Chicken Roll-Ups

Chicken roll-ups are a simple yet delicious dish that I love to make when I want something comforting but still a little elegant. With tender chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella and spinach, they’re flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying. I like how easy they are to prepare while still looking impressive on the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it combines juicy chicken with creamy mozzarella and nutritious spinach. It’s versatile too I can season the filling differently depending on my mood or even swap in other vegetables or cheeses. These roll-ups make a great weeknight dinner but are also nice enough for when I want to serve guests.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

4 Chicken Breasts
2 Buffalo Mozzarella
1 Cup Frozen Spinach
Seasoning – alternative

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. I thaw and drain the frozen spinach well, squeezing out as much moisture as possible.
3. I slice the mozzarella into thin pieces.
4. I butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it open lengthwise without cutting all the way through, then gently pound it to an even thickness.
5. I place some spinach and mozzarella inside each chicken breast, then roll it up tightly. I secure the roll with toothpicks if needed.
6. I season the outside with my choice of spices or herbs. Sometimes I go simple with salt, pepper, and paprika, and other times I add garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
7. I arrange the roll-ups in the baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
8. I let them rest a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It usually takes me about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, so the total time is around 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the filling for extra flavor. I’ve also swapped buffalo mozzarella for feta or cheddar. For a crispy finish, I like coating the roll-ups with gluten-free breadcrumbs before baking. If I want a creamier dish, I bake them with a light tomato sauce or cream sauce on top.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps keep the chicken moist. I don’t recommend microwaving since it can make the chicken rubbery. These also freeze well if wrapped tightly before baking I just thaw and cook as usual.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, I sauté fresh spinach briefly until wilted and drain any excess liquid before using it.

Do I need to use buffalo mozzarella?

No, I can use any mozzarella or cheese I prefer, like provolone or feta.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

I make sure not to overbake and let the chicken rest before slicing. Covering with foil while baking also helps retain moisture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking.

Can I pan-fry instead of baking?

Yes, I sear the roll-ups in a skillet with oil until golden, then finish cooking them covered on lower heat.

What seasonings work best?

I like garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning, but I sometimes use Cajun or lemon herb blends for variety.

How do I secure the roll-ups?

I use toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold them together while baking.

Can I add sauce on top?

Yes, marinara, cream sauce, or even a light pesto drizzle works beautifully.

What side dishes go well with this?

I usually serve them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Conclusion

I love how chicken roll-ups turn simple ingredients into a comforting, flavorful meal. They’re easy to customize, elegant enough for guests, and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether I keep them classic with spinach and mozzarella or experiment with different fillings, they’re a recipe I return to often.

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