The oven timer dings, and the aroma of melted cheese fills the air. You glance over to see the chicken roll ups golden and bubbling, ready to be devoured. Just moments ago, you were wondering what to whip up for dinner—now you’ve got a satisfying meal that everyone can’t wait to dig into.
Perfect for those nights when you’ve got 30 minutes and no plan, these roll ups save time without sacrificing flavor. Using fresh spinach and creamy ricotta gives them a nutritious twist that sets them apart from traditional recipes. Grab your ingredients, roll ’em up, and watch them disappear fast! Dinner is served.
Why You’ll Love This chicken roll ups
- Super Easy Prep: Just roll, bake, and enjoy! It’s a quick solution for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Flavor Explosion: Packed with savory goodness, every bite is a delightful mix of spices and juicy filling that hits the spot.
- Crisp-Tender Finish: The outside gets beautifully golden while the inside stays melty-gooey and satisfying.
- Endless Variations: Swap fillings to suit your taste—think veggies, different cheeses, or even leftovers for a fun twist!
- Reheats Decently: It holds up well in the fridge, but keep in mind that it loses some crispiness after day one.
chicken roll ups Ingredients
Chicken Filling:
Cooked chicken (2 cups) — use rotisserie chicken for easy shredding.
Spinach (1 cup) — fresh works best, but frozen is a great substitute.
Cream cheese (1 cup) — softened for easy mixing and spreading.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) — adds creaminess; use low-fat if preferred.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) — enhances flavor; fresh garlic can be used instead.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon) — gives depth; feel free to substitute with minced onion.
Salt (1 teaspoon) — essential for seasoning; adjust based on dietary needs.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon) — freshly ground adds the best flavor.
Roll Up Assembly:
Chicken breast (8 slices) — thinly sliced to allow easy rolling and stuffing.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup) — grated for a salty, nutty finish on top.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon) — use for greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking.
*Full measurements in the recipe card below.*
How to Make chicken roll ups
1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you assemble the chicken roll ups. It should be hot and ready for baking when you’re finished.
3. Assemble Roll Ups: Take a slice of thinly sliced chicken breast and spread a generous amount of the filling on it. Roll it tightly from one end to the other.
4. Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. You’ll want to coat it evenly so your roll ups come out easily.
5. Place in Dish: Arrange the rolled chicken on their seam side in the greased dish. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and crispy texture.
6. Bake Until Golden: Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top — you’ll smell that delicious cheesy aroma as they cook!
7. Let Cool Slightly: Once baked, let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving; cutting too soon might cause them to fall apart. *Exact quantities in the recipe card below.*
How to Store chicken roll ups
- Room Temperature: It’s best to enjoy chicken roll ups right after making them, but if you have leftovers, they can sit out for up to 2 hours. Just make sure they’re covered to keep them fresh.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. The tortillas might get a bit soft, but they’ll still taste great!
- Freezer: Wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just know that the texture of the tortillas may change after thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the edges start to crisp up again. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is bubbly and the tortilla feels warm to the touch.
What to Serve with chicken roll ups?
When enjoying this dish, it’s important to balance its richness with lighter or contrasting sides to enhance the overall experience.
- Fresh Garden Salad: The crisp vegetables provide a refreshing crunch that lightens each bite.
- Lemon Garlic Green Beans: Their acidity cuts through the richness, adding brightness without overpowering it.
- Crispy Potato Wedges: Their hearty texture complements the softness of it, creating a satisfying contrast.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The tangy dressing adds a zing that balances flavors and brings a nice color contrast.
- Herbed Quinoa: This nutty grain brings a chewy texture while soaking up any excess sauce beautifully.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Try roasting them for 20 minutes; their caramelized sweetness adds depth and balances well.
- Chilled Cucumber Soup: The cool temperature contrasts wonderfully with warm roll ups, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Sautéed Spinach with Lemon: A quick sauté brightens up the greens in just 5 minutes, offering both flavor and health benefits.
chicken roll ups Variations
Here’s how to play with this recipe and make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the other spices for a fiery flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley into the chicken filling for freshness.
- Creamy Ranch: Substitute half of the cream cheese with 1/2 cup ranch dressing for a zesty twist.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika with the garlic and onion powders for a deeper taste.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in 1 cup of finely chopped bell peppers into the chicken filling before rolling for extra crunch.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top before baking for a gooey finish.
- Pesto Delight: Blend in 1/4 cup of pesto sauce with the chicken filling to elevate it to gourmet status.
Make Ahead Options for chicken roll ups
I love prepping chicken roll ups ahead of time for busy days. I usually mix the filling—cooked chicken, spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and seasonings—up to two days in advance. I store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Then, I can assemble the roll ups right before serving. Just lay out the chicken slices, fill them with that creamy mixture, and roll them up! One thing I’ve noticed is that while the filling holds well, the assembled roll ups are best eaten fresh; if they sit too long, they can get soggy. So keep that in mind and enjoy your meal prep! Don’t forget to savor every bite.
chicken roll ups Recipe FAQs
Can I make chicken roll ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prep chicken roll ups ahead of time! Assemble the roll ups as directed and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and follow the cooking instructions. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as they may need a few extra minutes if coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
If you’re looking for a substitute for cream cheese in this dish, consider using ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. You might also try softened goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly with substitutions; ricotta will be more textured while Greek yogurt will be smoother. Always taste your filling before rolling it up to ensure it meets your flavor preference.
Why did my chicken roll ups turn out dry?
Dry chicken roll ups can occur if the chicken is overcooked or if there isn’t enough moisture in the filling. Make sure your cooked chicken is moist and tender before shredding it. Adding extra cream cheese or even a splash of broth can enhance moisture too. When baking, look for bubbly cheese and lightly browned tops as indicators that they’re done without drying out.
How do I know when this dish is fully cooked?
You’ll know this recipe is fully cooked when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the chicken are lightly golden brown. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Letting them cool slightly after baking helps retain moisture and makes them easier to serve—don’t skip this step!
Final Thoughts on chicken roll ups
Chicken roll ups are a fantastic way to simplify meal prep while delivering a burst of flavor. With tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach wrapped in thin slices of chicken breast, this recipe is not only satisfying but also quick to assemble. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. If you give these a try, I’d love to hear how yours turned out in the comments!
chicken roll ups
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Take a slice of chicken breast and place a spoonful of the filling at one end. Roll it up tightly and secure with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining chicken slices and filling.
- Place the roll ups seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
