Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
If you love the flavors of your favorite pizza and crave a fun, protein-packed twist, then the Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. These delightful chicken roll ups turn simple ingredients like tender chicken breasts, gooey mozzarella, and zesty pepperoni into a crispy, cheesy masterpiece bursting with Italian flair. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this dish is one of those soul-satisfying meals that feels like a celebration every time you take a bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient is straightforward, yet they come together to create a flavor-packed sensation. These essentials are what give the dish its perfect balance of juicy chicken, melty cheese, and that bold pepperoni punch.
- Olive oil spray: Helps the chicken roll ups crisp up beautifully without excess fat.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, providing a tender base that’s easy to roll.
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken for maximum flavor.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping): Adds gooey, cheesy goodness inside and on top.
- 12 slices pepperoni: Gives every roll up a classic pizza smoky, slightly spicy kick.
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy coating that seals in moisture.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth to the breadcrumb coating.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the olive oil dip and prevents heaviness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the breadcrumbs adhere and supports that golden crust.
- ½ cup marinara sauce: The perfect finishing touch that brings all the pizza flavors together.
- Fresh chopped basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh herbal note for a gorgeous presentation and flavor boost.
How to Make Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 450°F (232°C) and preparing your baking sheet. Lining it with foil or parchment makes cleanup a breeze, while a light olive oil spray ensures nothing sticks. Next, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese in one bowl to create the flavorful crunchy coating. In another small bowl, whisk together olive oil and fresh lemon juice—this zesty mix will help achieve a perfectly crisp crust on your roll ups.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and slice each one in half horizontally so you end up with six thin cutlets. To get them evenly thin (around ¼-inch), sandwich each cutlet between sheets of wax paper and give them a good pounding with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step is crucial for tender, even cooking and makes rolling the chicken effortless. Don’t forget to season each piece generously with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Now for the fun part — assembling your roll ups! Lay each thin chicken cutlet flat and add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese followed by two slices of pepperoni. Roll the chicken tightly to trap all those delicious fillings inside. Dip each roll up first into the olive oil and lemon juice mixture, then roll it into the breadcrumb and Parmesan blend. Placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet ensures they won’t unravel while cooking. Finally, give the tops a light spray with olive oil for that perfect golden crunch!
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Bake the roll ups for 20 minutes, until the chicken turns opaque and the coating crisps nicely. Then remove them from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each one. Top with extra mozzarella cheese and pop them back in for another 4-5 minutes. This final bake melts the cheese into a bubbly, irresistible topping, while making sure the chicken is cooked through. It’s the ultimate cheesy, saucy finish to your pizza-inspired creation.
Step 5: Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh chopped basil if you like, releasing that amazing aroma that makes this dish extra special. Serve hot to enjoy the crispy exterior and juicy, cheesy interior at their best. Your guests will be asking for seconds of this fantastic Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe in no time!
How to Serve Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is my top pick—its sweet, slightly peppery flavor complements the rich cheese and pepperoni wonderfully. You can also sprinkle on some extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if you want a little extra kick. These simple touches add color and layers of flavor that make the dish look as impressive as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Since these roll ups are packed with flavor, I love pairing them with light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread make perfect companions. They balance the richness and give you a well-rounded meal that satisfies without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the roll ups into bite-sized pinwheels for a fun appetizer or party platter. You can also serve them whole on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra marinara for dipping. For an elegant dinner, plate them with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to wow your guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry—they keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. This makes the Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches that heat up just right.
Freezing
You can freeze these roll ups either before or after baking. Wrap each roll up individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll hold well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture, then reheat until warmed through.
Reheating
To keep that crispy coating when reheating, pop the roll ups in a 375°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until hot throughout. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery. This method brings back the fresh-baked magic every time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, though you may want to adjust the baking time slightly since they can be thicker than breasts.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?
Seasoned Italian breadcrumbs work wonderfully here, but if you only have plain breadcrumbs, just add extra herbs and spices like garlic powder and oregano to keep the flavor punchy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can easily swap the chicken for large portobello mushrooms or thinly sliced eggplant. Just prepare, fill, and roll them the same way for a delicious meat-free alternative.
Can I make these roll ups ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Prepare and roll the chicken up, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use if I don’t have marinara sauce?
Good-quality pizza sauce or even a simple tomato basil sauce will work perfectly. You want something flavorful to tie all the ingredients together, so choose whatever tomato-based sauce you enjoy most.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, cheesy hug on a plate. It’s the kind of meal that impresses without stress, combines beloved pizza flavors with wholesome chicken, and fills the house with mouthwatering aromas. Once you make these, I promise they’ll become a favorite go-to dinner that’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat. Don’t wait—roll, bake, and savor every bite!
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Pizza Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Pizza Chicken Roll Ups are a delicious and fun twist on traditional chicken dishes, combining tender chicken breasts rolled with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni, coated in a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, and baked to perfection with marinara sauce and extra cheese on top. Ideal for a family dinner or entertaining guests, these roll ups offer the flavors of pizza in a wholesome chicken dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Roll Ups
- Olive oil spray
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 12 slices pepperoni
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Topping
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- Fresh chopped basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it using olive oil spray. In one bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice to create a dipping mixture.
- Prepare Chicken: Take each chicken breast and slice it horizontally to make 6 thin cutlets total. Place each cutlet between two pieces of wax paper and gently pound them until they are about ¼-inch thick. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Fill and Roll: Lay each chicken cutlet flat and top with shredded mozzarella cheese followed by two slices of pepperoni. Roll each cutlet tightly into a compact roll. First dip each roll into the olive oil and lemon juice mixture, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Arrange the roll-ups seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray for crispiness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken roll-ups for 20 minutes until the outside is golden and crispy.
- Top and Finish: Remove the tray from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each roll-up. Sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 4-5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh chopped basil for added flavor and color. Serve hot for a delightful meal that combines all the best flavors of pizza and chicken.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with your favorite pizza toppings like cooked sausage or vegetables.
- Make sure to pound the chicken cutlets evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture if preferred.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking for juicier results.
- These roll ups can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
