach the proper temperature.
