Elegant Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breast Roll-Ups with Garlic Herb Sauce

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

  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. Make the Sauce:
  • Blend oil, egg, mustard, and vinegar until emulsified
  • Add garlic, salt, and pepper
  • Refrigerate until needed
  1. Prepare Potatoes:
  • Slice potatoes thinly (⅛ inch thick)
  • Toss with oil, salt, and dried parsley
  • Arrange in baking dish
  1. 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

  1. Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking
  2. Don’t overstuff – leave room for rolling
  3. Secure rolls with toothpicks at an angle
  4. Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before slicing
  5. 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.