If you’re looking for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make, look no further than these Cheesy, Flavorful Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls. This recipe combines tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce to create a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, these chicken rolls are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Toothpicks
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally without cutting all the way through, then open them up like a book. Season the inside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Add Fillings: Layer each chicken breast with chopped spinach and shredded mozzarella cheese. Roll up the chicken breasts tightly and secure them with toothpicks.
Coat Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Roll each chicken breast in the bread crumb mixture until fully coated.
Brown Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken rolls on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Bake: Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over them. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Serving Tips:
Pair with Sides: Serve the chicken rolls with complementary side dishes like garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables to create a balanced meal.
Over Pasta: Place the chicken rolls over a bed of pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine. The marinara sauce from the chicken rolls will act as a delicious sauce for the pasta.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
Wine Pairing: A light to medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a white wine like Chardonnay pairs well with the flavors of this dish.
Family-Style Serving: Arrange the chicken rolls on a large platter and serve them family-style for a casual and inviting presentation.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked chicken rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating:
From the Refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
From the Freezer: Thaw the chicken rolls in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as above. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat from frozen by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, covered with foil.
Microwave Reheating: For a quicker option, you can reheat individual chicken rolls in the microwave. Place the roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Be cautious as the cheese can get very hot.
Additional Tips:
Prevent Drying Out: When reheating in the oven, covering the chicken rolls with foil helps retain moisture and prevents them from drying out.
Sauce: If you have extra marinara sauce, heat it separately and pour it over the reheated chicken rolls to enhance their flavor and moisture.
Fresh Spinach Substitute: If you run out of fresh spinach, you can use thawed frozen spinach. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before using.
Related Recipes:
- Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
- Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
- Savory Spinach and Mozzarella Egg Bake
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other types of cheese like provolone, cheddar, or gouda. Each type of cheese will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well to achieve the desired gooey consistency.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken rolls up to the point of browning them in the skillet. Once browned, allow them to cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, follow the instructions from the point of adding the marinara sauce and cheese.
What can I use instead of bread crumbs for a gluten-free option?
For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs available at most grocery stores. Alternatively, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes as a coating for the chicken rolls. Ensure the substitute you choose is finely crushed to adhere well to the chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken roll to get an accurate reading. The juices should also run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these Cheesy, Flavorful Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls are a savory delight, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With simple preparation and delicious flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Cheesy, Flavorful Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in these Cheesy, Flavorful Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls, bursting with spinach, mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce—a delightful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Layer each breast with spinach and mozzarella, roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks.
- Coat rolls in a mixture of bread crumbs and Parmesan.
- Brown in olive oil, then transfer to a baking dish with marinara and remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
