Get ready to elevate your weekend dining experience with our mouthwatering Super Saturday Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups! This delightful dish combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy filling of spinach and herbs, all smothered in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for impressing family and friends, these roll-ups are not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to indulge in a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach, cooked
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken roll-ups cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the spinach by cooking it in a small pan over medium heat until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a creamy filling.
- Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/2 inch thick. This will help them cook evenly and make them easier to roll.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Spread an even layer of the cheese and spinach filling onto each chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spilling when rolling.
- Starting from one end, carefully roll up each chicken breast tightly, securing the filling inside. You can use toothpicks to hold the rolls together if needed.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken roll-ups seam side down. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown on that side.
- Once browned, carefully flip the roll-ups to sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken roll-ups in the skillet, ensuring they are well covered. This will add flavor and moisture during baking.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the roll-ups rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute within the chicken.
- Carefully slice each roll-up into pinwheels or serve whole, drizzling additional marinara sauce on top if desired. Enjoy your Super Saturday Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups!
Tips
- Pound Evenly: When pounding the chicken breasts, aim for an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures that they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
- Cool the Spinach: Let the cooked spinach cool slightly before mixing it with the cheeses. This prevents the filling from becoming too runny.
- Season Generously: Don't skimp on the salt and pepper when seasoning the chicken. A well-seasoned exterior enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Use Toothpicks: If your roll-ups are having trouble staying together, secure them with toothpicks before searing. Just remember to remove them before serving!
- Sear for Flavor: Searing the roll-ups before baking adds a beautiful golden color and extra flavor. Make sure your skillet is hot enough to achieve a nice crust.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let it Rest: Allow the roll-ups to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Serve with Extra Sauce: For an added touch, drizzle extra marinara sauce over the sliced roll-ups before serving. It not only looks great but also enhances the taste!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 140mg