Italian-Style Chicken Roll-Up
Juicy chicken breasts wrapped with ham and mozzarella, baked in rich spaghetti sauce, offering a savory, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour about half of the spaghetti sauce into a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish; set aside.
- Brown the chicken in melted butter over medium heat for about 15 minutes, turning once.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels. Cut the mozzarella cheese into halves.
- Wrap each piece of chicken with one slice of cheese and one slice of ham, securing with wooden toothpicks.
- Place the wrapped chicken in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle with sliced mushrooms.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs or garlic before cooking. If you don't have mozzarella, provolone or gouda can be great substitutes. To save time, use pre-sliced deli ham and pre-shredded cheese. You can also add spinach or roasted red peppers inside the roll-ups for extra nutrition and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken roll-ups with a side of Technicolor Rotini Primavera for a colorful meal. A fresh garden salad with Italian dressing pairs nicely, providing a crunchy contrast. For a heartier option, serve alongside garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish also works well with a glass of red wine to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the roll-ups in a baking dish with a splash of spaghetti sauce, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian-Style Chicken Roll-Up contains roughly 973 calories, with 49g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (98% of the Daily Value), calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 886mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or even thinly sliced pork. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat you choose. For a vegetarian option, consider using eggplant or zucchini slices instead of chicken.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll-ups a day ahead and store them in the baking dish, covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the sauce right before baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes for a quick dinner option.
What can I do if I don't have spaghetti sauce?
If you don't have spaghetti sauce, you can use marinara or even a homemade tomato sauce with herbs. Alternatively, a creamy sauce can also work well, transforming the dish into a different flavor profile while still being delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).