Chicken Rollatini is a delicious Italian-inspired dish made with chicken breasts rolled up and stuffed with tasty ingredients. It’s perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender chicken with rich flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s a fun way to enjoy chicken in a new and exciting way. The melted cheese and fresh herbs add extra flavor that everyone will love.
Why make this recipe
Making Chicken Rollatini is a great choice for several reasons. First, it is a simple dish to prepare, even for those who might not be expert cooks. The recipe uses common ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store. This makes it an accessible meal for everyone.
Additionally, Chicken Rollatini is versatile. You can choose different fillings based on what you like or have on hand. For example, you can use spinach, ricotta cheese, or even sun-dried tomatoes. This means you can customize it to match your taste.
Another reason to make this dish is that it looks impressive when served. The rolled-up chicken looks appealing on the plate, making it excellent for special occasions. Your family and friends will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
Finally, Chicken Rollatini is a great way to include protein and vegetables in your meal. With the right fillings and sides, it can be a balanced dish that satisfies everyone. Overall, this recipe is a delightful option to add to your meal rotation.
How to make Chicken Rollatini
To make Chicken Rollatini, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need boneless chicken breasts, ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the chicken breasts and pound them flat to ensure they cook evenly and are easy to roll. Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Now it’s time to prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and some salt and pepper. Spread a generous amount of the mixture over each piece of chicken.
Carefully roll up each chicken breast, starting from one end. Secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside. Place the rolled chicken in a baking dish with some marinara sauce at the bottom. Pour more marinara sauce on top and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over everything.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
How to serve Chicken Rollatini
Serving Chicken Rollatini can be simple yet stylish. Once the dish is cooked and has cooled slightly, remove the toothpicks or twine. Place the chicken rolls on a plate and drizzle some extra marinara sauce over the top.
You can pair the Chicken Rollatini with a side salad for a lighter meal. A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the rich flavors of the chicken. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. This makes the dish look even more inviting. Make sure to slice the rollatini in half before serving to show off the delicious filling inside!
Everyone will appreciate the effort you put into the meal, and it is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How to store Chicken Rollatini
To store leftover Chicken Rollatini, allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap the chicken rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place them in an airtight container. This will help keep the chicken fresh and prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3-4 days. When you are ready to eat them again, you can reheat the Chicken Rollatini in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the rolled chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
For even longer storage, you can freeze Chicken Rollatini. Make sure it is securely wrapped to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Having leftover Chicken Rollatini makes for an easy and delicious meal in a pinch.
Tips to make Chicken Rollatini
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Chicken Rollatini turns out great every time. First, choose chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking. If some are thicker, pound them down to a uniform thickness for best results.
When preparing the filling, you can add other ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, or different herbs to enhance flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Make sure you do not overfill the chicken rolls. A handful of filling is enough to keep them from bursting when cooking. Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure the rolls tightly, preventing filling from leaking out.
If you like a crunchy texture, consider adding breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking. This will give the rollatini a nice, crispy layer.
Lastly, let the Chicken Rollatini sit for a few minutes after baking. This will help the cheese set and make it easier to cut and serve. These tips will help you create a delicious and beautiful dish every time.
Variation
You can vary Chicken Rollatini in several ways. Instead of using ricotta cheese, try using goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor. You can also swap out the spinach for sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers. Each filling will give the rolls a unique taste.
For a lighter option, use thinly sliced turkey or zucchini instead of chicken to create a rollatini dish that is both healthy and delicious.
FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Rollatini ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Rollatini and refrigerate it before baking. Cook it later when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can use turkey or eggplant for a vegetarian version, which works well with the same fillings and sauce.
3. How do I know when Chicken Rollatini is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the center of the thickest roll.
4. What sides go well with Chicken Rollatini?
Good sides include pasta, garlic bread, or a simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette, which balances the dish nicely.
5. Can I freeze Chicken Rollatini?
Yes, Chicken Rollatini can be frozen. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer. For best results, use within 2-3 months.
Chicken Rollatini
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious Italian-inspired dish made with chicken breasts rolled up and stuffed with savory ingredients like ricotta and spinach, baked in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound the chicken breasts flat and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and some salt and pepper.
- Spread the mixture over each chicken breast and roll them up tightly.
- Secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Place rolls in a baking dish with some marinara sauce at the bottom.
- Pour more marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chicken, Italian, rollatini, dinner, family meal, easy recipe
