Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden chicken roll and watching melted mozzarella ooze out, mingled with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant basil. This isn't just another chicken recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into an Italian-inspired masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. Prepare to elevate your cooking game with these irresistible Baked Cheesy Tomato and Herb Stuffed Chicken Rolls that promise maximum flavor with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a nice golden color.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help them cook evenly and make them easier to roll.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Take each pounded chicken breast and evenly distribute the cheese and herb mixture over one side of the breast, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out when rolled.
- Carefully roll each chicken breast up tightly from the filled side to the unfilled side, ensuring the filling stays inside. Secure the rolls with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold them together during cooking.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken rolls and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor and helps lock in moisture.
- Once the chicken is browned, pour the marinara sauce over the rolls in the skillet, ensuring they are well coated. This will add moisture and flavor while the chicken bakes.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rolls rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist.
- Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine from the chicken rolls. Slice each roll into medallions for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve the baked cheesy tomato and herb stuffed chicken rolls warm, drizzled with additional marinara sauce if desired, and garnish with extra fresh basil. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- • Always pound chicken to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and easier rolling • Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure rolls and prevent filling from spilling • Sear chicken before baking to lock in moisture and develop a beautiful golden crust • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken • Let chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness • For extra flavor, use high-quality marinara sauce and fresh herbs • If you want a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking • Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenient meal prep
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 130mg
