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
Scale
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.
