Parmesan Roll-Ups
Juicy chicken roll-ups filled with a creamy ricotta and Parmesan mixture, then wrapped in seasoned bread crumbs and topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining guests, these flavorful and cheesy chicken breasts are easy to prepare and delightfully satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound the chicken breast halves thin between sheets of plastic wrap.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Roll up each chicken breast tightly and secure with four large toothpicks.
- Place the seasoned bread crumbs in a shallow dish.
- Dip each chicken roll-up into the beaten egg, then roll in the bread crumbs to coat thoroughly.
- Arrange the coated chicken roll-ups in a baking dish.
- Pour the jar of tomato sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Parmesan Roll-Ups, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the cheese mixture. If you don't have ricotta, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. For a crunchier texture, you can mix some crushed crackers with the seasoned bread crumbs. Remember to pound the chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Parmesan Roll-Ups with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with a side of garlic bread or even a light pasta dish. For an Italian-inspired dinner, consider pairing with a glass of red wine to enhance 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, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain the moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Roll-Ups contains roughly 1040 calories, with 36g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (73% of the Daily Value), calcium (61% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1447mg per serving (63% 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 prepare these roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups up to a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add the sauce and cheese before placing them in the oven.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor profile. For a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste without the dairy.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced with a knife.
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).