These Mozzarella & Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Roll-ups are an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. The chicken cutlets are filled with melty mozzarella, smoky roasted red peppers, and a generous spread of pesto, then baked to perfection. Finished with a drizzle of more pesto, these roll-ups are bursting with flavor and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Mozzarella & Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Roll-ups
This dish is simple yet packed with flavor. The combination of pesto, gooey mozzarella, and roasted red peppers creates a delicious filling for the tender chicken. It’s a great way to elevate chicken cutlets, and the roll-up presentation makes it feel special. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken cutlets
- Sea salt and fresh black pepper
- ½ cup pesto sauce, divided
- 2 jarred fire-roasted red peppers, halved
- 1 + ⅓ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- About ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
How to Make Mozzarella & Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Roll-ups
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking sheet or pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken cutlets with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Lay them flat on the prepared baking sheet in a row.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto sauce over each chicken cutlet, making sure to cover the entire surface from edge to edge.
3. Add the Filling:
- Cut the jarred fire-roasted red peppers in half and place one half on the skinnier side of each chicken cutlet.
- Sprinkle ⅓ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over each piece of chicken, evenly distributing the cheese.
4. Roll the Chicken:
- Starting from the narrow end, roll up each chicken cutlet tightly and secure with toothpicks to keep them from unrolling during baking.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top of the chicken roll-ups for added flavor.
5. Bake:
- Bake the chicken roll-ups in the preheated oven for 18-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken cutlets, until they are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the toothpicks and discard them. Spoon the remaining tablespoon of pesto sauce over each chicken roll-up for a burst of fresh flavor before serving.
Mozzarella & Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Roll-ups
Variations
- Cheese Options: Substitute the mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Additional Fillings: Add some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Grill It: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken roll-ups instead of baking them. Just make sure to secure them tightly with toothpicks to prevent them from unraveling on the grill.
Equipment
- Baking sheet or small pan
- Parchment paper
- Toothpicks
Storage
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze the cooked roll-ups for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What to Serve with Mozzarella & Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Roll-ups
These roll-ups pair beautifully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic mashed potatoes. You can also serve them over a bed of pasta or rice to soak up any extra pesto sauce.
Tips
- Pound the Chicken: If your chicken cutlets are too thick, pound them out to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and roll up more easily.
- Secure the Roll-ups: Make sure the toothpicks are inserted well to keep the roll-ups from unraveling during baking.
- Fresh Pesto: For an extra burst of flavor, use homemade pesto instead of store-bought.
FAQ
Can I use fresh red peppers instead of jarred?
Yes, you can roast fresh red peppers in the oven or on a grill until charred, then peel off the skins and use them in place of jarred roasted peppers.
Can I make these chicken roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the chicken roll-ups ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. Just wait to add the final pesto topping until serving.
Approximate Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 22g
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Mozzarella & Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Roll-ups with Pesto Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 chicken cutlets
- sea salt and fresh black pepper
- ½ cup pesto sauce, divided
- 2 jarred fire-roasted red peppers
- 1 + ⅓ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- about ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a small baking sheet or pan with parchment paper.
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Lay them down in a row on the baking sheet.
- Top each one with 1 tablespoon of pesto and spread from edge to edge.
- Cut the roasted red peppers in half and place one on each chicken cutlet closest to the skinnier side.
- Sprinkle ⅓ cup mozzarella over each one.
- Roll the cutlets up from the smallest end and secure with toothpicks. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over them.
- Bake until cooked through 18 - 25 minutes depending on their size/thickness.
- Remove the toothpicks and discard.
- To serve top each one with the remaining tablespoon of pesto.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g