Name: Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 slices mozzarella cheese; 16–20 slices pepperoni; 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving the flavors of pizza but want something a little more creative and protein-packed, this Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine juicy chicken breasts wrapped around gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and smothered in rich marinara sauce, all baked to golden bubbly perfection. This dish takes everything you love about pizza and gives it a fresh, low-carb twist that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each ingredient plays a starring role, lending flavor, texture, and color to every bite.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless and pound them thin so they roll up easily and cook evenly.
Salt: Just a sprinkle brings out all the savory flavors in the chicken and toppings.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances out the richness of the cheese and pepperoni.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses every bite with classic pizza aroma.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that signature stretchy, cheesy layer.
Pepperoni: Brings bold, spicy flavor—feel free to use turkey pepperoni or chopped veggies for a lighter version.
Marinara or pizza sauce: Adds moisture and that unmistakable tomato tang.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it creates a deliciously salty, golden crust.
Olive oil: Helps everything brown nicely and keeps the chicken moist.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A pop of green color and freshness to finish things off.

How to Make Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray, so nothing sticks and cleanup stays blissfully easy. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked, golden roll ups.

Step 2: Flatten and Season the Chicken

Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them out to an even thickness—about 1/4 inch is perfect. This helps them cook evenly and makes rolling a breeze. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides for a punch of flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Layer the Pizza Fillings

Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of mozzarella cheese and 4–5 slices of pepperoni. Arrange the fillings evenly, leaving a small border at the edge so nothing oozes out while baking. This is where the magic happens—the melty cheese and spicy pepperoni give you that true pizza vibe in every bite.

Step 4: Roll and Secure

Carefully roll each chicken breast up, starting from the short end, keeping the fillings tucked safely inside. Place the seam side down in your prepared baking dish. If needed, use toothpicks to keep everything snug and prevent unrolling in the oven.

Step 5: Bake the Roll Ups

Drizzle the roll ups with olive oil and pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes. This initial bake gets the chicken nearly cooked through and helps it stay wonderfully juicy.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Finish Baking

Remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon marinara or pizza sauce over each roll up. Sprinkle generously with shredded Parmesan cheese. Return the dish to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheeses are bubbling and starting to brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the roll ups rest for a few minutes, then scatter fresh chopped basil or parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe

Garnishes

For a restaurant-worthy finish, don’t skip the garnish! A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of herby freshness that lifts the whole dish. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil makes a fantastic finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is super versatile when it comes to sides. Pair with spaghetti or penne tossed in extra marinara for a hearty Italian-American feast, or keep it light with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition, especially for soaking up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, slice the roll ups into rounds and arrange them on a platter for a fun, party-ready appetizer. Or serve each whole roll up atop a bed of zoodles or cauliflower rice for a colorful, low-carb presentation. Little touches like mini flags or toothpicks dipped in sauce make them extra festive for family nights or gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer the cooled Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld together beautifully, making them just as tasty the next day—perfect for lunchboxes or quick dinners.

Freezing

Want to make these ahead? Assemble the roll ups but hold off on the final bake with sauce and Parmesan. Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, add sauce and cheese, and bake as directed. They’ll taste freshly made!

Reheating

For best results, reheat Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep things moist, until warmed through (about 15 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven keeps the cheese melty and the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless, and pound them thin. Thighs tend to be juicier, so they’ll add even more flavor to the Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe.

What can I substitute for pepperoni?

Feel free to swap in turkey pepperoni, chopped cooked veggies like mushrooms or spinach, or even thin slices of ham. This recipe is very customizable to your tastes and dietary needs.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe contains no gluten, making it a wonderful choice for gluten-sensitive eaters. Just double-check your marinara sauce to be sure it’s gluten-free.

Can I prep this dish ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can assemble the roll ups a day ahead and refrigerate them uncooked. When guests arrive, just bake as directed. They’re a guaranteed hit for gatherings.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The juices should run clear, and the cheese will be bubbly and slightly golden. If you’re unsure, a quick check with a meat thermometer does the trick.

Final Thoughts

If you love the flavors of classic pizza and crave a fun, crowd-pleasing twist, this Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is sure to delight everyone at your table. Give it a try and watch even picky eaters ask for seconds—you might just find it becomes a new family favorite!

Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Pizza Chicken Roll Ups featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni, baked to perfection with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. A perfect gluten-free Italian-American main course that’s great for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Fillings

8 slices mozzarella cheese
16–20 slices pepperoni

For Baking and Topping

1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Lay the pounded chicken breasts flat on a cutting board and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Place 2 slices of mozzarella cheese and 4–5 slices of pepperoni evenly on each chicken breast, ensuring good coverage for flavorful rolls.
Roll and Secure: Tightly roll up each chicken breast, securing the seam with a toothpick if necessary to prevent unrolling during baking.
Arrange and Oil: Place the chicken roll-ups seam-side down in the prepared baking dish and drizzle the tops lightly with olive oil to keep them moist and add flavor.
Bake the Roll-Ups: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the chicken starts to cook through.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove from the oven, spoon marinara sauce over each roll-up, and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese evenly.
Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

Serve with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
You can swap pepperoni for turkey pepperoni or chopped vegetables for a lighter option.
Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking.
Use toothpicks to secure the rolls to prevent fillings from spilling during baking.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking before serving to retain juices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American