Delicious Chicken Rollatini Recipe for Dinner

Looking for the best Chicken Rollatini recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen? This classic Italian-American dish transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal that’s sure to impress. Tender chicken wrapped around a savory filling of spinach, prosciutto, and cheese, then baked to golden perfection—it’s easier than you might think and absolutely delicious.

Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just wanting to elevate your weeknight cooking, this Chicken Rollatini recipe combines elegant presentation with straightforward preparation. It’s the perfect blend of impressive and accessible, making any meal feel like a celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Rollatini

• Quick prep time – Just 20 minutes of active preparation before it goes in the oven
• Budget-friendly – Uses simple ingredients that transform into something special
• Family-approved – Even picky eaters love this cheesy, flavorful chicken dish
• Versatile – Works equally well for weeknight dinners or special occasions
• Impressive presentation – Looks like you spent hours in the kitchen (but you didn’t!)
• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare earlier in the day and bake when needed
• Naturally low-carb – Perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake
• Customizable – Easy to adapt based on what you have in your pantry

This homemade Chicken Rollatini recipe strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated flavor and beginner-friendly technique. The spiral of ingredients inside creates a beautiful presentation that’s guaranteed to earn compliments, making it an ideal choice when you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken and filling:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), 4 oz prosciutto or thinly sliced ham, 1 cup fresh spinach (packed), 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

For the sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion (finely diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped), ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Smart Ingredient Swaps:

• For gluten-free: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds
• For dairy-free: Substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives for mozzarella and parmesan
• Lower-calorie option: Use reduced-fat cheese and skip the breadcrumb coating
• Vegetarian filling alternative: Replace prosciutto with sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers

The essential pantry ingredients for Chicken Rollatini are likely already in your kitchen, making this an accessible recipe even on short notice. The best spice blends for Chicken Rollatini include Italian seasoning, which provides that classic Mediterranean flavor profile that perfectly complements the chicken and cheese.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the chicken breasts. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to about ¼-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella, parmesan, minced garlic, chopped basil, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well incorporated.

Step 3: Layer the ingredients. Lay the flattened chicken breasts on a clean work surface. Place a slice of prosciutto on each breast, followed by a layer of spinach leaves. Spread the cheese mixture evenly on top, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.

Step 4: Roll the chicken. Starting from the narrower end, tightly roll each chicken breast, tucking in the sides as you go. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the rolls closed.

Coating and Cooking

Step 5: Coat the chicken rolls. Brush each chicken roll with olive oil, then roll in the Italian breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Place seam-side down in a baking dish.

Step 6: Prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Add sugar if desired to balance acidity. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Combine and bake. Pour the tomato sauce around (not over) the chicken rolls in the baking dish. This keeps the breadcrumb coating crisp while allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce flavors. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Carefully remove toothpicks if used. Slice each roll on a diagonal to showcase the beautiful spiral filling. Spoon additional sauce over the top and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Final Touches

For an extra touch of finesse, sprinkle some additional grated parmesan over the Chicken Rollatini just before serving. The heat from the dish will slightly melt the cheese, creating an irresistible finish to your classic Chicken Rollatini recipe.

Pro Tips for Success

Perfect pounding technique: To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to uniform thickness. Work from the center outward in gentle, even strokes.

Don’t overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up on filling, too much will make rolling difficult and may cause the filling to leak out during cooking.

Secure properly: If using toothpicks, remember how many you’ve inserted so you can remove them all before serving.

Let the chicken come to room temperature: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking for more even baking.

Quick Chicken Rollatini FAQ:

Can I prepare Chicken Rollatini ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.

What can I substitute for prosciutto?
Thinly sliced ham, cooked and crumbled bacon, or even thin salami work well. For a meat-free option, try sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.

How do I know when the Chicken Rollatini is done?
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer – chicken is safe when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Without a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be white and juices should run clear.

Nutritional Information

This best Chicken Rollatini recipe offers a balanced nutritional profile that works for many dietary approaches:

Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

This recipe is naturally low-carb friendly, making it perfect for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake. The combination of lean protein from the chicken and healthy fats from olive oil creates a satisfying meal that won’t spike blood sugar levels.

For a higher-protein option, you can increase the amount of mozzarella cheese or add a layer of ricotta mixed with parmesan. To reduce calories, use part-skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of olive oil.

Each serving of this classic Chicken Rollatini recipe provides approximately 50% of your daily protein needs, making it an excellent choice for balanced nutrition.

Storage and Leftovers

Properly stored, this homemade Chicken Rollatini remains delicious even as leftovers, extending your enjoyment of this flavorful dish.

Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken Rollatini in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the sauce separate if possible to prevent the breading from becoming soggy.

Freezing: Yes, Chicken Rollatini can be frozen! For best results, freeze the rolls before baking. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze cooked leftovers for up to 2 months.

Best reheating methods:

• Oven (recommended): Place in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove cover for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the coating.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, use 50% power in 1-minute increments until warmed through. The breading won’t be as crispy, but the flavor remains excellent.
• Stovetop: Slice leftover rolls and warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or additional sauce to prevent drying out.

For meal prep, consider making a double batch of this quick Chicken Rollatini idea and freezing half for a future no-fuss dinner that tastes fresh-made.

Top 4 FAQs About Chicken Rollatini

Is Chicken Rollatini kid-friendly?

Yes! Most kids love Chicken Rollatini because it combines familiar flavors of chicken and cheese. For pickier eaters, you can simplify the filling to just cheese, or allow them to help with the rolling process to increase their interest in trying it. The individual rolls also make portion control easy for smaller appetites.

What side dishes pair well with Chicken Rollatini?

Chicken Rollatini pairs beautifully with many sides. Traditional pairings include pasta tossed with a little olive oil and garlic, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. For a lower-carb option, serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.

What’s the difference between Chicken Rollatini and Chicken Roulade?

While similar, Chicken Rollatini is specifically an Italian-American dish typically filled with prosciutto, cheese, and sometimes spinach. Chicken roulade is a more general French term for stuffed, rolled chicken that can contain various fillings. Rollatini usually includes breading and tomato sauce, while roulade might be served with a different sauce or glaze.

Can I make a vegan version of Chicken Rollatini?

While traditional Chicken Rollatini contains animal products, you can create a plant-based version using thin slices of eggplant or zucchini instead of chicken, vegan cheese alternatives, and plant-based “ham” slices. The tomato sauce is already naturally vegan, making this adaptation simpler than you might expect.

Wine Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Rollatini

The best Chicken Rollatini recipe deserves the perfect wine companion to elevate your dining experience. Consider these excellent pairings:

• Medium-bodied Italian red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese complement the tomato sauce beautifully
• Pinot Noir offers enough acidity to balance the dish without overwhelming the chicken
• Dry rosé works wonderfully, especially for summer dining
• Chardonnay with light oak aging pairs nicely if you prefer white wine

For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice or a virgin sangria provides refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of this classic Chicken Rollatini recipe.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Now that you have mastered the best Chicken Rollatini recipe, you can confidently create this impressive Italian-American favorite whenever you want to elevate your dining experience. This versatile dish bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasion fare, all while being surprisingly simple to prepare.

The combination of tender chicken, savory prosciutto, fresh spinach, and melted cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re cooking for family on a Tuesday or entertaining guests on Saturday, this homemade Chicken Rollatini delivers restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen.

Have you tried making this Chicken Rollatini recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Did you make any delicious modifications or discover a perfect side dish pairing? Share your tips with our cooking community.

Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for your next meal planning session. And if you’re looking for more Italian-inspired favorites that impress without stress, be sure to check out our related recipes.

Now you can make the best Chicken Rollatini easily at home—buon appetito!

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