Chicken Roll Ups: Easy Recipe & Delicious Variations

Chicken roll ups: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly versatile and delicious dish that’s about to become your new weeknight staple! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts embracing a savory filling, all baked to golden perfection. These aren’t just any chicken dish; they’re a flavor explosion in every bite, and I’m so excited to share my favorite recipe with you.

While the exact origins of chicken roll ups are a bit hazy, the concept of stuffing and rolling chicken has been around for centuries, appearing in various forms across different cultures. Think of Italian involtini or French paupiettes – each a testament to the culinary creativity of transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. This particular version, however, has gained immense popularity for its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal.

What makes chicken roll ups so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The moist chicken, the creamy or cheesy filling, and the crispy exterior create a symphony of sensations that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, they’re incredibly adaptable! You can customize the filling to suit your preferences, making them a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients or cater to dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner, an impressive appetizer, or a fun dish to bring to a potluck, chicken roll ups are always a winner. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of ham
• 8 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Toothpicks

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, we need to prepare our chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. You can use a large zip-top bag cut open if you don’t have plastic wrap.
2. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This will make them easier to roll and cook evenly. Be careful not to pound them too thin, or they might tear.
3. Once the chicken breasts are pounded, season them lightly with salt and pepper. This will add a nice base flavor to the roll-ups.

Assembling the Chicken Roll-Ups:

1. Now comes the fun part – assembling the roll-ups! Lay each pounded chicken breast flat on a clean surface.
2. Place two slices of ham on top of each chicken breast, overlapping them slightly to cover the entire surface.
3. Next, place two slices of Swiss cheese on top of the ham, again overlapping them slightly. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed.
4. Carefully roll up each chicken breast, starting from one end and rolling tightly. Try to keep the filling inside as you roll.
5. Once rolled, secure each roll-up with toothpicks. Insert the toothpicks at intervals along the roll to keep it from unraveling during cooking. I usually use about 3-4 toothpicks per roll-up.

Preparing the Breading:

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This is our dry breading mixture.
2. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. This is our egg wash. Make sure the eggs are well beaten and fully incorporated with the milk.
3. In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Mix well. This is our breadcrumb mixture. You can use plain breadcrumbs or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. I personally like the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for a little extra flavor.

Breading the Chicken Roll-Ups:

1. Now, we’re going to bread the chicken roll-ups. This will give them a nice crispy coating when they’re cooked.
2. First, dredge each roll-up in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Next, dip the roll-up in the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg wash drip off.
4. Finally, dredge the roll-up in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Make sure the entire roll-up is covered in breadcrumbs.
5. Repeat this process for all the chicken roll-ups.

Cooking the Chicken Roll-Ups:

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The combination of olive oil and butter will give the roll-ups a nice flavor and prevent the butter from burning.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken roll-ups in the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, or the roll-ups won’t brown properly. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Cook the roll-ups for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. If the roll-ups are browning too quickly, you can reduce the heat to medium-low.
5. Once the roll-ups are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Making the Pan Sauce (Optional):

1. After removing the chicken roll-ups from the skillet, you can make a simple pan sauce to drizzle over them. This is optional, but it adds a nice touch of flavor.
2. Pour off any excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons.
3. Add the dry white wine (if using) to the skillet and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add a lot of flavor to the sauce.
4. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the wine has reduced slightly.
5. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
6. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving:

1. Remove the toothpicks from the chicken roll-ups before serving.
2. Drizzle the pan sauce (if using) over the chicken roll-ups.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
4. Serve the chicken roll-ups immediately. They are delicious served with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side salad.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, mozzarella, or even pepper jack would be delicious in these roll-ups.
• Ham Alternatives: Instead of ham, you could use prosciutto, bacon, or even cooked turkey.
• Vegetable Additions: Add some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to the filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Sauce Options: If you don’t want to make a pan sauce, you can serve the roll-ups with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, a lemon butter sauce, or even a simple marinara sauce.
• Baking Option: If you prefer to bake the roll-ups, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded roll-ups on a baking sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to keep them tightly covered.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Roll-Ups!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Chicken Roll Ups are more than just a meal; they’re a delightful experience waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, creamy filling, and crispy exterior creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to whip up these beauties, and the ingredient list is surprisingly manageable. Yet, the end result is something that looks and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinner routine or to serve as an appetizer at your next gathering.

Beyond the ease of preparation and the incredible flavor, these Chicken Roll Ups are also incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative with the filling! Want to add a little kick? Throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Craving something cheesy? A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack would be divine. You could even experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

As for serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless! These roll-ups are fantastic on their own as a satisfying snack or appetizer. For a complete meal, try serving them with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a creamy pasta dish. They also pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a simple marinara sauce would be delicious. For a healthier option, consider a Greek yogurt-based dip with fresh herbs.

Another variation I love is to use different types of cheese in the filling. Cream cheese is the base, but you can add in some crumbled feta for a tangy twist, or some grated Parmesan for a savory depth. You can also experiment with different types of deli meat. Instead of ham, try using prosciutto or even some thinly sliced turkey. The key is to have fun and experiment until you find your perfect combination.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of creating something truly delicious. I know you’ll love the ease of preparation, the incredible flavor, and the versatility of these Chicken Roll Ups.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. Once you’ve made these, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications to the recipe? What dipping sauce did you choose? What did your family and friends think?

Please, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories! Happy cooking! I am sure you will enjoy this recipe for Chicken Roll Ups as much as I do.

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