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

Scale

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)

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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