Looking for a dinner that’s both visually stunning and deeply satisfying? These Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Rolls are the perfect solution. Tender chicken breasts are pounded thin, seasoned generously, and filled with gooey mozzarella and fresh parsley before being rolled and baked to golden perfection. Served alongside a medley of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, this dish is a complete and wholesome dinner that’s both indulgent and healthy. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this no-fuss, flavor-packed recipe will leave everyone wanting seconds.
Cooking Time
-
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
-
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
-
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Chicken Rolls:
-
800 g chicken breast
-
250 g mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
-
Fresh parsley, chopped
-
Ground black pepper, to taste
-
Garlic powder, to taste
-
60 ml mustard
-
120 ml mayonnaise
-
Salt, to taste
-
1 tsp noble sweet paprika powder
-
Olive oil, for greasing
-
Aluminum foil
For the Sautéed Vegetables:
-
1 red onion, chopped
-
1 celery stalk, sliced
-
1 zucchini, diced
-
1 red bell pepper, diced
-
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
-
Salt, to taste
-
Ground black pepper, to taste
-
1–2 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
-
Slice the chicken breasts open horizontally to butterfly them.
-
Place each piece between plastic wrap and pound them with a kitchen hammer until about 1 cm thin.
2. Make the Filling
-
In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella and chopped parsley.
-
In another bowl, mix mustard and mayonnaise. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to taste.
3. Season the Chicken
-
Rub the mayonnaise-mustard mixture generously over both sides of each flattened chicken breast.
4. Assemble the Rolls
-
Place a generous spoonful of the cheese and parsley filling on one end of each chicken breast.
-
Roll the chicken tightly from the filled side, tucking in the edges if necessary.
-
Place the rolls seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
5. Bake the Chicken Rolls
-
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
-
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 40–45 minutes.
-
Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and the cheese is bubbling.
6. Sauté the Vegetables
-
While the chicken is baking, heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet.
-
Add the chopped red onion and celery and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
-
Add the diced zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes.
-
Stir in the red and yellow bell peppers, season with salt and pepper, and cover with a lid.
-
Simmer the vegetables for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve and Enjoy
-
Plate the sliced chicken rolls with a side of the tender, sautéed vegetables.
-
Optionally garnish with more fresh parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
-
Calories: 460 kcal
-
Protein: 42 g
-
Carbohydrates: 9 g
-
Fat: 28 g
-
Fiber: 3 g
-
Sugar: 4 g
-
Calcium: 250 mg
-
Iron: 2 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Stuffed chicken is a beloved staple across various cuisines, from Eastern Europe to the Mediterranean. The technique of butterflying and filling meat with cheese, herbs, and spices dates back centuries and remains popular today for its versatility and visual appeal. What makes this version stand out is the combination of tangy mustard, creamy mayo, and aromatic herbs wrapped inside tender chicken and paired with rustic vegetable sides. With growing interest in wholesome, high-protein meals that don’t compromise on flavor, this recipe continues to gain traction in modern kitchens and food channels.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
-
High in protein: A satisfying, lean option for any meal.
-
Packed with flavor: Mustard, garlic, and paprika elevate the taste.
-
Cheesy and indulgent: Melted mozzarella adds that irresistible gooey finish.
-
Family-friendly: A hit with adults and kids alike.
-
One-dish meal: Chicken and vegetables combine for a balanced dinner.
Health Benefits
-
Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, helping with muscle repair and satiety.
-
Mozzarella is rich in calcium and protein.
-
Vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and celery offer vitamins A, C, and K along with antioxidants.
-
Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats for heart health.
-
Parsley and garlic are anti-inflammatory and support immunity.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve the rolls sliced on a bed of mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal.
-
Drizzle with pan juices or a light gravy.
-
Add a green side salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
-
Serve with crusty bread to soak up any melted cheese and juices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcooking the chicken: Covering with foil ensures it stays moist.
-
Not pounding chicken thin enough: Thin breasts roll easier and cook evenly.
-
Using dry cheese: Always use moist mozzarella for optimal melt.
-
Skipping seasoning: The spice rub is crucial to flavor, don’t skimp!
-
Crowding the baking dish: Leave space between rolls to ensure even cooking.
Pairing Recommendations
-
Drinks: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or a citrusy sparkling water.
-
Sides: Roasted potatoes, buttered rice, couscous, or steamed green beans.
-
Desserts: A light lemon sorbet, vanilla panna cotta, or baked apples.
Cooking Tips
-
Chill the chicken rolls briefly before baking to help them hold their shape.
-
Add chili flakes for a bit of heat in the filling.
-
Use a toothpick to secure the rolls if they are too loose.
-
For a golden finish, broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
-
Mix some cream cheese into the mozzarella for a creamier filling.
Similar Recipes to Try
-
Chicken Cordon Bleu (ham and cheese stuffed)
-
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken
-
Stuffed Turkey Rolls with Cranberry Sauce
-
Chicken Kiev (with garlic butter center)
-
Eggplant Rollatini (vegetarian version)
Variations to Try
-
Add sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for an umami boost.
-
Make it spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce in the mayo-mustard rub.
-
Try goat cheese or feta in place of mozzarella for a tangy twist.
-
Swap in turkey breast for a leaner variation.
-
Add cooked spinach for more greens in the filling.
Ingredient Spotlight: Mozzarella
Mozzarella is not only stretchy and indulgent—it’s also a versatile cheese that’s lower in fat compared to many others. Rich in calcium and protein, mozzarella melts beautifully, making it ideal for stuffed dishes. It pairs well with herbs, meats, and vegetables and delivers that creamy texture that brings comfort food to life.
Conclusion Paragraph
This Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Roll with Sautéed Vegetables is everything a homemade dinner should be—flavorful, filling, and made with love. It brings together a harmonious blend of juicy chicken, melted cheese, aromatic herbs, and tender-cooked vegetables. Whether you’re prepping it for a special occasion or a simple family night, this recipe offers a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this dish is bound to become one of your most cherished go-tos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and assemble the rolls up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
2. Can I freeze the chicken rolls?
Definitely. Freeze after baking or before, just make sure to wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
3. What’s a good substitute for mozzarella?
Use provolone, gouda, or cream cheese as a substitute depending on flavor preference.
4. Can I cook this dish without foil?
Foil helps prevent the chicken from drying out. If omitted, keep an eye on the baking time and baste if needed.
5. What’s “noble sweet paprika”?
It’s a mild, aromatic Hungarian-style paprika with a slightly sweet note. Use regular sweet paprika if needed.
6. How can I keep the rolls from opening during baking?
Secure them with toothpicks or wrap tightly and place seam-side down.
7. Can I grill the chicken instead?
Grilling isn’t ideal for this recipe due to the cheese filling, but you can sear the rolls first then finish them in the oven.
8. Are there vegetarian alternatives to this recipe?
Yes—use eggplant or zucchini slices filled with cheese, herbs, and quinoa or lentils.
9. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
10. Can I make this keto-friendly?
Yes, omit the sautéed vegetables with higher carbs (like onions or peppers), use a low-carb mayo, and serve without bread or rice.