If you’re looking for a fun, delicious twist on classic comfort food, this Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is an absolute winner. These roll ups combine tender, juicy chicken breasts with the irresistible flavors of mozzarella, pepperoni, and marinara sauce, wrapped up into bite-sized bundles that bake to golden perfection. It’s like having pizza and chicken together in one easy dish that’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these roll ups bring warmth, flavor, and a bit of playful creativity to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is simple but essential, working together to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the rich mozzarella to the zesty lemon juice, every component plays a special role in making this dish truly outstanding.
- Olive oil spray: Great for greasing the pan and ensuring those roll ups crisp up nicely without sticking.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean and tender base that holds all the delicious fillings.
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping): Provides that melty, gooey pizza cheese goodness inside and on top of the roll ups.
- 12 slices pepperoni: Adds a savory, slightly spicy kick reminiscent of a classic pepperoni pizza.
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs: Gives the roll ups a delightful crispy coating on the outside.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts flavor depth and creates a lovely golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Combines with lemon juice to coat the roll ups before breading for crispness.
- ½ cup marinara sauce: A classic tomato base that adds moisture and layers of rich, tangy flavor.
- Fresh chopped basil (optional, for garnish): Offers a fresh, aromatic finish that complements the Italian-inspired flavors.
How to Make Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Coatings
Start by heating your oven to a high 450°F (232°C). This temperature ensures a lovely golden crust while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Next, mix your seasoned breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese in one bowl to make that crunchy coating, and whisk together olive oil and lemon juice in another for dipping — these steps ensure your roll ups get that perfect texture and bright flavor.
Step 2: Flatten and Season the Chicken Cutlets
Take each chicken breast and slice it horizontally to create thin cutlets—six in total. To get them uniformly thin and tender, place each between wax paper and pound gently to about a quarter-inch thickness. This helps cook the chicken evenly and makes rolling them up easier. Then, generously season each cutlet with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the natural juiciness and flavor of the chicken.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups
Now for the fun part—lay each cutlet flat and top it with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and two pepperoni slices, the classic pizza flavor stars of the show! Roll the chicken up tightly to hold everything inside. Dip each roll up first in the olive oil and lemon juice mixture to help the coating stick, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to prevent unrolling, and finish with a light spray of olive oil on top for extra crispiness.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial bake cooks the chicken thoroughly and crisps the breadcrumb coating just right. You’ll start to smell those incredible Italian flavors mixing as the mozzarella softens and the pepperoni crisps around the edges — pure comfort food delight!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Melt the Cheese
Once the roll ups have baked, remove them briefly to add a spoonful of marinara sauce on top of each, followed by an extra sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Return them to the oven for another 4 to 5 minutes. This step melts the cheese perfectly and melds the tangy sauce with the crispy exterior, creating an irresistible cheesy topping that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the roll ups for a burst of color and that fresh, herbal aroma that shines alongside the rich tomato and cheese. Serve these hot to enjoy the full combination of crispy edges, juicy chicken, melted cheese, and spicy pepperoni — it’s a winner every time!
How to Serve Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or oregano really elevate this dish by adding a vibrant green contrast and herbal brightness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add exciting layers of flavor and flair.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza chicken roll ups with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal with freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or a small serving of pasta dressed lightly with olive oil and garlic also complement the Italian-inspired flavors perfectly, making the meal feel complete without overpowering the star roll ups.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style meal, arrange the roll ups on a large platter with small bowls of marinara sauce for dipping. You can also slice them into bite-sized pinwheels for party platters or appetizers, turning this Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe into an easy crowd-pleaser that’s as shareable as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your roll ups, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their flavor and texture when properly stored.
Freezing
If you want to save some roll ups for later, freeze them before baking by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When frozen properly, they can last up to 2 months and make for a quick, ready-to-bake meal anytime you’re craving that Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe magic.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the chicken moist and the breadcrumb coating crisp. Microwaving can make the crust soggy, so the oven is the best bet!
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken in this Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey breast cutlets work great as a substitute. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness for best results.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the seasoned breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and double-check all other ingredients for gluten to ensure the dish is safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I prepare these roll ups in advance?
You can assemble the roll ups and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the marinara sauce and cheese topping right before baking to keep everything fresh.
What if I don’t have pepperoni? What other fillings work?
No pepperoni? No problem! Try using cooked Italian sausage slices, sun-dried tomatoes, or even sautéed mushrooms for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
How can I tell when the chicken inside is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, baking it at 450°F for the suggested time generally ensures thorough cooking due to the thin cutlets.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is a delightful fusion of pizza flavors and tender chicken wrapped into one irresistible package. It’s straightforward to prepare yet impressive on the plate, making it a perfect choice for sharing with family and friends. Once you try these, they’re bound to become one of your go-to comfort meals that’s fun to make and even better to eat!
Print
Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Pizza Chicken Roll Ups combine the flavors of classic pizza with tender chicken breasts. Thin chicken cutlets are stuffed with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni, rolled up, coated in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, then baked to perfection. Topped with marinara sauce and extra cheese, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a fun, flavorful dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Roll Ups
- Olive oil spray, as needed
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus additional for topping)
- 12 slices pepperoni
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- Fresh chopped basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Coatings: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil to prevent sticking. In one bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice to create a dip for the chicken rolls.
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Slice each boneless, skinless chicken breast horizontally to yield six thin cutlets. Place each cutlet between two sheets of wax paper and gently pound them to about ¼-inch thickness. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Assemble Roll Ups: Lay out each chicken cutlet and top it with shredded mozzarella cheese and two slices of pepperoni. Roll each cutlet tightly into a spiral. Dip each roll-up first into the olive oil and lemon juice mixture, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Arrange them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
- Bake the Roll Ups: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the roll-ups for 20 minutes, allowing them to cook through and the crust to crisp up.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each roll-up. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the cheese melts and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven once the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your pizza-inspired chicken roll ups.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly toast the breadcrumb mixture before coating the chicken.
- Substitute pepperoni with sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for a different flavor variation.
- To prep ahead, assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Make sure the chicken is pounded evenly for uniform cooking.
