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If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and has a comforting, cozy feel, you’re going to love this Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups Recipe. These tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts are layered with aromatic pesto, juicy tomato slices, and melty mozzarella cheese, then rolled up and baked to golden, cheesy perfection. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of savory, fresh, and cheesy notes that’s impossible not to enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or hosting friends, these roll-ups are a definite crowd-pleaser and simple enough to make any day feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in creating a dish that’s full of flavor, texture, and color. From the fragrant basil pesto to the creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes, every component contributes to a perfect balance that makes these roll-ups so irresistible.
- 2 lbs chicken breasts: Choose medium to large breasts for the best size; these will be sliced and pounded thin to roll easily.
- 1 tsp Garlic Salt: Adds depth and a savory undertone that enhances the chicken without overpowering it.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Gives a subtle kick and complements the garlic salt perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Pesto sauce: The star of the show, bringing fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan flavors together beautifully.
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melted cheese creates a luscious, gooey texture; reserve 2 oz for topping to get a lovely golden crust.
- 2 medium tomatoes: Thinly sliced to add a juicy freshness and a pop of bright color inside the roll-ups.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional): Perfect for roasting on top, adding sweetness and a burst of acidity.
- 1 Tbsp Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish): A final sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten the dish and tie all the flavors together.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: For searing the roll-ups and adding richness without heaviness.
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter: Helps create a golden crust and adds a touch of indulgence during the pan-searing step.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 425˚F. Carefully cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you end up with 8 thin cutlets. To get them uniformly thin—about 1/8 inch thick—place each piece between sheets of plastic wrap or inside a resealable bag and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with garlic salt and black pepper to infuse flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Spread Pesto and Layer Ingredients
This is where the flavors start to come alive. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pesto onto the center of each chicken cutlet and spread it evenly. Next, layer on two thin tomato slices over the pesto, followed by a generous 2 to 3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella. This layering ensures every bite delivers the perfect harmony of fresh, cheesy, and herbaceous notes.
Step 3: Roll Up and Secure
Now for the fun part—roll each cutlet tightly, starting at one end and rolling toward the other, keeping the fillings snug inside. Use toothpicks to seal the ends so nothing escapes while cooking. This step helps the roll-ups maintain their shape and ensures the fillings meld beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Sear Before Baking for Extra Flavor
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, adding the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted and sizzled, carefully place the chicken roll-ups in the pan. Sear them for about 4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds rich flavor that baking alone cannot achieve.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the roll-ups with the remaining mozzarella cheese and scatter the optional cherry tomatoes on top. Transfer the skillet to the oven’s center rack and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 160˚F, which keeps the chicken juicy while fully cooked.
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of shredded fresh basil leaves beautifully enhances the aroma and adds a vibrant green contrast that’s visually stunning. If you want to take it one notch further, adding a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving brings a glossy finish and extra richness.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups Recipe pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides like a crisp mixed greens salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or a bright tomato and cucumber salad. For heartier meals, roasted vegetables or garlic butter pasta make excellent companions, balancing out the savory richness.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, slice the roll-ups into pinwheel shapes and arrange them on a platter for easy, stylish finger-food style servings. Alternatively, serve one whole roll-up per plate atop a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy polenta for an elegant dinner presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover chicken pesto roll-ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making them even tastier the next time you enjoy them!
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, these roll-ups freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll-up tightly in plastic wrap and then place them all in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place roll-ups in a preheated oven at 350ËšF for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and cheese is bubbly again. You can also reheat them gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, ensuring they stay moist without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that classic melty texture, you could experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they melt well to maintain the gooeyness.
Is pesto necessary, or can I substitute it?
Pesto is the flavor anchor for this recipe, bringing brightness and herbaceousness. However, you can use sun-dried tomato spread, tapenade, or even a flavorful mustard if you want to switch things up. Just know that it will change the character of the dish.
How do I know when the chicken roll-ups are fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160˚F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest roll-up to ensure the chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.
Can I make these roll-ups gluten-free?
Yes! This Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your pesto and any seasonings are free from gluten-containing ingredients. Always double-check labels if you need to be cautious.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! You can sear the roll-ups in a regular skillet, then transfer them to a baking dish to finish in the oven. Just be sure the dish isn’t so large that the roll-ups are spaced too far apart, so they bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups Recipe that makes comfort food feel fresh and exciting. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a meal that’s impressive, flavorful, and satisfying. I promise once you make it, it will become one of your go-to recipes for effortless weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. So go on, roll up that chicken, savor the pesto-rich goodness, and enjoy every bite!
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Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 19 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 chicken roll-ups
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delicious and easy Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups featuring tender chicken breasts layered with flavorful pesto, fresh tomato slices, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Seared to golden perfection on the stove and finished in the oven for a succulent and visually stunning meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 lbs chicken breasts (4 medium/large chicken breasts)
- 1 tsp garlic salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Fillings and Toppings
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (about 8 Tbsp total)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded (reserve 2 oz for topping)
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced into 16 rings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil leaves, shredded (optional garnish)
Cooking Fats
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Preheat the oven to 425ËšF. Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 8 thin cutlets. Place each cutlet in a quart-sized Ziploc bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap, then pound them gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/8″ thick. Season both sides evenly with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto sauce in the center of each flattened chicken cutlet. Top with two thin slices of tomato and sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato slices. Tightly roll each cutlet around the fillings and secure both ends with toothpicks to hold the shape.
- Sear the Roll-Ups: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet. Place the chicken roll-ups in the hot skillet and sear them on all sides until they’re golden brown, approximately 4 minutes per side, totaling about 8 minutes on the stovetop.
- Bake to Finish: Once seared, sprinkle the tops of the chicken roll-ups with the remaining 2 ounces of mozzarella cheese and scatter the cherry tomatoes (if using) around them in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake at 425ËšF for 13-15 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts (13 minutes for medium and up to 15 for larger breasts), or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chicken registers 160ËšF. Remove from oven and garnish with shredded fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound chicken breasts thin to about 1/8 inch.
- Use toothpicks to keep roll-ups secure during searing and baking.
- Adjust baking time based on the size of the chicken breasts.
- Using fresh basil leaves as garnish adds bright color and fresh flavor.
- The cherry tomatoes are optional but add a nice burst of sweetness and acidity.
