Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Rollatini

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chicken Rollatini Spinach Cheese – a dish that elevates any ordinary evening into a culinary delight. Imagine juicy chicken enveloping a luxurious blend of creamy cheeses, tender spinach, and aromatic herbs, all encased in a crispy, golden crust. This recipe is not just about a meal; it’s about creating moments that linger in your memory, just like the time I first made it to impress my in-laws and ended up earning requests for the recipe!

As you prepare these Chicken Rollatini Spinach Cheese delights, be prepared for your kitchen to fill with irresistible cheesy and garlicky aromas that will draw everyone in. The experience of slicing into these rolls at the table, watching the cheese stretch seductively, is pure satisfaction. Leftovers are a rare find but if you happen to have some, store them properly for up to three days, ensuring that the crispy coating remains intact for the next indulgence.

In the world of culinary delights, Chicken Rollatini Spinach Cheese stands out as a creation that fuses traditional Italian flavors with modern convenience. The art of rolling thin slices of meat around a delectable filling is a technique that exudes love and care. So, embrace these tiny extra steps, serve up a plate of warmth and goodness, and relish every bite of this melty, cheesy wonder.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient and Impressive: Elevate a weeknight dinner with minimal effort for a dish that is sure to impress even discerning guests.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit dietary needs by using dairy-free alternatives and swapping spinach for other greens, making it a flexible option for various preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare ahead by assembling the rolls and refrigerating until ready to bake, saving time and allowing for easy meal planning.
• Deliciously Cheesy: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses creates a melty, flavorful filling that adds richness to each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Rollatini Recipe

• Impressively Delicious: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that never fails to impress with its melty, cheesy center and flavorful filling.
• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknights when you want something special without a lot of effort.
• Family Favorite: The aroma of garlic and cheese that fills your kitchen while making this dish is irresistible, making it a favorite among family members of all ages.
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the convenience of storing leftovers in the fridge for up to three days, with tips on how to keep the coating crispy when reheating.
• Versatile Options: With suggestions for ingredient swaps such as dairy-free alternatives, different greens, and spice variations, this recipe caters to various dietary preferences and flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead: The option to assemble the stuffed chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook makes it a convenient choice for busy days.
• Perfect Pairings: This dish can be served with a variety of sides, from simple green beans to a bright salad, elevating it to a celebration meal with the right accompaniments.
• Culinary Fusion: Chicken rollatini takes inspiration from traditional Italian techniques and flavors, offering a modern twist that combines old country charm with practicality for the home cook.
• Special Occasion Worthy: The extra effort in rolling and filling the chicken is well worth it for a dinner that feels special and indulgent, perfect for treating yourself or guests to a memorable meal.

Ingredients for Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Rollatini

Chicken Rollatini

• 60 grams Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 30 millilitres olive oil
• 30 grams fresh spinach, sautéed and chopped
• 25 grams grated parmesan cheese
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 0.6 cm thickness
• 240 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 120 grams ricotta cheese

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Extra grated parmesan cheese

Pro Tips for Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Rollatini

For the perfect Chicken Rollatini Spinach Cheese, make sure to roll the chicken tightly around the filling and secure it well with toothpicks to prevent any spillage during cooking. Spread the filling thinly and evenly, leaving the edges of the chicken uncovered to ensure the rolls hold their shape and the filling stays intact.

When using frozen spinach, remember to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the cheese filling. This step is crucial to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy. Additionally, fully coat the chicken rolls with beaten eggs and breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden crust. Whether you bake or air fry them, this step is essential for achieving that perfect texture.

To save time on the day of cooking, assemble the stuffed chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Only bread the rolls right before cooking to ensure the coating stays crispy. Remember that ricotta provides creaminess, mozzarella adds stretch, and parmesan contributes a sharp flavor to the filling, creating a delightful cheesy combination your family and guests will love.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Rollatini

Step 1: Flatten the Chicken

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap sheets and pound with a meat mallet until approximately 0.6 cm thick.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, sautéed spinach, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Rolls

Place each chicken breast flat and spread cheese filling evenly on top, leaving a small border. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Rolls

Coat each chicken roll in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Bake the Rollatini (Primary Method)

Preheat oven to 190°C and lightly grease a baking dish. Arrange the coated rolls in the dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Alternative Cooking: Pan-Frying

In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sear rolls for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a preheated oven at 190°C to finish baking if needed.

Step 7: Alternative Cooking: Air Frying

Preheat air fryer to 182°C. Arrange rolls in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Allow the chicken rolls to rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks, garnishing with chopped parsley and extra parmesan, and serving warm.

Storage Tips

After preparing chicken rollatini spinach cheese, store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days in a sealed container to maintain the crispy coating. To reheat, avoid the microwave and instead warm them in the oven at 325 degrees F until heated through and the edges become crisp again. If you want to freeze unbaked rolls, tightly wrap them in plastic and foil and store for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking when ready.

When making chicken rollatini, make sure to roll the chicken tightly and secure it with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking. To avoid soggy rolls, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture from frozen ingredients before mixing them into the cheese filling. For a golden crust, fully coat the chicken rolls with beaten egg and breadcrumbs before baking or air frying. You can also assemble the stuffed chicken rolls in advance, refrigerate them, and then bread them just before cooking for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make a dairy-free version of this Chicken Rollatini, you can easily substitute the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses with plant-based alternatives. Opt for vegan shredded mozzarella, dairy-free ricotta-style cheese, and vegan parmesan to achieve a similar cheesy and flavorful filling.

If you don’t have spinach on hand, you can swap it out with finely chopped kale or broccoli rabe for a different twist on the greens in the filling. These alternatives will still provide a delicious and nutritious addition to the chicken rollatini.

If you don’t have Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and enhance the flavor by adding extra dried basil, oregano, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for a kick of spice. This simple substitution allows you to customize the seasoning to your taste preferences while still achieving a crispy and flavorful coating for the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving chicken rollatini spinach cheese, try slicing the cooked rolls into pinwheels and arranging them on a platter for a stunning appetizer presentation. Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear at your next gathering.

Another creative idea is to serve the chicken rollatini on a bed of creamy polenta, allowing the cheesy filling to meld with the silky texture of the polenta for a comforting and indulgent meal. Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese for a finishing touch that will impress your dinner guests.

FAQs for Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Rollatini

Can I use cottage cheese as a substitute for ricotta in this recipe?

Yes, if you are out of ricotta, you can try using cottage cheese whipped until smooth as a substitute in this recipe. Just make sure to smooth out any lumps for a creamy filling.

How can I ensure a crispy crust on the chicken rollatini?

To ensure a crispy crust, fully coat the chicken rolls with beaten egg and then breadcrumbs before baking or air frying them. This will help achieve an even, golden crust on the outside.

Can I prepare the stuffed chicken rolls in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. It’s best to bread them right before cooking to ensure the breadcrumbs stay crispy.

What does each type of cheese (ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan) contribute to the filling?

Ricotta provides creaminess to the filling, mozzarella brings a stretchy texture when melted, and parmesan adds a sharp and savory flavor to the cheesy mixture. Together, they create a well-balanced and flavorful filling for the chicken rollatini.

Conclusion

As you savor the last bite of your delicious Chicken Rollatini Spinach Cheese, take a moment to appreciate the flavors and textures that make this dish so special. The creamy cheese, tender spinach, and juicy chicken all rolled into one delightful package are truly a culinary delight.

I hope this recipe has brought a touch of elegance and warmth to your table, whether for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with loved ones. Remember, the beauty of cooking lies in adding your personal touch, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or even vegetable fillings to make this Chicken Rollatini Spinach Cheese your own signature dish. Enjoy creating and sharing this delightful meal!