Transform ordinary chicken breasts into an impressive dinner with these succulent cheese-stuffed chicken roll-ups. This recipe elevates the humble chicken breast into a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions, these flavorful roll-ups combine tender chicken with melty cheese and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Roll-Ups
- 4 large chicken breasts (about 800g/28 oz), butterflied and halved
- 150g (1½ cups) shredded cheese (Mozzarella or Gruyere)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Potato Side Dish
- 600g (1.3 lbs) potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Herb Sauce
- 200ml (¾ cup) vegetable oil
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (9%)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Butterfly each chicken breast and cut in half
- Pound between plastic wrap until ¼-inch thick
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Create the Filling:
- Mix shredded cheese, minced garlic, and chopped parsley
- Place portion of filling in center of each chicken piece
- Roll tightly, secure with toothpicks
- Make the Sauce:
- Blend oil, egg, mustard, and vinegar until emulsified
- Add garlic, salt, and pepper
- Refrigerate until needed
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Slice potatoes thinly (⅛ inch thick)
- Toss with oil, salt, and dried parsley
- Arrange in baking dish
- Cook:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Place chicken roll-ups in baking dish
- Bake 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Broil 2-3 minutes for golden top
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 roll-ups
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking
- Don’t overstuff – leave room for rolling
- Secure rolls with toothpicks at an angle
- Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before slicing
- Use a mandoline for uniform potato slices
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap cheeses: try Swiss, Provolone, or Cheddar
- Use different herbs: basil, thyme, or rosemary
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to filling
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes
- Use turkey breast instead of chicken
Common FAQs
Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking?
A: Secure rolls tightly and avoid overfilling.
Q: Can these be frozen?
A: Freeze uncooked rolls up to 3 months.
Q: Why is my sauce not thickening?
A: Ensure all ingredients are room temperature and blend thoroughly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage
- Refrigerate cooked roll-ups up to 3 days
- Store sauce separately up to 1 week
- Reheat in 350°F (175°C) oven until hot
Freezing
- Wrap individual uncooked rolls in plastic
- Place in freezer bag
- Thaw overnight before cooking
Make-Ahead Steps
- Prepare chicken rolls day before
- Make sauce up to 3 days ahead
- Slice potatoes and store in water
- Assemble just before baking
This elegant yet approachable dish proves that impressive doesn’t mean complicated. With proper preparation and these detailed instructions, you’ll create a memorable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful sauce makes this recipe a guaranteed family favorite.