Mozzarella & Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Roll-ups

Mozzarella & Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Roll-ups with Pesto Sauce

by Olivia
Published: Updated:

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

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.

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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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Yield: 4 Servings

Mozzarella & Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Roll-ups with Pesto Sauce

Mozzarella & Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Roll-ups with Pesto Sauce
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a small baking sheet or pan with parchment paper.
  2. Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Lay them down in a row on the baking sheet.
  3. Top each one with 1 tablespoon of pesto and spread from edge to edge.
  4. Cut the roasted red peppers in half and place one on each chicken cutlet closest to the skinnier side.
  5. Sprinkle ⅓ cup mozzarella over each one.
  6. Roll the cutlets up from the smallest end and secure with toothpicks. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over them.
  7. Bake until cooked through 18 - 25 minutes depending on their size/thickness.
  8. Remove the toothpicks and discard.
  9. To serve top each one with the remaining tablespoon of pesto.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g

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