Easy Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge at the end of a long day, dreaming of a meal that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying, yet doesn’t require hours of effort? We’ve all been there! Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice homemade deliciousness. Today, I’m going to share a recipe that’s become a go-to in my own home, a dish that consistently brings smiles to the table: Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls.

This isn’t just any chicken dish; it’s tender chicken breasts rolled around a flavorful, cheesy filling, then baked to golden perfection in a vibrant tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to pull off, making you feel like a culinary rockstar without all the fuss. Get ready to transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary weeknight delight!

Quick Recipe

• Preparation Time: 15M
• Cooking Time: 30M
• Total Time: 45M
• Type of dish: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Recipe Yield: 4 servings
• Calories: 450 per serving

Key Takeaways

• Effortless Elegance: Looks fancy, tastes amazing, but is incredibly easy to prepare.
• Cheesy Perfection: Each bite is bursting with melted mozzarella and savory herbs.
• Family-Friendly: A dish loved by both adults and picky eaters alike.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Easy to customize with your favorite fillings and sides.

What Makes These Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls So Special?

• As a seasoned home cook, I’ve learned that the best recipes are those that deliver maximum flavor with minimal stress. These Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls fit that bill perfectly. There’s something truly magical about cutting into a golden-brown chicken roll and watching that warm, gooey mozzarella ooze out. It’s a moment of pure culinary joy!
• Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe, turning it into a reliable crowd-pleaser. My family often requests this dish, and it’s become a staple for cozy weeknight dinners and even casual get-togethers. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor payoff.

Understanding the “Why” Behind the “How”

You might wonder why we pound the chicken breasts thin. This isn’t just about making them easier to roll; it’s crucial for even cooking. Thinner chicken cooks faster and more uniformly, preventing dry spots and ensuring every bite is tender. It also creates a larger surface area for that delicious filling, making each roll perfectly proportioned.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s make sure we have everything we need. One of my favorite parts of cooking is the anticipation, and gathering the ingredients is the first step in that exciting journey!

For the Chicken Rolls:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (the good quality stuff melts best!)
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (optional, but adds great color and nutrients)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Essential Tools & Materials

• Cutting board
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Sharp knife
• Large skillet (oven-safe is a bonus!)
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls

Let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each step, just like I would with a friend in my kitchen. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

First, let’s get those chicken breasts ready. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Using the flat side of a meat mallet or a rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to roll.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a small mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach (if using), Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. This filling is the heart of our Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls – bursting with flavor!

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Lay one pounded chicken breast flat on your cutting board. Spoon about 1/4 of the cheese mixture onto one end of the chicken, leaving a small border. Carefully roll the chicken breast tightly, starting from the end with the filling. Secure the roll with toothpicks if needed, though often a tight roll is enough. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts and filling.

Step 4: Sear for Golden Goodness

This step is optional but highly recommended! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken rolls seam-side down in the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they’re golden brown. This creates a beautiful crust and locks in moisture, adding another layer of flavor. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this stage – that happens in the oven!

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is searing, or immediately after, let’s get our sauce bubbling. If you seared the chicken in an oven-safe skillet, you can use the same pan (after removing the chicken). Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet (or a separate saucepan). Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Pour about half of the prepared tomato sauce into the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the seared chicken rolls on top of the sauce in a single layer. Spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken rolls, ensuring they are nicely coated.
• Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Sliced open, ready to serve:

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains incredibly tender and moist. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

These Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some of my family’s favorites:

• Pasta: A simple side of spaghetti or linguine tossed with a little olive oil and garlic, or even more of that delicious tomato sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans roasted with a little olive oil and garlic make a healthy and delicious accompaniment.
• Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in as much cheese as possible, overfilling can make it difficult to roll the chicken tightly and may cause the filling to seep out during baking.
• Pat Dry: Always pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning and rolling. This helps in searing and ensures a better crust.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce before adding the chicken and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A well-seasoned sauce makes all the difference!
• Cheese Quality Matters: For the best melt and flavor, use a good quality low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella can be a bit too watery for this application.
• Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the chicken rolls and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, proceed with searing and baking.

The Better Serve

There you have it – a truly reliable and delicious recipe for Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls that I hope will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just as it is in mine. This dish proves that satisfying, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated. With tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try this week and prepare to impress your taste buds and your loved ones! Happy cooking!

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