Delicious Chicken Rollatini Recipe for Dinner

The best Chicken Rollatini recipe is about to change your dinner game forever! There’s something magical about slicing into a perfectly rolled chicken breast to reveal a creamy, cheesy filling that makes my heart skip a beat every single time. This homemade Chicken Rollatini transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen (when it actually takes just minutes to prep!).

I still remember the first time I made this classic Chicken Rollatini for my family—the way their eyes widened as I brought it to the table, golden-brown and fragrant. Easy Chicken Rollatini might sound fancy, but I promise it’s one of those deceptively simple recipes that delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Rollatini

This isn’t just another chicken recipe—it’s a game-changer that will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Here’s why this dish deserves your attention:

✅ Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
✅ Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for everyday cooking
✅ Customizable filling options to suit your family’s preferences
✅ Budget-friendly way to elevate simple chicken breasts
✅ Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining
✅ Naturally low-carb while still being incredibly satisfying
✅ The best way to make Chicken Rollatini at home with common ingredients

The quick and easy Chicken Rollatini recipe I’m sharing today combines tender chicken with spinach, cheese, and herbs for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the golden, crispy exterior gives way to the most heavenly, moist chicken interior—a texture contrast that makes this dish truly special.

Ingredients for Chicken Rollatini

 

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coating:

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

• Gluten-free option: Substitute almond flour for regular flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for all cheese ingredients
• Veggie variations: Add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts to the filling
• Meat additions: Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of crispy prosciutto or pancetta for extra flavor
• Must-have ingredients for Chicken Rollatini include quality chicken breasts and a good marinara sauce
• Best spices for Chicken Rollatini include Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme

How to Make Chicken Rollatini – Step by Step

 

Preparing the Chicken

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by spreading ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.

Step 2: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken to about ¼-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier.

Step 3: Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Pro Tip: For the most tender chicken rollatini, pound the breasts evenly but not too thin—you want them to hold the filling without tearing!

Making the Filling

Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix well until thoroughly combined.

Step 5: Divide the filling mixture evenly among the flattened chicken breasts, spreading it across the surface but leaving about ½ inch border around the edges.

Pro Tip: Slightly warm the ricotta before mixing for easier spreading and more cohesive filling.

Rolling and Coating

Step 6: Starting from the narrower end, tightly roll up each chicken breast, tucking in the sides as you go to prevent the filling from spilling out. Secure each roll with toothpicks.

Step 7: Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in the third.

Step 8: Carefully dredge each chicken roll in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Pro Tip: Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to prevent your fingers from becoming breaded themselves!

Cooking the Chicken Rollatini

Step 9: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken rolls and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This creates that perfect crispy exterior!

Step 10: Transfer the browned chicken rolls to the prepared baking dish with marinara sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken rolls and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.

Step 11: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 12: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then carefully remove toothpicks. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Pro Tip: For an extra golden top, switch your oven to broil for the final 2 minutes of cooking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Rollatini

After making this dish countless times, I’ve gathered some insider secrets to help you achieve chicken rollatini perfection:

Getting the Perfect Roll

• Butterfly thicker chicken breasts before pounding for more even thickness
• Chill the filled and rolled chicken for 15-20 minutes before breading to help it hold its shape
• Double-check for toothpick placement to ensure they’re secure but easy to remove after cooking

Flavor Boosters

• Marinade the chicken breasts in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before pounding for extra flavor
• Add a tablespoon of pesto to the cheese filling for an herbaceous kick
• Try different cheese combinations like fontina, provolone, or asiago for unique flavor profiles
• What makes Chicken Rollatini extra special is a splash of white wine added to the marinara sauce!

Time-Saving Tricks

• Can I prepare Chicken Rollatini ahead? Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the breading stage, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then continue with cooking when ready
• Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick future meal—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Rollatini

The best way to serve Chicken Rollatini is on a bed of pasta with extra warmed marinara sauce on the side. This classic presentation allows the beautiful cross-section of the rollatini to shine while giving everyone plenty of sauce to enjoy.

Perfect Pairings

• Pasta options: Angel hair, spaghetti, or fettuccine tossed with olive oil and garlic
• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, garlicky broccoli, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Bread: Garlic bread or warm Italian bread for sopping up extra sauce
• Wine: A medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Montepulciano

Serving Occasions

• Weeknight family dinner: Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal
• Date night at home: Add a side of risotto and chocolate dessert for a romantic Italian dinner
• Dinner party: Serve as part of an Italian-themed menu with antipasto to start and tiramisu for dessert
• Holiday meal: A wonderful alternative to traditional turkey or ham that still feels special

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content helps you fit this delicious dish into your meal planning. Each serving of Chicken Rollatini (1 stuffed chicken breast) contains approximately:

• Calories: 475
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg

Dietary Notes

• Low-carb version available! Skip the breading and simply sear the filled chicken before baking for a keto-friendly meal with approximately 8g of carbs per serving
• Protein-packed: Each serving delivers over 40g of quality protein
• For reduced sodium: Choose low-sodium marinara sauce and reduce added salt

Storage & Leftovers

One of the beautiful things about Chicken Rollatini is how well it keeps, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers.

How to store Chicken Rollatini leftovers?

• Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days
• Freezer: Wrap individual portions in foil, then place in freezer bags for up to 2 months
• Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through (covering with foil prevents drying)
• Microwave method: Reheat on 70% power with a damp paper towel over the top to retain moisture

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

• Chicken Rollatini Sandwich: Slice leftovers and serve on crusty bread with extra cheese
• Rollatini Pasta Bake: Chop and mix with cooked pasta, additional sauce, and cheese, then bake until bubbly
• Rollatini Stuffed Peppers: Dice leftover chicken and use as part of a stuffing for bell peppers

FAQs About Chicken Rollatini

Here are answers to the most common questions about making the perfect Chicken Rollatini:

Can I freeze Chicken Rollatini before cooking?

Yes! Prepare the rollatini up through the breading stage, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then continue with the recipe instructions.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese in Chicken Rollatini?

If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with cottage cheese (drained and blended for smoothness), cream cheese (softened), or mascarpone for a richer version. Each will give a slightly different texture and flavor but will work beautifully.

How do I know when my Chicken Rollatini is cooked through?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (trying to avoid the filling). The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C). Visually, the juices should run clear, not pink, when pierced.

Can I make Chicken Rollatini without breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, skip the breading process entirely. After rolling the filled chicken, simply sear in olive oil until golden, then bake with the marinara sauce. For a gluten-free alternative, use crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Conclusion: Mastering the Best Chicken Rollatini Recipe

There’s something truly special about presenting a platter of this stunning Chicken Rollatini to friends and family. The rolled chicken breasts reveal their beautiful spiral of filling when sliced, making this dish as visually impressive as it is delicious. What I love most about this best Chicken Rollatini recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels fancy and special while remaining accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

Whether you’re cooking for a quiet family dinner or hosting a special occasion, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and presentation. The crispy exterior gives way to tender chicken and creamy filling, all enhanced by the bright acidity of the marinara sauce. It’s a combination that never fails to delight everyone at the table.

I’d love to hear how your Chicken Rollatini turns out! Did you try any variations on the filling? Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your social media photos. Happy cooking!

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