Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for something special to elevate your dinner table, you absolutely must try this Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts rolled around a luscious herbed ricotta filling, creating a juicy, flavorful meal that feels both comforting and a little fancy. The blend of fresh basil, parsley, and garlic melds perfectly with the creamy cheeses, while the crispy breadcrumb exterior adds just the right amount of crunch. Every bite is a celebration of simple yet sophisticated flavors that will have you planning your next dinner party around this dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe comes from using straightforward, fresh ingredients that each bring their own charm. From creamy cheeses to fragrant herbs and perfectly seasoned chicken, these ingredients combine to create a harmony of taste, texture, and vibrant color.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These serve as the perfect canvas for rolling up the delicious filling.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and a mild flavor base for the herbs.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory depth that complements the ricotta beautifully.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Delivers a sweet, aromatic flavor that brightens the filling.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and a lovely green fleck.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.
• 1/2 cup flour, for dredging: Helps create the initial coating for crispiness.
• 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue for the breadcrumb crust.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs: Provides the golden, crunchy exterior you’ll love.
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving): Offers a tangy, comforting accompaniment that ties everything together.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking: Ensures a perfect sear and golden color.

How to Make Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the perfect heat to finish cooking the chicken rolls after searing—ensuring they’re juicy inside with a beautifully crispy outside.

Step 2: Flatten the Chicken Breasts

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are about half an inch thick. This step is crucial for even cooking and makes rolling the chicken much easier.

Step 3: Mix the Herbed Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and well incorporated, creating a vibrant, flavorful filling.

Step 4: Spread the Filling

Generously spread the herbed ricotta mixture over each flattened chicken breast, leaving about a half-inch space around the edges to prevent spilling when rolling.

Step 5: Roll Up the Chicken

Carefully roll the chicken breasts up tight, starting from one end to fully encase the filling. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine if necessary to hold the rolls securely for cooking.

Step 6: Prepare the Dredging Station

Set up three dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Each chicken roll will be coated in sequence to create a crisp, golden crust that’s irresistible.

Step 7: Coat the Chicken Rolls

Dredge each roll in the flour, tapping off excess, dip into the eggs, and then thoroughly coat with breadcrumbs. This triple coating ensures that everyone enjoys that perfect crunch.

Step 8: Sear the Rolls

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken rolls. Sear on all sides until a deep golden brown forms, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds incredible flavor.

Step 9: Bake the Rolls

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures tenderness and safety without drying out the chicken.

Step 10: Rest and Slice

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute. Slice into rounds and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping or drizzling.

How to Serve Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil over the sliced chicken rolls instantly brightens the presentation and adds an herbaceous pop of color. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a whisper of freshly cracked black pepper can elevate the dish even more, making it look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t overshadow the richness of the chicken. Think garlic roasted asparagus, a fresh mixed green salad, or buttery mashed potatoes. Even a bed of creamy polenta or a light couscous salad works beautifully as a base.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the chicken medallions on a large platter, fanning them out like flower petals around a bowl of marinara sauce for an inviting centerpiece. Alternatively, serve the rolls whole with a garnish stack to showcase the rolling technique and filling. For a casual gathering, present them as finger food pieces with toothpicks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after resting, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

If you’d like to prepare these ahead, assemble and roll the chicken, then freeze them raw on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake without thawing, adding extra cooking time. Alternatively, freeze cooked rolls wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy on the outside, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crunchy coating and juicy interior.

FAQs

Can I use mozzarella instead of ricotta in the Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe?

Mozzarella could be used but it will melt more and be less spreadable. Ricotta provides a creamy, stable texture and mixes beautifully with herbs, so it’s ideal for stuffing and rolling.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs, can I use dried instead?

You can substitute dried herbs, but use about one-third the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs deliver brighter, fresher notes that really enhance this recipe.

How do I know when the chicken rolls are fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures safety without overcooking, keeping the chicken juicy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs in the dredging process. The flavors and textures will remain just as satisfying.

Is it possible to make these chicken rolls ahead and bake later?

Yes! Roll and coat the chicken, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the chicken is cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It feels special enough for guests but is surprisingly straightforward, with familiar ingredients that come together for incredible flavor and texture. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite that everyone asks for at your table!

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