Easy Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Roulades: A Flavorful Dinner Recipe for Any Occasion
Elevate your weeknight meals or impress guests with these incredibly easy-to-follow Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Roulades. Featuring succulent chicken breasts generously stuffed with a vibrant, homemade pesto sauce and gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s sophisticated enough for a dinner party yet quick and simple enough for even the busiest of evenings. Prepare to transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Roulades
- Creative Variations & Substitutions
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect Pesto Chicken Roulades
- Expert Tips for Success
- What to Serve with Chicken Roulades
- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Delicious Chicken Recipes
- Cheesy Chicken Roulades with Pesto Recipe
Chicken remains a beloved staple in countless kitchens for good reason: it’s readily available, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. Few ingredients offer such a wide range of culinary possibilities, making it a reliable choice that consistently satisfies everyone at the dinner table. This particular recipe takes boneless, skinless chicken breasts and transforms them into elegant roulades. The process involves gently pounding the chicken until thin, spreading a luscious layer of quick homemade pesto and fresh mozzarella cheese, then rolling them up tightly before cooking them to tender, juicy perfection.
These cheesy chicken roulades have quickly become a favorite, starring in both casual weeknight dinners and more formal gatherings. The vibrant, nutty flavor of pesto is a celebrated ingredient in many dishes, adding a burst of freshness that is simply irresistible. For those who appreciate its bright green swirl, pesto is a fantastic ingredient that truly shines. Whether you’re looking for a new way to enjoy chicken or a dish that combines simplicity with sophisticated flavor, these roulades are an excellent choice that will undoubtedly earn rave reviews from both kids and adults alike.
Given its mild flavor profile, chicken lends itself beautifully to a myriad of culinary inspirations. From the bold, sticky flavors of Asian-inspired hoisin chicken wings to the sweet and tangy notes of honey balsamic baked chicken thighs, or even fresh, vibrant bruschetta-topped breasts, there’s a chicken recipe for every palate. These pesto mozzarella roulades offer a unique combination of fresh herbs, savory cheese, and tender chicken that appeals to nearly everyone. The gooey mozzarella is a guaranteed hit with children, while adults will appreciate the bright, herbaceous kick of the pesto. It’s truly a winner, winner, chicken dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Convenient: From start to finish, these chicken roulades are ready in just about 40 minutes, making them an ideal solution for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. You get gourmet flavor without the fuss!
- A Celebration of Pesto: If you find yourself with an abundance of fresh basil or a batch of homemade pesto, this recipe is a fantastic way to utilize it. Three packed cups of basil contribute to a richly flavored pesto filling, ensuring maximum herbaceous goodness in every bite.
- Elegant for Entertaining: When sliced, the chicken roulades reveal a beautiful spiral pattern of green pesto and white mozzarella, creating a visually stunning presentation. They look incredibly impressive on a serving platter, making them perfect for dinner parties or special occasions where you want to wow your guests with minimal effort.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: The irresistible combination of tender chicken and melty, gooey mozzarella cheese makes this dish a huge hit with kids. Even picky eaters who enjoy cheesy pizza are likely to devour these flavorful roulades, offering a delicious and nutritious alternative.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: The classic pairing of pesto and mozzarella offers a universally appealing taste that can be easily customized with various side dishes, from fresh salads to hearty pastas, ensuring a meal that suits all preferences.
Key Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Roulades
Crafting these delectable pesto chicken roulades requires just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the ultimate flavor and texture:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for chicken breasts that are at least 6 ounces each. This size ensures that they can be sufficiently pounded out to create a large enough surface area for spreading the pesto and cheese, making them easy to roll without tearing. Look for fresh, plump breasts for the best results.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: The heart of the homemade pesto! Fresh basil is crucial for that vibrant, aromatic flavor. If growing your own, use generously; otherwise, purchase by the bunch to ensure you have enough to yield three packed cups. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry to avoid diluting your pesto.
- Parmesan Cheese: A staple in authentic pesto, finely shredded Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth that complements the basil perfectly. For the best flavor, grate your own fresh Parmesan.
- Garlic: Three cloves, freshly chopped, infuse the pesto with a pungent, savory kick. Adjust the amount to your personal preference for a milder or more intense garlic flavor.
- Pine Nuts: These small, buttery nuts are a classic pesto ingredient, contributing a subtle richness and delightful texture. Toasting them lightly beforehand (as described in our Pro Tip) enhances their nutty flavor significantly.
- Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil serves as the base for the silky pesto, emulsifying the ingredients into a smooth sauce. You’ll also need additional olive oil for sautéing the chicken breasts, giving them a beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the gooey filling! Choose thin slices of mozzarella cheese, either pre-sliced from the deli or thinly sliced from a log. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheesy center. For ease, low-moisture mozzarella also works wonderfully.
Refer to the full recipe card below for precise measurements and detailed ingredient information.
Creative Variations & Substitutions
The beauty of chicken roulades lies in their adaptability. While our pesto and mozzarella filling is a timeless classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique flavor combinations. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Mediterranean Twist: For a distinct flavor profile, swap the pesto for a flavorful tapenade and add thin slices of savory prosciutto to the filling. The brininess of the tapenade with the salty prosciutto offers a delightful contrast.
- Explore Pesto Alternatives: Don’t limit yourself to basil pesto! Feel free to incorporate other pesto varieties. Try a bright pistachio pesto for a richer, more unique flavor, or a vibrant kale pesto for an added nutritional boost and earthy taste. Sun-dried tomato pesto also adds a lovely tangy sweetness.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella is wonderfully gooey, other Italian cheeses can also create a fantastic filling. Consider using slices of nutty Fontina or slightly sharper Provolone cheese for a different texture and taste. For a creamier interior, a thin layer of softened goat cheese or cream cheese spread before the pesto can add an extra dimension of richness.
- Elevate with a Finishing Sauce: Drizzle the cooked roulades with extra fresh pesto or a rich, reduced balsamic glaze before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds an elegant, gourmet touch that is perfect for Instagram-worthy plating. A light lemon-butter sauce can also provide a zesty finish.
- Serve as a Dynamic Salad Topper: Once cooked and rested, slice the roulades into beautiful pinwheels and arrange them atop a crisp Caesar salad or a fresh green salad dressed with a zesty Italian vinaigrette. This transforms the main course into a light yet satisfying lunch or a vibrant starter.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate thinly sliced spinach, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms into the filling alongside the pesto and cheese for added flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect Pesto Chicken Roulades
Don’t be intimidated by the impressive appearance of this dish – making chicken roulades is surprisingly straightforward. With a few simple tools, such as a sturdy meat mallet or even a heavy-bottomed frying pan, you’ll achieve professional-looking results every time.
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Position an oven rack in the center of the oven to ensure even cooking for the roulades.
- Master the Chicken Pounding: Achieving uniformly thin chicken is key to successful roulades. Place one boneless, skinless chicken breast between two sheets of wax paper or parchment paper. Using the flat side of a meat tenderizer or the bottom of a heavy frying pan, pound the chicken firmly but gently. Start from the center and work your way outwards, ensuring the chicken is a uniform 1/4-inch thickness across the entire breast. This creates a wide, pliable surface for stuffing and rolling. Repeat this process for each remaining chicken breast.
- Whip Up the Homemade Pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, shredded Parmesan cheese, chopped garlic, and toasted pine nuts. Pulse for a few seconds until the basil is finely chopped and the ingredients are well combined. With the blender or food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is fully pureed and emulsified into a smooth, vibrant pesto. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Taste the pesto and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
- Assemble the Roulades: Lay each flattened chicken breast on a clean surface. Divide the freshly made pesto evenly among the breasts, spreading it in a thin, uniform layer over the entire surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, arrange three thin slices of mozzarella cheese over the pesto on each chicken breast. Starting from one of the shorter ends, tightly roll up each chicken breast, ensuring the filling stays securely inside. Secure each roulade with one or two toothpicks to prevent unrolling during cooking. Finally, season the outside of the rolled chicken generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear and Bake to Perfection: Heat two large, oven-proof skillets over medium-high heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the cooking surface of each pan, typically two to three tablespoons per skillet. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the prepared chicken roulades. Sear them on all sides until they are beautifully browned and caramelized, developing a flavorful crust. This usually takes a few minutes per side. Once seared, transfer the skillets directly to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F (74˚C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Once the roulades are cooked, remove the pans from the oven. It’s crucial to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. After resting, carefully remove the toothpicks, slice the roulades into pinwheels to reveal the beautiful spiral filling, and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Toasted Pine Nuts for Enhanced Flavor: Toasting pine nuts before adding them to your pesto significantly amplifies their nutty flavor. Simply spread them in a small, dry skillet over medium heat and toast for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them closely, as they can burn very quickly!
Expert Tips for Success
- Pound with Precision: When pounding your chicken breasts, aim for an even 1/4-inch thickness. Start from the thickest part in the center and work your way to the edges using gentle, flat strikes. Avoid hitting with the edge of your mallet, as this can tear the delicate chicken meat and create holes, making it difficult to roll without the filling escaping. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking.
- Roll it Tight: The key to those visually appealing spirals is a tight roll. When forming your roulades, roll the chicken as snugly as possible around the pesto and cheese filling. A tight roll not only creates a more uniform and attractive spiral when sliced but also helps to keep the filling secure during cooking, preventing any oozing cheese or pesto.
- Prioritize the Rest Time: Don’t skip the crucial five-minute resting period after cooking. This step is vital for two reasons: it allows the internal temperature of the chicken to rise slightly to its optimal doneness, and it enables the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This results in incredibly tender, moist, and flavorful chicken, rather than dry or tough meat. Patience here pays off!
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on pesto and cheese, overfilling the chicken breasts can make them difficult to roll tightly and prone to spilling out during cooking. A thin, even layer of pesto and three slices of mozzarella per breast is the perfect amount.
- Secure with Toothpicks: For extra security, use two toothpicks per roulade if needed, especially for larger breasts. Insert them perpendicularly to the roll, ensuring they pass through all layers of chicken to hold the shape firmly. Remember to remove all toothpicks before serving!
What to Serve with Chicken Roulades
These cheesy pesto chicken roulades are a versatile main course that pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Whether you’re aiming for a light meal or a hearty feast, these suggestions will complement the vibrant flavors of the chicken:
- Quick and Crispy Vegetable Fritters: A delightful crunch and extra vegetable intake.
- Garlicky Pasta Primavera: A light yet satisfying pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables and garlic, perfectly mirroring the Italian flavors of the roulades.
- Secret Ingredient Cheesy Garlic Bread: The ultimate comfort food side, ideal for soaking up any delicious juices or extra pesto.
- Cacio e Pepe Pasta: A simple, classic Roman pasta dish with cheese and black pepper that won’t overpower the roulades.
- Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas: A fresh, crisp salad offers a lovely contrast to the richness of the chicken and adds a healthy element.
- Simple Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans: Lightly seasoned and roasted vegetables provide a fresh, healthy accompaniment that’s easy to prepare.
- Creamy Risotto: A luxurious mushroom or Parmesan risotto can turn this into a truly gourmet experience.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Proper storage ensures your delicious chicken roulades remain fresh and flavorful for future enjoyment, whether it’s for leftovers or prepping ahead.
Refrigeration: Cooked chicken roulades can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. To preserve their moisture and flavor, allow the roulades to cool completely to room temperature before wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively, place them in an airtight container.
Reheating: To reheat, keep the roulades wrapped in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place them in a preheated oven at 350˚F (175˚C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through. You can also gently reheat individual slices in a microwave or a skillet over low heat, ensuring they don’t become rubbery.
Freezing (Cooked): For longer storage, cooked chicken roulades can be frozen. Once cooled, wrap each roulade individually in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above. Note that the texture of the mozzarella might change slightly after freezing and reheating.
Make-Ahead (Uncooked): You can assemble the chicken roulades one day in advance. After rolling and securing with toothpicks, wrap each uncooked roulade tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Unwrap them just before searing and baking as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are very cold from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
A chicken roulade is a culinary term for a thin piece of chicken breast that is rolled around a flavorful filling and then cooked. The word “roulade” originates from the French verb “rouler,” meaning “to roll.” While often associated with meat, a roulade can technically be any flat food, such as pastry or thinly sliced vegetables, rolled around a filling and sliced to reveal an attractive spiral pattern. In this recipe, it specifically refers to chicken breasts filled with pesto and mozzarella.
Absolutely! This recipe is quite flexible when it comes to cheese. While mozzarella offers a classic gooey texture, many other thin-sliced Italian cheeses would work wonderfully. Mild Italian cheeses like Provolone or Fontina are excellent alternatives, providing a slightly different flavor profile and melt. For a creamier and tangier interior, you could even spread a thin layer of softened goat cheese or cream cheese over the flattened chicken breasts before adding the pesto and rolling them up. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses!
Yes, chicken roulades are an excellent make-ahead meal! You can fully assemble them one day ahead of time. After you’ve pounded, filled, and rolled each roulade, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, simply unwrap them and proceed with the searing and baking steps as directed in the recipe. This makes them perfect for entertaining or simplifying weeknight dinners.
Using store-bought pesto is a fantastic shortcut to save time, especially if fresh basil isn’t readily available or you’re in a hurry. For the best flavor, I highly recommend opting for fresh refrigerated pesto found in the dairy or deli section of your grocery store, rather than shelf-stable jarred varieties. Fresh pesto typically offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor that closely mimics homemade. Just ensure it’s a good quality brand you enjoy!
No problem at all! If you don’t have a specific meat mallet, you can use a heavy-bottomed frying pan or a rolling pin. Just make sure to use the flat surface to pound the chicken evenly, always placing the chicken between two sheets of parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking and mess. The goal is a uniform 1/4-inch thickness, regardless of the tool used.
The best way to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the roulade (avoiding the filling) after it has baked. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The initial sear helps lock in juices, and the final resting period further ensures tenderness. Avoid overbaking!
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you’re looking for even more inventive ways to prepare chicken, explore these fantastic recipes that offer a variety of flavors and styles. Each one is designed to bring excitement to your dinner table:
- Broccoli-Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts: A comforting and cheesy classic.
- French Onion Chicken: Inspired by the beloved soup, this dish is rich and savory.
- Asparagus and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken: A sophisticated and flavorful combination.
- Stuffed Jalapeño Popper Chicken: For those who love a bit of spicy kick and creamy goodness.
- Apple and Sage Roast Chicken: A fragrant and comforting roast perfect for any season.
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip: A crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s always a hit.
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Cheesy Chicken Roulades with Pesto
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (See Kelly’s Notes)
- 3 cups packed basil leaves, washed and thoroughly dried
- 2 Tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for sautéing
- 12 thin slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- Place one chicken breast between two pieces of parchment paper or wax paper and pound it with a meat tenderizer (or the bottom of a heavy skillet) until it is 1/4-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- In a blender, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic and pine nuts. Pulse for 15 seconds, then with the blender running, stream in the olive oil. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed and continue blending until the pesto is puréed. Taste and season the pesto with salt and pepper.
- Spread one-fourth of the pesto on one side of each of the chicken breasts then top the pesto with three slices of mozzarella cheese per chicken breast. Beginning at the shorter end, tightly roll up each chicken breast and secure it with a toothpick. Season the outsides of the roulades with salt and pepper.
- Heat two large oven-proof skillets over medium heat and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the roulades and sear them on all sides until they’re browned. Transfer the pans into the preheated oven and bake the roulades until they are cooked throughout and reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.
- Remove the roulades from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. Remove the toothpicks then slice and serve.
Kelly’s Notes
- When pounding out the chicken breasts, start in the center of the breast and make sure the meat mallet or frying pan hits the chicken flat, ending with a slight motion towards the edge of the meat to encourage it to spread. Avoid hitting the chicken with the edge of your mallet, which can create holes.
- The tighter your roll, the more of a uniform spiral look your finished roulades will have.
- Don’t skip the five-minute resting time, which is crucial to allow the meat to come up to temperature and to seal in and evenly distribute the juices.
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