Description
Delicious and easy Chicken Roll Ups made with tender chicken breasts filled with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection, and topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a savory dinner that combines Italian flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Roll Ups
- Olive oil spray, for greasing
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 12 slices pepperoni
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- Fresh chopped basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil spray. In a small bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice to create a dipping mixture.
- Prepare Chicken: Take each chicken breast and slice it horizontally to create 6 thin cutlets. Place each cutlet between two sheets of wax paper and gently pound it with a meat mallet until it is about ¼-inch thick. Season both sides of the cutlets with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Fill and Roll: Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese and place 2 slices of pepperoni on top of each chicken cutlet. Carefully roll each cutlet tightly from one end to the other. Dip each rolled chicken piece first into the olive oil and lemon mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Place each roll-up seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken roll-ups for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the crust to crisp up.
- Top and Finish Baking: Remove the roll-ups from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Add additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Once baked, garnish the chicken roll-ups with fresh chopped basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful, cheesy chicken dish.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with cooked Italian sausage slices or omit for a vegetarian version using grilled vegetables and extra cheese.
- For a crispier crust, use panko breadcrumbs instead of seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Ensure chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
