Italian Chicken Roll-Ups
Because I have a busy schedule, I like to keep a batch of these tender chicken rolls in the freezer. Coated with golden crumbs, they seem fancy enough for company. I substituted mozzarella cheese for the provolone and pastrami for the ham with equally delicious results.
Because I have a busy schedule, I like to keep a batch of these tender chicken rolls in the freezer. Coated with golden crumbs, they seem fancy enough for company. I substituted mozzarella cheese for the provolone and pastrami for the ham with equally delicious results.
- Carbohydrate 13.8904287506748 g
- Cholesterol 11.3466666679347 mg
- Fat 5.28175208375813 g
- Fiber 0.9773666836156 g
- Protein 6.75832750045601 g
- Saturated Fat 2.93718133357194 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (50g)
- Sodium 458.072791672638 mg
- Sugar 12.9130620670592 g
- Trans Fat 0.37091600005177 g
- Calories 131 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Flatten chicken to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Place a slice of ham and half a slice of provolone cheese on each piece of chicken.
- Roll up from a short side and tuck in ends; secure with a toothpick.
- In a shallow bowl, combine crumbs, Romano cheese, and parsley.
- Pour milk into another bowl.
- Dip chicken rolls in milk, then roll in crumb mixture.
- Place roll-ups, seam side down, on a greased baking sheet.
- Spritz chicken with cooking spray.
- Bake, uncovered, 25 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.
- Remove toothpicks.
- Freeze option: Wrap unbaked chicken roll-ups individually in plastic wrap; place in a large resealable freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. To use, completely thaw in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Unwrap roll-ups and place on a greased baking sheet. Spritz with nonstick cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes or until juices run clear.
Italian Chicken Roll-Ups: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep needs to be quick, easy, and preferably something the whole family will devour without complaint. That’s where these Italian Chicken Roll-Ups come in. They’re a lifesaver on those hectic evenings when I’m juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending laundry pile. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility and convenience. I often double the batch, cooking half for dinner and freezing the rest for future meals. This eliminates the stress of last-minute dinner decisions and ensures we always have a healthy, satisfying option on hand.
The recipe itself is surprisingly simple. Tender chicken breasts are flattened, layered with savory ham and melted cheese (I often swap out the provolone for mozzarella – a personal preference!), rolled up tightly, and then coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture. A quick bake in the oven, and dinner is served! The result is juicy, flavorful chicken, with a satisfying crunch from the breadcrumbs. It’s elegant enough to impress guests, yet casual enough for a family meal. The kids adore them, and honestly, so do I. The flavor combination is simply divine – a perfect blend of savory and cheesy goodness. The prep work is minimal, taking only about 15 minutes to assemble the roll-ups before baking.
I've found that these roll-ups freeze exceptionally well, which is a huge plus for busy schedules. Simply wrap the unbaked roll-ups individually before freezing. When I'm ready for dinner, I just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and pop them in the oven. It's the ultimate time-saving hack for busy weeknights.
Beyond the ease and convenience, these roll-ups are incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add your favorite vegetables to the filling. Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even a sprinkle of pesto would all make delicious additions. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and what you have on hand in the pantry.
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, a true go-to meal for those nights when I'm short on time but still want to serve a delicious and satisfying dinner. The combination of flavor, convenience, and ease of preparation has made it a firm favorite amongst my family and friends. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for the modern, busy woman looking for simple yet impressive meal options.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, fontina, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Vegetable additions: Add finely chopped vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the chicken filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Herb variations: Try using different herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Sauce variations: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, pesto, or a creamy mushroom sauce.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the chicken roll-ups with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or some crusty bread.
So, the next time you're short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal, reach for this simple yet elegant recipe. These Italian Chicken Roll-Ups will quickly become a family favorite, a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Enjoy!
