Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups (VIDEO)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
19 mins
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Cook Time
21 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
8 chicken roll-ups
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Calories
295 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups (VIDEO)
Description
This dish uses thinly pounded chicken breasts as the base, spread with pesto sauce and topped with slices of fresh tomato and shredded mozzarella cheese. The chicken is rolled tightly and secured with toothpicks, then seared in a skillet to form a golden crust that locks in moisture. After searing, the roll-ups are topped with more cheese and cherry tomatoes and baked until cooked through, allowing the cheese to melt and the tomatoes to roast slightly.
The combination of herbaceous pesto, juicy tomato, and melted cheese inside chicken creates layered flavor and varied textures. Cooking technique balances tenderness with a crisp exterior. The finished roll-ups are served with pan juices and garnished with fresh basil, complementing the savory and fresh flavor profile.
They pair well with mashed potatoes and asparagus for a composed dinner, making use of straightforward ingredients prepared carefully.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast 4 medium/large chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (about 8 Tbsp total)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese reserve 2 oz for topping, shredded
- 2 tomato thinly sliced into 16 rings, medium
- 1 cup cherry tomato optional
- 1 Tbsp basil shredded, optional garnish, fresh leaves
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter unsalted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425˚F. Cut chicken breast in half lengthwise so you have 8 thin chicken cutlets. Pound each cutlet in a quart sized ziploc bag or between 2 sheets of plastic wrap into 1/8" thick cutlets. Season both sides of chicken with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Spoon and spread 1 Tbsp pesto in the center of each cutlet, top with 2 thin tomato slices and sprinkle with 2-3 Tbsp mozzarella cheese. Roll the chicken up tightly and seal ends with a toothpick.
- Preheat large oven-safe skillet over medium/high heat with 1 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Add chicken roll-ups and sear on both sides until golden (4 min per side or 8 minutes total on the stove).
- Sprinkle tops with remaining cheese and 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Place the skillet on the center rack of oven and bake 425˚F for 13-15 minutes (13 min for these these medium chicken breasts and 15 min for larger chicken breasts, or until internal temp of chicken reaches 160˚F on instant-read thermometer.
Notes
- Remove toothpicks before serving to ensure safe, easy eating.
- Spoon pan juices and roasted cherry tomatoes over roll-ups to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Serve with side dishes like mashed potatoes and asparagus for a balanced meal.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8chicken roll-ups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 295 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 295kcal | 15% |
| Carbs | 3g | |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 745mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 520mg | 11% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 765IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 7.8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 256mg | 26% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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