Nothing beats the comforting magic of this Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups Recipe when you want a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is bursting with classic pizza flavors. Tender chicken breasts get transformed into golden pockets stuffed with gooey mozzarella and spicy pepperoni, all baked to cheesy, crispy perfection. It’s a dish that combines the best of both worlds, making it ideal for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with something a little different yet utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a key role in delivering that irresistible blend of pizza-like zest wrapped in juicy chicken. From the crisp breadcrumbs to the vibrant marinara sauce, every element adds texture, flavor, and color to this comforting dish.
- Olive oil spray: Helps achieve a beautifully golden and crispy crust without excess oil.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty base that’s pounded thin for quick cooking and easy rolling.
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate the chicken’s natural flavor.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping): Melts perfectly for that signature cheesy pull you crave.
- 12 slices pepperoni: Adds that spicy, savory punch reminiscent of classic pizza toppings.
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs: For a crispy, golden crust that seals in all the deliciousness.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty depth to the breadcrumb coating.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens flavors and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Blends with lemon juice for dipping the rolls before breading.
- ½ cup marinara sauce: The classic pizza companion that adds tang and moisture on top.
- Fresh chopped basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a fragrant, fresh touch and vibrant green color.
How to Make Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to a sizzling 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and lightly grease it with olive oil spray. This setup ensures your roll-ups bake evenly and won’t stick, giving you that perfect golden finish. Then, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan in one bowl – this combo creates that irresistible crunchy coating. In another small bowl, whisk the olive oil and fresh lemon juice together for the dip that will keep the coating moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and slice each in half horizontally, so you end up with six thinner cutlets. This step not only helps with easier rolling but also speeds up cooking time, keeping everything juicy. Place each cutlet between two sheets of wax paper and give them a gentle pounding until about ¼-inch thick – this tenderizes the chicken perfectly. Finally, season each piece with a sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to bring the flavors alive from the start.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Now comes the fun part! Layer each chicken cutlet with shredded mozzarella cheese and two slices of pepperoni. The cheese acts like a melty, gooey binder while the pepperoni adds that classic pizza kick inside. Roll each cutlet tightly, ensuring the filling stays securely inside. Dip each roll-up first in the olive oil and lemon juice mixture, then generously coat with the breadcrumb and Parmesan blend. Place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, and give the tops a light spray of olive oil to encourage crispiness during baking.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Bake your roll-ups in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs turn a golden brown. Once out, spoon marinara sauce over each roll-up and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese for that irresistible cheesy crust on top. Pop them back in the oven for another 4 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts beautifully and bubbles with golden spots. The aroma at this stage is simply mouthwatering!
How to Serve Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil adds a pop of green and a fragrant aroma that brightens every bite. It’s a lovely, simple garnish that perfectly complements the rich flavors in this dish.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups pair brilliantly with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or roasted potatoes are fantastic too if you want to keep that hearty, comfort food vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the roll-ups into bite-sized pinwheels for a fun appetizer option, or serve them whole with a drizzle of extra marinara sauce and parmesan over the top. They also look fantastic stacked on a platter surrounded by fresh herb sprigs for a festive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They hold their flavor and texture nicely, making them a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze these roll-ups before baking by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy this delicious recipe anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. For quicker reheating, use a microwave but finish in the oven or under a broiler briefly to regain crispness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can work great, though you might want to adjust cooking time slightly. Just pound them to an even thinness for the best roll and bake results.
What if I don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can use plain breadcrumbs and add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little salt to mimic the flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is key to adding that savory note.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make sure all other ingredients like marinara are gluten-free as well for safe enjoyment.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese?
Definitely! Pre-shredded mozzarella works well and saves time, but fresh shredded usually melts a bit creamier if you have it on hand.
Can I prepare these roll-ups a day ahead?
You can assemble the roll-ups and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for an easy, ready-to-cook dinner the next day without sacrificing freshness.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your meal rotation. It’s fun, flavorful, and combines familiar pizza flavors with juicy chicken in a way that’s simple yet downright irresistible. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a warm, cheesy bite of comfort tonight!
Print
Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Pizza Chicken Roll Ups combine tender chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella and pepperoni, coated in a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, then baked to golden perfection. Finished with marinara sauce and extra cheese, these roll ups offer a delightful fusion of classic pizza flavors wrapped in juicy chicken, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 12 slices pepperoni
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Coating
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Olive Oil Mixture
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Olive oil spray
Topping
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- Fresh chopped basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil spray. In a small bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice to create the dipping mixture.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to yield a total of six thin cutlets. Place each cutlet between two sheets of wax paper and pound them gently until about ¼-inch thick. Season both sides lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for flavor.
- Fill and Roll: On each chicken cutlet, evenly layer mozzarella cheese, then add two slices of pepperoni. Roll each cutlet tightly around the filling. Dip each roll-up first into the olive oil and lemon juice mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Arrange the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Top and Finish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each roll-up. Add additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves if desired, and serve the pizza chicken roll ups hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the roll ups for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- If you want to reduce carbs, substitute seasoned breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- Make sure the chicken is pounded evenly for uniform cooking and easy rolling.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Marinara can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
