Chicken Rollatini Recipe

Quick & Juicy Chicken Rollatini Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Delectable chicken rollatini weaves a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with every bite.

This Italian-inspired dish combines tender chicken breasts with creamy cheese and vibrant herbs.

Stuffed and rolled with precision, each chicken rollatini promises a delightful culinary experience.

Simple ingredients come together to create an elegant meal that looks complicated but requires minimal effort.

The golden-brown exterior gives way to a succulent, cheese-filled interior that will impress anyone at the dinner table.

Layers of rich marinara sauce complement the savory chicken, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to savor every single mouthwatering morsel of this restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the filling from falling out while rolling?

Secure the chicken with toothpicks before rolling and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep the pepperoni and cheese inside during the rolling and cooking process.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, Swiss, or fontina cheese. Just ensure it melts well and complements the pepperoni flavor.

  • What if I don't have a meat mallet?

Use the bottom of a heavy skillet or a rolling pin to pound the chicken thin. The goal is to create an even thickness for consistent cooking.

  • Is it necessary to refrigerate the rolled chicken?

Refrigerating helps the chicken hold its shape and allows the flavors to meld. The chilling also helps the breading stick better during cooking.

Why Chicken Rollatini Stands Out

  • Personalize each chicken roll-up with different cheese, meat, or seasoning combinations to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze, making weeknight dinners quick and stress-free for busy families.
  • Learn professional culinary techniques like butterflying chicken and creating perfectly rolled proteins without complicated steps.
  • Impress friends and family with a visually stunning dish that looks complicated but comes together with straightforward cooking methods.

What Goes Into Chicken Rollatini

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and versatile meat that serves as the primary foundation for this delicious rollatini dish.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Pepperoni, Mozzarella Cheese: These classic Italian ingredients add rich flavor and creamy texture to the chicken rolls.
Breading and Seasoning:
  • Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A flavorful coating that creates a crispy exterior and enhances the overall taste of the chicken rollatini.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Used for dipping the chicken to help the breading adhere.
  • Olive Oil: Provides a light spray to help achieve a golden brown finish.
  • Toothpicks, Plastic Wrap: Essential tools for preparing and shaping the chicken rolls.

Chicken Rollatini Equipment Guide

  • Meat Mallet: Perfect for pounding chicken to an even 1/4 inch thickness.
  • Plastic Wrap: Essential for rolling and securing chicken breasts.
  • Toothpicks: Helpful for holding chicken rolls together during preparation.
  • Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing egg wash and breadcrumb mixture.
  • Baking Dish: Greased dish for baking chicken rollatini in the oven.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: For accurately measuring breadcrumbs and seasonings.
  • Whisk: Great for beating eggs evenly.
  • Cooking Spray: Used to lightly coat chicken before baking.

Cooking Chicken Rollatini Simplified

Step 1: Slice And Flatten Chicken

Carefully slice chicken breasts lengthwise, creating four thin pieces.

Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound until uniformly thin using a meat mallet.

Ingredients:
  • Chicken breasts
  • Plastic wrap
  • Meat mallet

Step 2: Layer Delicious Fillings

Arrange pepperoni and mozzarella on each chicken piece.

Use toothpicks to secure ingredients if needed.

Ingredients:
  • Pepperoni slices
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Toothpicks

Step 3: Wrap And Chill Chicken

Cut plastic wrap squares.

Place chicken on wrap, roll tightly, and seal completely.

Refrigerate for one hour to help maintain shape.

Ingredients:
  • Plastic wrap

Step 4: Create Breading Mixture

Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in one container.

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl.

Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Eggs

Step 5: Coat Chicken Thoroughly

Remove chicken from refrigerator.

Dip each roll first in whisked eggs, then generously coat with seasoned breadcrumb mixture.

Ingredients:
  • Refrigerated chicken rolls
  • Whisked eggs
  • Seasoned breadcrumb mixture

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Freeze breaded chicken rolls for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a greased oven-safe baking dish.

Ingredients:
  • Breaded chicken rolls
  • Olive oil spray

Step 7: Bake Until Perfect

Place chicken rolls in prepared dish.

Lightly spray with olive oil.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Chicken Rollatini Chef’s Secrets

  • Cut chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and perfect rolling technique.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for better melting and richer flavor that complements the pepperoni.
  • Refrigerating before breading helps chicken hold its shape and prevents filling from falling out during cooking.
  • Add extra Italian herbs or red pepper flakes to breading mix for more intense flavor profile.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.

Chicken Rollatini Twists to Try

  • Protein Power Rollatini: Swap chicken for turkey breast, adding lean protein and creating a lighter version of the dish.
  • Mediterranean Herb Rollatini: Replace pepperoni with sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and reducing processed meat.
  • Vegetarian Zucchini Rollatini: Substitute chicken with thick zucchini slices, using ricotta and spinach as filling for a plant-based alternative that maintains the original recipe's structure.
  • Low-Carb Almond Crust Rollatini: Use ground almonds instead of breadcrumbs for coating, reducing carbohydrates and adding nutty flavor while keeping the crispy exterior.

Serve Chicken Rollatini with Flair

  • Flavor Burst Sides: Pair with zesty marinara sauce for dipping, bringing out the rich pepperoni and cheese inside the rollatini.
  • Italian Feast Companion: Serve alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to complete the meal with complementary Mediterranean flavors.
  • Fresh Garden Touch: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley to add a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the dish with a crisp pinot grigio or light-bodied chianti to enhance the meal's savory Italian-inspired profile.

Storage for Chicken Rollatini Leftovers

  • Wrap individual chicken rollatini in aluminum foil or place in airtight containers. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
  • Seal completely cooled rollatini in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with date and store up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place rollatini in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
  • Place rollatini on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between cycles. Add small splash of water to maintain moisture.
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Chicken Rollatini Recipe

Chicken Rollatini Recipe


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4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful chicken rollatini brings Italian-inspired elegance to home kitchens with simple ingredients and bold flavors. Crispy exterior and tender chicken interior promise a satisfying meal that delights dinner companions and makes weeknight cooking feel special.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 8 slices large deli-style pepperoni
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese (such as Sargento, not fresh mozzarella)

Coating and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or pork rind panko (if keto)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Binding:

  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Carefully slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating four uniform thin cutlets. Gently pound each piece between plastic wrap until evenly flattened to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
  2. Layer two pepperoni slices and one mozzarella slice across each chicken cutlet. Use toothpicks to secure the ingredients in place if necessary.
  3. Individually wrap each chicken cutlet tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring a compact roll. Refrigerate for one hour to help maintain shape and enhance flavor infusion.
  4. Prepare two separate coating stations: one with whisked eggs and another with a seasoned breadcrumb mixture combining Parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Carefully remove plastic wrap from chilled chicken rolls. Dip each roll first into beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat with seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Transfer breaded chicken rolls to freezer for 15 minutes. Simultaneously, preheat oven to 400°F to ensure consistent cooking temperature.
  7. Place prepared chicken rolls in a lightly greased baking dish. Lightly spray with olive oil to enhance crispiness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, confirming doneness when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and consistent roll thickness.
  • Pound chicken gently to prevent tearing and maintain an even thickness for better rolling and cooking.
  • Use toothpicks sparingly and remember to remove them before serving to avoid accidentally biting into one.
  • Refrigerating the rolled chicken helps it hold shape and prevents unraveling during breading and baking.
  • Freeze breaded chicken briefly to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
  • Spray with olive oil to enhance golden browning and prevent dryness during baking.
  • Swap pepperoni with ham or prosciutto for different flavor profiles or dietary preferences.
  • Replace mozzarella with low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives for lighter or vegan options.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 170mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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