Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups Recipe

Discover a delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups recipe, featuring tender chicken breasts, mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a savory pesto sauce. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal for the whole family. With its simple preparation and quick cooking time, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables, this pesto chicken recipe is sure to impress. Make it tonight and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in every bite!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (4 medium/large breasts)
• 1 tsp garlic salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce (about 8 tbsp)
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 2 oz for topping)
• 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced into 16 rings
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh basil leaves, shredded (optional garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425˚F. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 8 thin cutlets. Place them in a ziplock bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/8″ thick. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic salt and black pepper.
2. Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spoon 1 tbsp of pesto sauce onto the center of each chicken cutlet. Top with two thin slices of tomato and sprinkle with 2-3 tbsp of shredded mozzarella. Carefully roll the chicken cutlet tightly and secure the ends with toothpicks.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter to the skillet. Once melted, place the chicken roll-ups in the skillet and sear them for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown (about 8 minutes total).
4. Bake the Roll-Ups: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken roll-ups, then add the cherry tomatoes if using. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 425˚F for 13-15 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts, until the internal temperature reaches 160˚F.
5. Serve: Once cooked through, remove the toothpicks and garnish with shredded fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious chicken pesto roll-ups!

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Tips

• Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken cutlets ensures they cook evenly and allows for more filling to be added to each roll-up.
• Cooking Temperature: Make sure your skillet is preheated to medium-high heat before searing to get that golden, crispy crust on the chicken.
• Internal Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it’s fully cooked through; it should read 160˚F on an instant-read thermometer.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Options: Feel free to substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Chicken Thighs: You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Pesto Alternatives: If you’re out of pesto, a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan can make a great substitute.
• Tomato Substitutes: For a more savory twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead of fresh tomatoes.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a great make-ahead meal for busy nights!

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken! Searing it first helps lock in moisture, and baking at the right temperature ensures a juicy, tender result.

Can I freeze these roll-ups? Yes, you can freeze the assembled roll-ups before cooking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. To cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the recipe as usual.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these chicken pesto roll-ups with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair them with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a complete, healthy dinner.
• You can also serve them with a light pasta or rice dish if you prefer something more filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Easy: The combination of pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes creates a mouthwatering, savory flavor profile that’s simple yet delicious.
• Quick and Versatile: With a quick sear and a short bake time, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for special occasions.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the pesto, this recipe can easily be adapted to meet different dietary preferences while still tasting amazing!