Pesto Chicken Roll-Ups

Introduction

You know those meals that just make you feel like you’re winning at life in the kitchen? Pesto Chicken Roll-Ups is one of those dishes. It’s one of those recipes that sounds a little fancy, but in reality, it’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. You’ve got tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, melted cheese, and a crispy outside that all combine into an incredible bite of comfort food. The best part? You can prepare it in about 45 minutes, making it a perfect go-to for dinner parties or casual weeknight dinners.

I first tried this recipe when my cousin introduced me to pesto during a family dinner. I remember tasting it for the first time and thinking, “Why didn’t I try pesto sooner?” It immediately became a family favorite. Every time I make this, it reminds me of that evening and how easy it was to make something that felt so special.

Now, when I prepare these Pesto Chicken Roll-Ups, it feels like a comforting tradition. They’re versatile, so you can make them your own by switching up the cheese or adding in extra veggies. Whether you’re cooking for your family or making it for a gathering, these roll-ups are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pesto Chicken Roll-Ups are not just easy to make, they are full of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

Easy to make: Even if you’re new to cooking, this dish comes together quickly with minimal effort. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a little time in the kitchen.

Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love this dish. The pesto gives the chicken a fresh, herby flavor, while the cheese and crispy outer layer add texture and richness.

Perfect for meal prep: These roll-ups can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making them a great option for meal prepping for the week. They’re just as delicious reheated!

Customizable: Not a fan of mozzarella? No problem! Switch it up with goat cheese, Parmesan, or even a bit of ricotta. Want more veggies? Throw in some spinach or mushrooms. The sky’s the limit.

The best part of making these roll-ups is that they are full of fresh flavors that will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into an Italian bistro. The basil pesto adds such a fragrant, bright taste, while the gooey cheese brings everything together. Every bite is a perfect balance of flavors!

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes 4-6 servings depending on the size of your chicken breasts.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories per serving: 350

Protein: 35g

Carbs: 5g

Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Pesto Chicken Roll-Ups:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 6 oz each)

1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade – I always go with homemade for a fresh touch)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional but adds extra flavor)

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Why these ingredients work together:

Chicken breasts: They’re the perfect protein base for the pesto and cheese. They cook quickly and stay juicy when you bake them just right.

Pesto: It’s the star of the dish. Fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan make the pesto the perfect flavor enhancer for chicken.

Mozzarella & Parmesan: These cheeses melt beautifully, creating a creamy, cheesy filling that’s absolutely irresistible.

Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano balance the fresh flavors of the pesto and add that extra “something” to each bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your chicken breasts and trim off any excess fat. You want nice, smooth chicken breasts that are easy to roll. If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, I recommend slicing them in half horizontally to make them easier to roll up. You should end up with thinner pieces, perfect for stuffing!

2. Season the Chicken

Next, season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. This simple seasoning will help enhance the flavor of the chicken and give it a nice base to carry the pesto.

3. Spread the Pesto

Spread about one to two tablespoons of pesto over each chicken breast. You can use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time, but making homemade pesto (recipe below) really elevates this dish. Just use a spoon or a pastry brush to cover the chicken evenly. Make sure the pesto gets into the nooks and crannies of the chicken to infuse it with all that herby goodness!

4. Add the Cheese

After the pesto is spread out, it’s time for the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pesto-covered chicken. Follow that with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan. This combination of cheeses creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture when baked, with the mozzarella turning gooey and the Parmesan adding a little crunch.

5. Roll-Up the Chicken

Now, it’s time to roll the chicken! Starting at one end, carefully roll the chicken up tightly like a burrito, securing all that cheese and pesto inside. If you need to, you can use toothpicks to secure the rolls. Be careful, though – you’ll want to remove these before serving!

6. Bake

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken roll-ups seam side down and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden brown. This helps seal the chicken and gets that nice crispy edge. After both sides are browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

7. Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the chicken roll-ups rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making sure your chicken stays tender and juicy. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

How to Serve

Here are a few delicious ways to serve these Pesto Chicken Roll-Ups:

Over pasta: Serve with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for an Italian-inspired meal.

With roasted veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or asparagus would complement the flavors of the chicken.

Side salad: A simple green salad with arugula and balsamic vinegar can add a fresh bite to balance the richness of the chicken.

Garlic bread: Always a hit with pasta dishes, serve with some warm garlic bread for dipping!

Additional Tips

Don’t skip the browning: Browning the chicken in the skillet before baking is key! It seals in the juices and creates a crispy, golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside.

Make sure your pesto is spread evenly: You want every bite to be filled with that basil, garlic, and olive oil goodness.

Resting time is important: Let the chicken rest after baking. It helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.

Oven temperature matters: If your chicken breasts are on the larger side, consider adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook all the way through.

Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder or onion powder to your taste. I love the extra punch from a little more garlic!

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for portobello mushrooms. Simply remove the stems and scoop out the gills, then stuff them with pesto and cheese before baking.

Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-sensitive, use a gluten-free breadcrumb topping for extra crunch (optional).

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a little heat. It adds a great contrast to the richness of the cheese!

Different Cheese: Try goat cheese or ricotta in place of mozzarella for a tangy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Pesto Chicken Roll-Ups with any of the following:

Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the herby pesto chicken.

Side Dishes: A refreshing arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted garlic potatoes would make the perfect accompaniment.

Kids’ Meal: Serve with soft mashed potatoes or over a bed of buttered noodles for a kid-friendly twist.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Pesto Chicken Roll-Ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: To freeze, wrap each roll-up tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until hot all the way through.

Special Equipment

Oven-safe Skillet: You can use any large skillet that is safe to go in the oven. If you don’t have one, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish after browning.

Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, you can! Store-bought pesto works just fine. Just make sure to taste it first and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken roll-ups in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve!

Can I freeze uncooked Pesto Chicken Roll-Ups?

Yes, you can freeze them before cooking. Simply freeze the roll-ups on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I make this without the cheese?

Yes, if you prefer a dairy-free version, you can skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

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Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try these Pesto Chicken Roll-Ups as I am to share them with you! They’ve quickly become a favorite in my house, and I’m sure they’ll be a hit in yours too. Don’t forget to leave a comment or tag me on social media when you try them—I can’t wait to see how they turn out! And if you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask—I’m here to help! Happy cooking!