Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Rolls: A Cheesy and Delicious Twist on Dinner

If you’re looking to elevate your dinner game, Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Rolls are the perfect choice. With tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, this dish is comfort food at its finest. It’s easy to make yet fancy enough to impress guests or turn an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create this delectable meal, offer pro tips, and share ways to customize the recipe to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: The blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella, combined with marinara sauce, creates a burst of cheesy, tangy goodness in every bite.
• Visually Stunning: Rolled chicken breasts look elegant on the plate, making them perfect for dinner parties or romantic dinners.
• Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is simple to prepare and uses readily available ingredients.
• Customizable: Add herbs, vegetables, or spices to the filling for a personal twist.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible:

Chicken Breasts

• Key Ingredient: Thinly pounded chicken breasts are easy to roll and cook evenly.
• Tip: Use a meat mallet to gently flatten the chicken to an even thickness for best results.

Ricotta Cheese Mixture

• A creamy blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a rich filling. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add depth of flavor.

Marinara Sauce

• Choose a high-quality marinara sauce for maximum flavor. If you have time, homemade marinara can take this dish to the next level.

Mozzarella Topping

• The layer of melted mozzarella on top ties everything together with gooey, cheesy perfection.

Fresh Basil

• A garnish of fresh basil adds a bright, herby note and a pop of color to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to roll.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Fill and Roll the Chicken

Lay each chicken breast flat and spread 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture onto one side. Roll the chicken tightly, securing the seam with toothpicks if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Grease a large baking dish with olive oil. Place the rolled chicken breasts seam-side down in the dish. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the top, ensuring each roll is well coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the chicken.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through while staying moist. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese melt and become golden.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks (if used) and serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a finishing touch.

Tips for Success

1. Use Thin Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally before pounding.
2. Secure the Rolls: Toothpicks help keep the rolls intact while baking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
3. Don’t Overfill: Spreading a thin layer of filling prevents it from oozing out during baking.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil, high-quality cheese, and good marinara sauce make a big difference in flavor.

Variations

1. Spinach and Cheese

Add sautéed spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrients and a touch of earthy flavor.

2. Prosciutto-Wrapped

For a crispy outer layer, wrap the rolled chicken breasts in thin slices of prosciutto before baking.

3. Low-Carb Option

Serve the stuffed chicken rolls over zucchini noodles or a bed of roasted vegetables for a keto-friendly meal.

4. Spice It Up

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or filling for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Rolls with sides that complement the rich, cheesy flavors. Here are some ideas:

• Pasta: Serve over spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic Italian meal.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the marinara sauce.
• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed zucchini are great options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Assemble the chicken rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze the stuffed chicken rolls?

A: Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A: Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Certainly! Fontina, provolone, or even a mix of cheeses can be used to suit your taste.

Nutrition Highlights

This dish provides a good balance of protein and fats, making it hearty and satisfying. To make it healthier:

• Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.
• Opt for a low-sodium marinara sauce.
• Pair with steamed vegetables for added fiber and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Rolls are a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a special weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Its rich flavors, cheesy filling, and elegant presentation make it a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Try it today and experience a delightful twist on traditional stuffed chicken!

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