Everyone needs a few go-to chicken recipes that look fancy but are actually super easy to make. These stuffed chicken breast roll ups have become my family’s regular weeknight dinner choice, and for good reason! I love how I can prep them ahead while I’m making lunch, then just pop them in the oven when dinnertime rolls around.
What makes these roll ups so great is how simple they are to customize. Whether you’ve got some leftover spinach in the fridge or that block of cheese that needs using up, chances are you can turn them into a tasty filling. My kids even help me roll them up sometimes – though I’ll admit, theirs aren’t always as neat as mine! But hey, they all taste just as good in the end.
I’ve been making these roll ups for years now, and I still get excited when I slice into one and see that perfect swirl of filling inside. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new favorite way to serve chicken breast.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Roll Ups
- Simple ingredients – With just a handful of basic seasonings and cream cheese, you can create something special without running to the grocery store for fancy ingredients.
- Crispy exterior – The extra crispy coating gives these roll-ups an amazing crunch that perfectly contrasts with the creamy filling inside.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare these roll-ups in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, making them perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.
- Kid-approved – The combination of crispy chicken and creamy filling makes these roll-ups a hit with both adults and kids – no complaints at the dinner table!
What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?
Regular block-style cream cheese is your best bet for this recipe, as it has the right consistency for spreading and rolling inside chicken. While you might be tempted to use whipped cream cheese because it’s easier to spread, stick with the block version – it holds up better during cooking and won’t become too runny. Make sure to let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it, which makes it much easier to work with. If you’re watching calories, reduced-fat cream cheese can work too, though the filling won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
Options for Substitutions
Need to make some swaps? Here are some helpful substitutions for this chicken roll-up recipe:
- Cream cheese: If cream cheese isn’t your thing, you can use ricotta mixed with a bit of sour cream, or mascarpone cheese. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt cream cheese, though it might be slightly less creamy.
- Extra crispy oven fry for chicken: Don’t have oven fry coating? Make your own by mixing equal parts breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes. You could also use panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of paprika for that crispy coating.
- Seasonings: The seasoning blend is flexible – you can use Italian seasoning instead of individual herbs, or create your own mix with whatever dried herbs you have on hand. If you’re missing one spice, just increase the others slightly.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when making chicken roll-ups is not pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness – aim for about 1/4 inch throughout to ensure proper rolling and even cooking. Another common mistake is overfilling the chicken breasts with cream cheese mixture, which can lead to the filling oozing out during cooking – stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per breast and leave a border around the edges. To prevent the roll-ups from unraveling while cooking, secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine, and make sure to remove these before serving. For the crispiest coating, avoid pressing the breading mixture too firmly onto the chicken as this can create a dense, heavy crust instead of a light, crispy one.
What to Serve With Chicken Roll Ups?
These creamy, crispy chicken roll ups pair really well with simple sides that balance out their richness. A bright green veggie like roasted broccoli or steamed asparagus adds nice color to the plate and cuts through the creamy filling. For a starch, you can’t go wrong with fluffy rice pilaf or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up any sauce that escapes from the chicken. If you want to keep things light, a fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a perfect side dish that won’t compete with the flavorful chicken.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These chicken roll-ups stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to place them in a single layer to keep their shape intact. They make great leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day!
Freeze: You can freeze these beauties for up to 2 months! Just wrap each roll-up individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can grab exactly what you need when you’re ready to eat. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheat: To warm up your chicken roll-ups, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the crispy coating might not be as crunchy. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight first for best results.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 60-65 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 900-1000
- Protein: 10-15 g
- Fat: 70-80 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 package extra crispy oven fry for chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Start by flattening your chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.
Lay each chicken breast on a clean surface and cover them with plastic wrap to prevent mess.
Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it reaches about 1/2 inch in thickness.
This will help the chicken cook quickly and uniformly.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, take half a block of cream cheese and add your choice of herbs and spices.
Stir until all the ingredients are well combined into a smooth mixture.
This will be the flavorful filling for your chicken.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Chicken Breasts
Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture onto each flattened chicken breast.
Carefully roll each chicken breast around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to secure the cream cheese inside.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Rolls
Shake out half a box of Oven Fry Extra Crispy onto a plate.
Roll each chicken breast in the Oven Fry coating to ensure it is evenly covered.
The coating will create a deliciously crispy exterior during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Place each coated chicken roll-up into a baking dish, making sure they’re spaced slightly apart.
Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F for 45 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F for safe consumption.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Enjoy your crispy, creamy chicken roll-ups hot from the oven!