Ever had one of those moments when you pull something from the oven and feel like an absolute kitchen genius? That's exactly what happens with homemade chicken rollatini. The first time I made this Italian-inspired dish of tender chicken breasts rolled around a savory cheese and spinach filling, my family literally applauded at the dinner table!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Rollatini
This isn't just any chicken dish-it's a game-changer in your weeknight dinner arsenal! When I first discovered chicken rollatini with spinach and mozzarella, it revolutionized how I think about "chicken night" at our house. Gone were the plain grilled breasts, replaced by these impressive spirals of flavor that look like you spent hours in the kitchen (when really, it's surprisingly straightforward!).
What makes this chicken rollatini recipe special is its perfect balance of textures-crispy exterior giving way to tender chicken and that incredible moment when the melted cheese pulls into perfect strands as you cut into each roll. The versatility is unmatched too. Craving something creamy? Try the variation with ricotta. Want something with a little more complexity? The chicken rollatini Marsala version with its rich wine sauce will transport you straight to your favorite Italian restaurant.
I love that it's impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a Monday night. And unlike many stuffed chicken recipes, these rolls actually stay together during cooking (my personal triumph after much testing!). Plus, at around 400 calories per serving, chicken rollatini delivers restaurant-worthy satisfaction without derailing your healthy eating goals.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1½ cups fresh spinach, chopped (traditional for chicken rollatini with spinach)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (key for authentic chicken rollatini with ricotta)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Breading:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (the perfect chicken rollatini sauce base)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese for topping
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Chicken Rollatini
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly stuffed chicken rolls that stay together and bake up golden and delicious. This classic chicken rollatini recipe is easier than it looks!
Prep the Chicken (10 minutes)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, then opening like a book.
- Place the butterflied chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Pound the chicken to an even ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy skillet. This ensures your chicken rollatini cooks evenly.
- Season both sides of each flattened chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Create the Perfect Filling (5 minutes)
- Combine the spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, minced garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium bowl. This classic chicken rollatini with spinach and mozzarella filling is foolproof!
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Taste the filling and adjust seasonings if needed. The filling should be flavorful as it will season the chicken from the inside.
Assemble the Rolls (10 minutes)
- Lay each pounded chicken breast flat on your work surface.
- Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly across each chicken breast, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Roll the chicken from the narrow end, tucking in the sides as you go to create a neat package. This rolling technique is essential for traditional chicken rollatini.
- Secure each roll with toothpicks if needed (just remember to remove them before serving!).
Bread the Chicken (5 minutes)
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
- Dredge each chicken roll in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Cook to Golden Perfection (30 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken rolls on all sides until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. This creates that perfect crust that makes baked chicken rollatini so delicious.
- Pour marinara sauce around (not over) the seared chicken rolls in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. For stovetop-only cooking, see the easy chicken rollatini variation in the tips section.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This cooking time helps keep the chicken rollatini calories in check while ensuring food safety.
Add the Finishing Touches (5 minutes)
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella on top of each chicken roll.
- Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove toothpicks and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This creates those perfect spirals you see in restaurant-style chicken rollatini recipes.
Sauce Variations (Optional)
For Chicken Rollatini Marsala:
- Skip the marinara sauce.
- Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms in the same pan after browning the chicken (temporarily remove chicken).
- Add ¾ cup Marsala wine and ½ cup chicken broth.
- Simmer until reduced by half.
- Return chicken to the pan and finish in the oven as directed.
Substitutions
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, or crush pork rinds for a zero-carb option.
- Keto/Low-Carb Version: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb chicken rollatini.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives - Violife or Miyoko's work well here.
- No Spinach? Try kale, Swiss chard, or even roasted red peppers for a different twist on the classic chicken rollatini recipe.
- Leftover-Friendly: Use up any cheese bits in your refrigerator - provolone, fontina, or asiago all work beautifully in this recipe chicken rollatini.
- Make it Lighter: Skip the breading entirely for a lighter version, or use the chicken rollatini air fryer method which requires less oil.
- Protein Boost: Add a layer of prosciutto inside each roll for an extra savory touch, similar to chicken rollatini Lidia style.
Variations
One of the best things about chicken rollatini is how versatile it is! Once you master the basic technique, you can customize it countless ways to suit your tastes or use ingredients you have on hand. Here are some mouthwatering variations to try:
Chicken Rollatini with Spinach and Prosciutto
Take your chicken rollatini with spinach to the next level by adding a layer of thinly sliced prosciutto before the filling. The prosciutto adds a salty depth that perfectly complements the cheesy spinach mixture. This is similar to the famous chicken rollatini Lidia style, inspired by celebrated chef Lidia Bastianich.
Chicken Rollatini Florentine
Double down on the greens by using a filling of sautéed spinach, garlic, and a blend of ricotta and feta cheese. Top with Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy twist on the classic.
Mediterranean Chicken Rollatini
Fill with a mixture of feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano. Serve with a lemony Greek yogurt sauce instead of marinara for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
Equipment
For the best results when making chicken rollatini, you'll need:
- A meat mallet or heavy skillet for pounding the chicken
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent chicken from sticking while pounding
- Toothpicks for securing the rolls
- A 9x13 baking dish
- Instant-read meat thermometer to ensure chicken is properly cooked
Storage
Chicken rollatini is perfect for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully. Here's how to keep your rollatini tasting just as delicious the second time around:
Refrigerator Storage
- Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep sauce separate if possible to prevent the breading from becoming soggy.
- Pro tip: If you've already combined the chicken rollatini with sauce, no worries! It will still taste great when reheated, though the breading won't be as crispy.
Freezer Storage
- Can you freeze chicken rollatini? Absolutely! It freezes remarkably well.
- For uncooked rollatini: Freeze the assembled but uncooked rolls (before breading) on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before breading and cooking.
- For cooked rollatini: Wrap individual portions in foil, then place in freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Freezing tip: If possible, freeze without sauce for best texture upon reheating.
What to Serve With Chicken Rollatini
Transform your chicken rollatini from a standalone star to a complete, restaurant-worthy meal with these perfect pairings. The right sides not only complement the rich flavors of your chicken rollatini but create a balanced plate that will impress everyone at your table.
Pasta & Grains
Nothing completes Italian-inspired chicken rollatini quite like a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. Try:
- Angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs
- Creamy risotto (especially with chicken rollatini Marsala)
- Crusty Italian bread for soaking up extra sauce
- Garlic parmesan orzo for an elegant touch
- Simple spaghetti with butter and Parmesan for kids
Vegetables
Brighten up your plate and balance the richness of chicken rollatini with spinach and mozzarella with these vegetable sides:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
- Sautéed broccoli rabe with garlic and red pepper flakes
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus with Parmesan
- Grilled zucchini and yellow squash
Sauces & Extras
While traditional chicken rollatini sauce is typically marinara-based, consider these complementary options:
- Additional warmed marinara for dipping
- Creamy pesto drizzle
- Balsamic reduction for a sophisticated finish
- Herb-infused olive oil for dipping bread
- Bruschetta topping for a fresh, bright contrast
Top Tip
Take your chicken out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before you start. Room temperature chicken pounds more evenly and cooks more consistently than cold chicken straight from the fridge.
When flattening your chicken breasts, use gentle, even strokes starting from the center and working outward. Aim for a uniform ¼-inch thickness across the entire breast. Too thin and the chicken will tear; too thick and it won't roll properly or cook evenly.
Grandmama's Magic Touch
My Nonna Maria's chicken rollatini wasn't just dinner-it was theater. While everyone raved about her chicken rollatini with spinach and mozzarella, the real secret wasn't in the ingredients but in her technique.
"You have to listen to the chicken," she'd say, demonstrating how to pound each breast with surprising gentleness. Unlike modern recipes calling for plastic wrap, Nonna used dampened parchment paper, claiming it "let the chicken breathe." She'd sprinkle a few drops of white wine directly onto the meat before adding filling, which she swore created tiny pockets of flavor as it cooked.
The most magical touch in her chicken rollatini recipe? She'd rest the rolled chicken for 30 minutes before breading-a step missing from most chicken rollatini recipes today. This allowed the meat to relax and hold its shape perfectly during cooking.
FAQ
What is the meaning of rollatini?
"Rollatini" comes from the Italian word "rollare," which means "to roll." While not a traditional Italian term, it was popularized in Italian-American cuisine to describe thinly sliced meat or vegetables that are rolled around a filling, then breaded and baked or fried. The "-ini" suffix indicates smallness, suggesting small rolls or little rolled items.
What is the history of chicken rollatini?
Chicken rollatini emerged from Italian-American cuisine, likely in the mid-20th century. While it's not found in traditional Italian cookbooks, it evolved from authentic Italian dishes like involtini (meat rolls) and braciole. As Italian immigrants adapted their cooking to ingredients available in America, dishes like chicken rollatini became popular in Italian-American restaurants and homes, particularly in northeastern cities. The dish represents the fusion of Italian culinary techniques with American preferences for chicken as a protein.
What is in chicken saltimbocca?
Chicken saltimbocca is a variation of the classic Roman dish "saltimbocca alla romana" (traditionally made with veal). It consists of:
Thinly pounded chicken breasts
Prosciutto (thinly sliced Italian ham)
Fresh sage leaves
White wine sauce with butter
Salt and pepper
How to make chicken campagnola?
Chicken campagnola ("country-style chicken") is made by:
Sautéing bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces until golden brown
Adding garlic, bell peppers, hot cherry peppers, mushrooms, and onions
Deglazing with white wine and adding chicken stock
Simmering until the chicken is tender and cooked through
Finishing with fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley
Serving with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce
Chicken Rollatini That Never Lets You Down!
There you have it - a delicious chicken rollatini that's both impressive and approachable! This Italian-inspired dish brings restaurant flavor right to your dinner table with minimal fuss. The next time you're looking to elevate your chicken game, remember this recipe - it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Have you tried making chicken rollatini before? I'd love to see your results! Share a photo in the comments below or tag us on social media. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don't forget to check out our Crab Cake Benedict, Blackened Chicken Alfredo , and Spinach Artichoke Quiche for more delicious Italian-inspired dishes your family will love!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Rollatini
Chicken Rollatini
🍳 Equipment
- Meat mallet or heavy skillet (For pounding chicken evenly)
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper (Prevents sticking while pounding)
- Large skillet (For searing the chicken)
- 9x13 baking dish (For baking rollatini)
- Shallow dishes (For the breading station)
- Instant-read thermometer (Ensures chicken is properly cooked)
- For securing rolls (Remove before serving)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 Boneless - skinless chicken breasts About 1.5 lbs
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1½ cups Fresh spinach - Chopped
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese - Shredded
- ½ cup Ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese - Freshly grated
- 2 cloves Garlic - Minced
- 1 teaspoon Fresh basil - Chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ¼ teaspoon Red pepper flakes - Optional
For Breading:
- ½ cup All-purpose flour
- 2 Large eggs - Beaten
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese - Grated
For the Sauce & Topping:
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- ½ cup Mozzarella cheese - For topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, then open like a book. Pound to ¼-inch thickness and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a bowl, combine chopped spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Lay the chicken flat. Spread 2-3 tablespoon of filling over each breast, leaving a border. Roll tightly from the narrow end and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan. Dredge rolls in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each roll 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Pour marinara sauce around (not over) the rolls in the skillet. Transfer to oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 2-3 minutes more until melted and bubbly.
- Remove toothpicks, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into spirals. Serve with extra sauce.
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