A decadent, comforting dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a rich, creamy filling, rolled up, and baked to golden perfection. This is a guaranteed family favorite and perfect for a special weeknight dinner or small dinner party.
Classic Cheesy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken & Filling:
· 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), pounded to ¼-inch thickness
· Salt and black pepper
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Filling:
· 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
· ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· ¼ cup chopped fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes (optional, for color & flavor)
· 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
· Optional add-ins: ¼ cup cooked, chopped bacon or artichoke hearts.
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
· 3 tablespoons butter, melted
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· ½ teaspoon paprika
· Extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish
For Serving (Optional):
· Marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce for dipping/drizzling
· Cooked pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken:
· Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag.
· Using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or heavy skillet, pound evenly to about ¼-inch thickness. Be gentle to avoid tearing.
· Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Make the Filling:
· In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley (or Italian seasoning), and any optional add-ins. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups:
· Lay each pounded chicken breast flat.
· Spread an equal amount of the cheese mixture (about ¼ cup) over each breast, leaving a small border around the edges.
· Starting from the shorter end, roll up the chicken tightly around the filling, like a jelly roll. Secure with 2-3 toothpicks to hold the seam.
- Sear (Optional but Recommended):
· Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
· In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
· Carefully place each chicken roll seam-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds flavor.
· If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer seared roll-ups to a baking dish.
- Bake:
· In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and paprika.
· Brush or spoon the garlic butter generously over the top of each roll-up.
· Transfer the skillet (or baking dish) to the preheated oven.
· Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
- Rest & Serve:
· Crucial: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute and the filling to set slightly.
· Carefully remove the toothpicks.
· Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan.
· Slice into medallions for a beautiful presentation, or serve whole.
· Drizzle with warmed marinara or Alfredo sauce if desired, and serve with your chosen sides.
Key Success Tips:
· Pound Evenly: This is the most important step for even cooking and easy rolling.
· Room Temp Filling: Ensure your cream cheese is softened so it mixes smoothly and spreads easily.
· Secure Well: Use sturdy toothpicks and insert them at an angle. Count them so you remember to remove them all!
· Don’t Skip the Sear: The Maillard reaction (browning) adds a ton of flavor you can’t get from baking alone.
· Use a Thermometer: The safest way to know it’s done. Overcooked chicken will be dry.
Popular Variations:
· Italian Style: Add ¼ cup chopped pepperoni or salami and 2 tbsp chopped basil to the filling. Serve with marinara.
· Southwest Style: Mix ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese into the filling and add ¼ cup canned green chiles. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
· Spinach & Artichoke: Use ½ cup chopped, well-drained cooked spinach and ¼ cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts in the filling.
· Cordon Bleu Style: Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on the chicken before adding the cream cheese mixture.
· Seafood: Substitute the chicken for thin white fish fillets (like tilapia or sole) or mix lump crab meat into the filling.
Make-Ahead & Storage:
· Prep Ahead: Assemble the roll-ups (through step 3) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Let sit at room temp for 20 minutes before searing and baking.
· Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
· Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave at reduced power to prevent the cheese from separating.
· Freezing: Freeze unbaked, seared roll-ups on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love It: It transforms simple chicken breasts into an elegant, stuffed entrée with a gooey, garlicky surprise in every bite. It’s a complete package of protein and flavor that feels indulgent but is straightforward to execute.
Enjoy your cheesy, garlicky masterpiece! Would you like a lighter version using Greek yogurt or a specific dipping sauce recipe to pair with it?