Irresistibly Delicious Chicken Rollatini: Stuffed with Prosciutto, Provolone & Mozzarella

Prepare to be amazed by these irresistibly delicious chicken rollatini! This classic Italian-inspired dish features tender chicken cutlets, meticulously prepared and lightly breaded in fragrant Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. Each cutlet is then generously rolled up with layers of savory, salty prosciutto, creamy provolone cheese, and fresh, milky mozzarella. Baked to golden perfection, the crust becomes wonderfully crispy, while the cheeses melt into an ooey-gooey dream, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your palate. Perfect for a special family dinner or impressing guests, these rollatini are a true culinary masterpiece that brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• These chicken rollatini are bursting with unparalleled flavor! Imagine the exquisite combination: the delicate saltiness and savory depth of thinly sliced prosciutto, perfectly complementing the rich, nutty notes of melted provolone and the fresh, creamy goodness of mozzarella. All these delectable ingredients are nestled within tender, juicy chicken, which is itself coated in aromatic Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, offering a delightful crunch and herbaceous undertones. Every bite is an explosion of authentic Italian taste, making this dish truly unforgettable and seriously amazing!
• This is an absolutely fantastic make-ahead recipe, perfect for any occasion! The convenience factor cannot be overstated. You can fully prepare these chicken rollatini in advance, arrange them neatly in your baking dish, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This strategic preparation makes them an ideal choice for effortless entertaining, allowing you to spend more time with your guests, or for simplifying a busy weeknight dinner when time is precious. The flavors even have a chance to meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste. Everyone you serve them to will adore them, I guarantee it – and you’ll love the stress-free cooking experience!
• They’re incredibly easy to make, despite their gourmet appearance! Don’t let the impressive presentation fool you; these chicken rollatini are surprisingly simple to prepare, making them accessible even for novice cooks. With a mere 7 essential ingredients and just a few basic kitchen bowls, the process is straightforward: you’ll pretty much dip, layer, roll, and repeat. This recipe proves that you don’t need complex techniques or an extensive ingredient list to create something truly spectacular and exceptionally delicious. It’s a perfect balance of ease and culinary delight!

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Chicken Rollatini

• You’ll want to use thin chicken cutlets for this recipe to ensure optimal results. Thin cutlets are not only easier to roll into neat, uniform cylinders, but they also cook more evenly and quickly, preventing the chicken from drying out while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly. If thin cutlets aren’t readily available, you can easily create them from thicker boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply slice through the raw chicken horizontally, either in half or into thirds if the breast is particularly thick, to achieve thin, even pieces. To ensure a uniform thickness, which is key for even cooking, place the cutlets in a sealable ziploc bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap. Then, use a meat tenderizer mallet, the bottom of a small heavy pan, or even a rolling pin to pound them gently a few times until they are uniformly flat, typically about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This step is crucial for achieving that tender, perfectly cooked rollatini.
• Chicken rollatini are wonderfully versatile and can be served on their own as a standalone protein, but they truly shine when paired with complementary sides. They’re often matched with classic Italian accompaniments like pasta, allowing the chicken to be bathed in a rich sauce such as marinara, a creamy Alfredo, or a vibrant pesto. A crisp green salad, dressed with a simple vinaigrette, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish. For a lighter meal or to add more nutrients, consider a side of perfectly cooked vegetables. Excellent choices include simply sautéed broccoli, tender steamed cauliflower, or flavorful Italian green beans. Other great options include roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a light quinoa salad.
• While the cutlets should naturally stay rolled up by themselves if you carefully place them in your baking dish with the seam facing down, it’s wise to have a backup plan. If you find that your chicken rolls are trying to unroll, you can easily use a wooden toothpick to securely keep them closed. To prevent these wooden toothpicks from burning or charring while the chicken rollatini are baking in the hot oven, a simple yet effective trick is to soak them in water for about 10-15 minutes prior to using them. This saturates the wood, making it resistant to burning during the baking process. Remember to insert the toothpick horizontally through the thickest part of the roll, ensuring it pierces both sides of the chicken and the filling, and always remind your diners to remove them before eating!

Tips for Success with Chicken Rollatini

Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful chicken rollatini is easier than you think with a few key strategies. First, the uniform thickness of your chicken cutlets is paramount. Unevenly pounded chicken will cook inconsistently, leading to some parts being overcooked and dry, while others are underdone. Aim for about a 1/4 to 1/2-inch thickness across all cutlets for an even bake.

When rolling, be sure to make your rolls as tight as possible. A tight roll ensures that the filling stays securely inside the chicken and prevents it from unraveling during baking, contributing to a much more appealing presentation and consistent bite. After rolling, always place the rollatini seam-side down in the baking dish. This natural pressure helps keep them closed without always needing toothpicks.

Avoid overcrowding your baking dish. Give each rollatini a little space so that hot air can circulate around them, promoting even cooking and helping the breading achieve that desirable golden crispness. If the dish is too packed, the chicken will steam rather than bake, resulting in a less crispy exterior. Finally, for the juiciest results, allow the chicken rollatini to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and succulent. Always use an internal meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Variations and Customizations

While the classic prosciutto, provolone, and mozzarella filling is undeniably delicious, chicken rollatini offers a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. For a burst of freshness, consider adding a layer of blanched spinach (squeezed dry to remove excess water) or finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes before rolling. Roasted red peppers can also introduce a lovely smoky-sweet flavor. If you enjoy a bit of spice, a thin slice of jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the cheese layer. Experiment with different cheeses too; a blend of Gruyere and Parmesan, or even a soft goat cheese with herbs, can transform the flavor profile. For an extra layer of richness, drizzle a simple white wine butter sauce or a light tomato sauce over the rollatini before or after baking. You can also vary the breading by adding finely grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, or a touch of garlic powder to your Italian breadcrumbs for enhanced flavor and texture.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes

• Crusted Chicken Romano
• Grilled Chicken And Rice
• Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
• Chicken Florentine Soup
• Creamy Boursin Chicken