7 Steps to the Best Chicken Rollatini Recipe – Easy Italian Classic

Looking for the perfect chicken rollatini recipe? Learn how to make the best homemade chicken rollatini with this easy, step-by-step guide. Perfect for beginners & packed with flavor!

Table of Contents for This Chicken Rollatini Recipe

• Introduction
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Essential Ingredients
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Pro Tips
• Serving Suggestions
• Nutritional Information
• Storage & Leftovers
• FAQs
• Related Recipes
• Expert Tips
• Conclusion

Introduction

This chicken rollatini recipe is the ultimate guide for making mouth-watering rolled chicken in your own kitchen! This Italian-American classic features thinly pounded chicken breasts rolled with delicious fillings and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply wanting to elevate your weeknight dinner, chicken rollatini delivers restaurant-quality flavor with surprisingly simple preparation.

Chicken rollatini originated as an Italian-American adaptation of the traditional Italian dish known as involtini, where thin slices of meat are rolled around flavorful fillings. Today, this versatile dish has become a beloved staple in Italian-American cuisine, offering endless possibilities for customization while maintaining its signature rolled presentation and impressive flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Rollatini Recipe

• Ready in under an hour – perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions!
• Impressive presentation that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen
• Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite fillings
• Make-ahead friendly – prepare in advance and bake when ready to serve
• Restaurant-quality results with simple, straightforward ingredients
• Perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, juicy chicken
• Great for meal prep – leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day

Essential Ingredients for the Best Chicken Rollatini Recipe

For the Chicken Base:

• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin (about ¼-inch thickness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¾ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Classic Filling:

• 6-8 thin slices of prosciutto (or ham for a budget-friendly alternative)
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced or shredded
• Optional additions: sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, ricotta cheese, fresh herbs

For Serving (Optional):

• Marinara sauce, warmed
• Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds mixed with Italian seasonings.

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How to Make This Chicken Rollatini Recipe – Step by Step

The perfect chicken rollatini recipe with golden crust and melty cheese filling

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to approximately ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
3. Season both sides of each chicken cutlet with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

1. In a shallow bowl, combine olive oil and lemon juice.
2. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken cutlet in the oil-lemon mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 3: Add Fillings and Roll

1. Lay each breaded chicken cutlet flat on a work surface.
2. Place a slice of prosciutto on each cutlet.
3. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese and any additional fillings of your choice.
4. Starting from the shorter end, tightly roll up each cutlet, enclosing the filling.

Step 4: Secure and Bake

1. Place each chicken rollatini seam-side down in the prepared baking dish (no toothpicks needed when placed seam-side down).
2. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken rollatini reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden brown.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Allow the chicken rollatini to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Optionally, serve with warm marinara sauce, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Rollatini

• Pound the chicken evenly: Ensure uniform thickness for even cooking and easier rolling.
• Don’t overstuff: Use just enough filling to roll the chicken comfortably without tearing.
• Secure properly: Place seam-side down in the baking dish, or use toothpicks if needed.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Let it rest: Allow the chicken rollatini to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.
• Make ahead option: Prepare the rollatini up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
• No breadcrumbs leaking: Dip in the oil mixture first, then breadcrumbs – this order helps the coating adhere better.

Best Ways to Serve Your Chicken Rollatini Recipe

Chicken rollatini is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some delicious pairings to complete your meal:

• Pasta pairing: Serve alongside spaghetti or linguine tossed in marinara sauce for a classic Italian-American meal.
• Fresh salad: Balance the rich flavors with a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
• Roasted vegetables: Complement with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a medley of seasonal vegetables.
• Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Risotto or polenta: For an elegant dinner, serve with creamy risotto or soft polenta.

For a complete meal, slice the chicken rollatini diagonally before serving to showcase the beautiful spiral of filling inside.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Rollatini

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 35-40g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sodium: 800-900mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Storage & Leftovers for Your Chicken Rollatini Recipe

Meal prep chicken rollatini recipe portioned for easy weekday lunches

Can I make chicken rollatini ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare this chicken rollatini recipe up to 24 hours in advance, store covered in the refrigerator, and bake when ready to serve.

How long does chicken rollatini last in the fridge? Properly stored in an airtight container, cooked chicken rollatini recipe will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze chicken rollatini? Absolutely! You can freeze this chicken rollatini recipe either before or after baking:

• Unbaked: Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Baked: Cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? For best results, reheat this chicken rollatini recipe in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving is quicker but may result in a softer texture.

FAQs for Chicken Rollatini

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

While chicken breasts are traditional for rollatini, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. They’ll need to be pounded thin and may require slightly longer cooking time.

What can I use instead of prosciutto in chicken rollatini?

Ham, bacon, or even thinly sliced salami work well as alternatives to prosciutto. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat entirely and focus on cheese and vegetable fillings.

Can I make chicken rollatini without breadcrumbs?

Yes! For a low-carb option, you can skip the breadcrumbs entirely or substitute with crushed pork rinds mixed with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese.

How do I know when chicken rollatini is done cooking?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The outside should be golden brown, and any cheese filling should be melted.

Related Chicken Rollatini Recipe Ideas

If you love this chicken rollatini recipe, try these other delicious dishes:

• Chicken Parmesan – Another Italian-American classic featuring breaded chicken and tomato sauce
• Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken – A lighter variation with creamy cheese and nutritious greens
• Chicken Marsala – Tender chicken in a rich mushroom and wine sauce
• Italian Baked Chicken – Simple, flavorful chicken with Italian herbs and seasonings
• Eggplant Rollatini – A vegetarian version using thin slices of eggplant instead of chicken

Expert Tips from Italian Chefs

According to Chef Giada De Laurentiis, “The key to perfect chicken rollatini is pounding the chicken to an even thickness before rolling.” This ensures even cooking and prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.

For more advanced techniques and authentic Italian recipes, check out the comprehensive guide on Serious Eats where they explore the roots of Italian-American cuisine including beloved classics like chicken rollatini.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now you have all the secrets to creating the perfect chicken rollatini at home! This versatile and impressive dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its perfect balance of crispy exterior, tender chicken, and flavorful filling, chicken rollatini offers an elegant meal solution that’s actually simple to prepare.

Have you tried making chicken rollatini before? Which filling combination is your favorite? Share your experiences and variations in the comments below – we’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own!

Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next special dinner or when you want to elevate your weeknight meal. With a little practice, you’ll be rolling up these delicious chicken bundles like a pro chef!

Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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