Chef Mitchell preparing Herbed Chicken Rolls
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of making Herbed Chicken Rolls during a culinary vacation in Greece. The combination of fresh herbs and creamy cheese inspired me to create this recipe. After several trials, I perfected the balance of flavors and textures, creating a dish that reminds me of sunny Mediterranean evenings. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!"

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. His passion for cooking comes from a love for fresh ingredients and bold flavors. He has created countless recipes, focusing on healthy and delicious meals that bring people together.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Herbed Chicken Rolls served on a plate

Why This Herbed Chicken Rolls Recipe Works

This recipe shines due to its combination of fresh herbs and creamy cheese, wrapped in tender chicken. It is simple yet elegant, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The use of high-quality ingredients enhances the flavor, ensuring each bite is delicious.

The technique of rolling the chicken around the filling ensures a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Searing the rolls before baking adds a beautiful golden color and locks in moisture, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken that everyone will love.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure not to overfill the chicken rolls. Too much filling can cause them to burst while cooking. Also, let the rolls rest after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring they stay moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the rolls a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just remember to cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they're heated through.

You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a similar texture, or use cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk to achieve a creamy consistency. Greek yogurt is also a great alternative for a healthier option.

The rolls are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. Additionally, the chicken should be golden brown, and the juices should run clear.

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

These rolls pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. You might also serve them with a side of pasta or a crusty bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.

Leftover Herbed Chicken Rolls will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving for the best taste.

Yes, you can prepare the filling and chicken rolls ahead of time. Assemble them, then store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake. This will save you time on busy weeknights.

Reheat the rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to maintain their crispy texture. You can also use the microwave, but be aware that this may make the breadcrumbs less crunchy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your rolls come out dry, it could mean the chicken was overcooked.

Solution: Make sure to monitor the cooking time closely and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Letting the rolls rest after baking also helps keep them juicy.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the exterior of the rolls isn't crispy, the breadcrumb coating may not have adhered properly.

Solution: Ensure the chicken is coated well in breadcrumbs before baking. You may also want to spray a bit of cooking oil on top before baking to help them crisp up.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent this, use a meat thermometer and remove the rolls from the oven as soon as they reach the safe temperature. Keep an eye on the baking time as well.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the rolls is undercooked, this indicates they need more time in the oven.

Recovery: Cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes if you notice they are undercooked in the center.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt chicken rolls can occur from cooking at too high a temperature or for too long.

Prevention: Make sure to follow the recommended temperature and time closely. If the rolls are browning too quickly, cover them with foil during the last part of baking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the rolls taste too sweet, consider reducing the amount of marinara sauce used or adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: For salty rolls, ensure you are using low-sodium cheese and seasonings, and adjust the added salt accordingly.

Bland: If the rolls are bland, increase the amount of herbs used in the filling or add more seasoning to taste.

Fresh ingredients for Herbed Chicken Rolls

Essential Ingredients for Herbed Chicken Rolls

The key ingredients in Herbed Chicken Rolls include fresh chicken, a variety of cheeses, and vibrant herbs. Each ingredient contributes unique flavors and textures to the dish. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil elevate the taste profile, while the creamy cheeses provide richness.

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor. Fresh, organic chicken and locally-sourced herbs can make a significant difference in the final dish. Always choose the freshest ingredients you can find for optimal taste.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Breast: For the best results, use fresh chicken breasts rather than frozen. Fresh chicken not only tastes better but also cooks more evenly, ensuring juicy rolls.
  • Feta Cheese: Opt for good quality feta cheese, as it adds a tangy flavor that complements the mild ricotta. Crumbled feta gives an excellent texture and taste to the filling.
  • Fresh Herbs: Always use fresh herbs when possible. Dried herbs lack the vibrant flavor and aroma that fresh herbs bring to dishes, especially in Mediterranean recipes.
Cooking process for Herbed Chicken Rolls

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

To create Herbed Chicken Rolls, start by preparing your ingredients and mixing the filling. The rolling technique ensures that each piece of chicken is packed with flavor. Searing the rolls adds color and depth before baking them in marinara sauce.

Achieving perfect results involves paying attention to cooking times and temperatures. Searing the chicken develops a beautiful crust while baking allows the flavors to meld together. With these steps, you’ll have delicious rolls that are sure to impress.

Key Technique for Perfect Herbed Chicken Rolls

The most important technique in this recipe is the rolling of the chicken around the filling. This not only keeps the ingredients enclosed but also ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Searing the rolls before baking locks in moisture, achieving a juicy, tender finish.

Herbed Chicken Rolls

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
    Store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    For cooking

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken breast
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup spinach
    Chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese
    Crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley
    Chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil
    Chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    To taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    For searing

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all the ingredients and prepare them as noted.

  2. Mix Filling

    In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, feta cheese, spinach, parsley, basil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

  3. Roll Chicken

    Lay a slice of chicken flat, add a spoonful of the filling, and roll tightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

  4. Coat Rolls

    In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Roll each chicken roll in the mixture to coat.

  5. Sear Chicken

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken rolls until golden on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.

  6. Bake

    Transfer the chicken rolls to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over them and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

  7. Rest

    Remove from oven and let the rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving.

  8. Serve

    Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftover Herbed Chicken Rolls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls before baking, and thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Herbed Chicken Rolls are delicious on their own or served with a side of pasta or rice. Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs as a garnish adds a nice touch.

Recipe Variations

You can customize Herbed Chicken Rolls by adding different vegetables to the filling, such as roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts. For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. Experiment with other cheeses for unique flavors!