Classic Italian Cheesy Chicken Roll-Ups
Indulge in these Classic Italian Cheesy Chicken Roll-Ups, where tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a delightful blend of light mozzarella and cream cheese, vibrant red peppers, and aromatic oregano. Baked to perfection with a luscious tomato sauce, these roll-ups are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them a fantastic meal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
shredded light mozzarella cheese
1 cup (divided)
light cream cheese
2 ounces (softened)
red pepper
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
oregano leaves
1/4 cup (chopped)
garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon (n/a)
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 small (1 lb.) (pounded to 1/4-inch thickness)
spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce
1 cup (n/a)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the shredded light mozzarella cheese, softened light cream cheese, finely chopped red pepper, chopped oregano leaves, and garlic salt. Mix until well combined and creamy.
3
Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized logs.
4
Take each boneless skinless chicken breast half and place one log at the short end of the chicken. Gently press the filling into the chicken.
5
Carefully roll up each chicken breast tightly, ensuring to tuck in the ends to completely enclose the filling.
6
Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and place the chicken roll-ups seam-side down into the dish.
7
Pour the spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce evenly over the top of the chicken roll-ups, then cover the dish tightly with foil.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 170°F (75°C).
9
After 35 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
10
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Italian Cheesy Chicken Roll-Ups?
They are tender chicken breasts stuffed with a blend of mozzarella and cream cheese, red peppers, and oregano, then baked in tomato sauce.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves, approximately 1 lb. total.
How should the chicken be prepared before rolling?
The chicken breast halves should be pounded to a 1/4-inch thickness to make them easy to roll.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the chicken roll-ups.
What ingredients are in the cheese filling?
The filling consists of light mozzarella cheese, softened light cream cheese, finely chopped red pepper, chopped oregano leaves, and garlic salt.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed in total?
You will need 1 cup of shredded light mozzarella cheese, which is divided for use inside and on top of the chicken.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, the 2 ounces of light cream cheese should be softened so it can be easily mixed with the other filling ingredients.
How do I shape the filling mixture?
After mixing the filling ingredients, shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized logs before placing them on the chicken.
Where do I place the filling log on the chicken?
Place one filling log at the short end of each chicken breast half and press it gently into the meat.
How do I prevent the filling from coming out during baking?
Roll the chicken tightly and ensure you tuck in the ends to completely enclose the filling mixture.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray before adding the chicken roll-ups.
Which way should the chicken roll-ups face in the pan?
Place the chicken roll-ups seam-side down in the baking dish to keep them from unrolling.
What type of sauce is used for baking?
You can use 1 cup of either spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce to cover the chicken.
Should I cover the chicken while it bakes?
Yes, the dish should be covered tightly with foil during the initial 35 minutes of baking.
How long is the total initial baking time?
The chicken should bake covered for 35 minutes before adding the final cheese topping.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 170°F (75°C).
When do I add the extra cheese on top?
Remove the foil after the initial 35 minutes of baking and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the chicken.
How long do I bake the chicken after adding the cheese topping?
Bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How much red pepper is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped red pepper.
How much oregano is used in the filling?
Use 1/4 cup of chopped oregano leaves to provide an aromatic Italian flavor.
What seasoning is used for the chicken filling?
1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt is mixed into the cheese and pepper filling.
Is this a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is described as easy to prepare and a fantastic meal for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
What are good side dishes for these roll-ups?
This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While light mozzarella is suggested for a lighter version, you can substitute with regular mozzarella or other Italian blends.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe uses 4 chicken breast halves, typically serving 4 people.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried oregano?
The ingredients list specifies 1/4 cup of chopped oregano leaves, implying fresh leaves are preferred for the best flavor.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its cheesy filling and warm tomato sauce.
What is the preparation time for the filling?
The filling is quick to prepare; simply mix the cheeses, pepper, and herbs until creamy.
Can I use a different sauce besides spaghetti sauce?
Yes, a plain tomato sauce or a marinara sauce would work perfectly for this recipe.
What is the key to a tender chicken roll-up?
Pounding the chicken to an even 1/4-inch thickness ensures it cooks evenly and remains tender.