Name: Easy Chicken Pesto Roll Ups Recipe: Only 4 Steps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup pesto; 8 slices mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Okay, let me tell you, these Chicken Pesto Roll Ups? They’re seriously the *easiest* way to get a fancy-feeling dinner on the table, like, ever. We’re talking juicy chicken, that amazing basil-y pesto, and melty mozzarella – all rolled into one delicious bite. What’s not to love? Trust me, even if you’re kinda hopeless in the kitchen (like I sometimes feel!), you can totally nail this one. It’s become such a fave in our house. I swear, the first time I made Chicken Pesto Roll Ups, my picky eater actually asked for seconds! That’s when I knew it was a keeper. Now, get ready to roll!

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Seriously, you guys, there are SO many reasons to make these Chicken Pesto Roll Ups. But if I had to pick a few? Here you go:

Quick and Easy Chicken Pesto Roll Ups Recipe

I’m talking minimal prep time here. Weeknight dinners don’t have to be a drag, and these roll ups prove it! You can whip these up in no time flat.

Irresistible Flavor Combination in Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

That pesto… that *chicken*… that gooey cheese? It’s a party in your mouth, I swear! The flavors just WORK so well together.

Versatile Chicken Pesto Roll Ups for Any Occasion

Whether you’re having a casual dinner with the fam or want something a little special for a get-together, Chicken Pesto Roll Ups fit the bill perfectly. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Chicken Pesto Roll Ups. We’re going for simple and fresh, so don’t skimp on quality! You’ll want:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 6-8 ounces each, give or take.
1/2 cup pesto – store-bought is fine, but homemade? *Chef’s kiss!*
8 slices mozzarella cheese – not the fresh kind, the regular slices work best here.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that salty, nutty finish!
Salt and pepper to taste – because seasoning is everything, duh.
2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing those babies to golden perfection.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Roll Ups: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, people, let’s get rolling – literally! Here’s how we turn those simple ingredients into drool-worthy Chicken Pesto Roll Ups. Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through every little bit. Promise!

Preparing the Chicken for Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

First, you gotta get those chicken breasts nice and thin. Lay one between two sheets of plastic wrap (or in a gallon-sized baggie) and grab a meat mallet – or, honestly, a rolling pin works in a pinch! Pound that chicken until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. You want it thin enough to roll easily, but not so thin it falls apart. Repeat with the other chicken breasts. This makes them super tender and helps them cook evenly. Trust me, don’t skip this step!

Assembling the Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Now for the fun part! Lay those pounded chicken breasts out on a clean surface. Grab your pesto and spread a generous amount – about 2 tablespoons – over each one. Don’t be shy! Then, layer on two slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto. My favorite part is how the cheese melts into the pesto, yum! Make sure the cheese covers most of the chicken, leaving just a little space around the edges. Now, carefully roll up each chicken breast tightly, like you’re making a little chicken burrito. Secure them with toothpicks – usually two or three per roll up is good.

Cooking the Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Alright, almost there! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season those chicken rolls with salt and pepper – don’t forget the pepper! Sear them on all sides until they’re golden brown. This gives them a beautiful color and locks in all those delicious juices. It only takes a minute or two per side. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point. Now, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when you poke it with a fork. Be careful; the skillet handle will be hot! Let them cool for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks and slicing. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving. And voila! You’ve got amazing Chicken Pesto Roll Ups!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Okay, listen up, ’cause these little tricks will take your Chicken Pesto Roll Ups from good to *OMG amazing*. Trust me on this!

Choosing the Right Pesto for Your Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Store-bought pesto is totally fine, especially if you’re short on time (I get it!). But if you wanna go next-level? Homemade pesto is where it’s at! Plus, you can play around with different flavors – sun-dried tomato pesto? YES, PLEASE! Just make sure it’s not too watery, or your roll-ups will be soggy.

Preventing Dry Chicken in Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Nobody wants dry chicken, am I right? The biggest culprit is overbaking! Use a meat thermometer to make sure you pull those roll-ups out when they hit 165°F (74°C). Searing them first also helps lock in the moisture so they don’t dry out in the oven. And hey, a little extra pesto never hurt anyone!

Securing the Chicken Pesto Roll Ups Effectively

Those toothpicks are your best friends here! Make sure you insert them at an angle, going through all the layers of the chicken. Space them out evenly so the roll-ups stay nice and tight. And for goodness’ sake, don’t forget to remove them before serving! (Oops! I’ve almost done that a few times!).

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Wanna get a little creative? Of course, you do! That’s why I love cooking! Here are some easy swaps and add-ins to make these Chicken Pesto Roll Ups your own:

Pesto Variations for Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Classic basil pesto is amazing, but why stop there? Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a sweet and tangy twist. Or, for something a little different, a spinach and walnut pesto is *chef’s kiss*! Just be sure whatever pesto you choose isn’t too oily or runny.

Cheese Substitutions for Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Mozzarella gives you that classic melty goodness, but provolone or even fontina would be delicious too! For the Parmesan, Asiago is a great alternative with a similar nutty flavor. Feel free to experiment!

Adding Vegetables to Your Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor, and a layer of fresh spinach is always a good idea. Just make sure you don’t overstuff them, or they’ll be hard to roll!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Okay, so you’ve got these amazing Chicken Pesto Roll Ups…now what? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are a few easy sides to make it a complete meal. Because, let’s be real, dinner is better with sides!

Classic Side Dishes for Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

You can’t go wrong with a simple pasta dish! Toss some spaghetti or penne with a little olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Quick, easy, and totally delicious. Roasted vegetables are another great option – broccoli, asparagus, or even Brussels sprouts would be amazing!

Wine Pairing with Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Want to get a little fancy? A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with the pesto and chicken. Cheers to that!

Storing and Reheating Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

So, you’ve got some leftovers? Lucky you! These Chicken Pesto Roll Ups are just as good the next day (if they last that long, haha!). Here’s the lowdown on keeping them fresh and reheating them like a pro.

Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Once they’ve cooled down a bit, pop those Chicken Pesto Roll Ups into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days, easy peasy!

Reheating Tips for Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

To keep them from drying out, I like to add a splash of chicken broth or water to the dish when reheating. Cover them loosely with foil and pop them in a 350°F oven until heated through. Or, if you’re in a rush, the microwave works too – just be careful not to overdo it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about making these tasty Chicken Pesto Roll Ups. Let’s get you sorted!

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Chicken Pesto Roll Ups?

Totally! Just make sure they’re fully thawed before you start pounding them. Nobody wants to wrestle with a half-frozen chicken breast! Pat them dry with paper towels after thawing, too, so they sear nicely.

How can I make Chicken Pesto Roll Ups ahead of time?

Great question! You can totally assemble the roll-ups (stuff them, roll them, toothpick them) and then keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to cook, sear and bake as directed. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze!

What is the best way to prevent the cheese from melting out of the Chicken Pesto Roll Ups?

Ah, the dreaded cheese escape! Make sure you don’t overstuff the chicken. Also, tuck the cheese in a bit from the edges when you’re assembling the roll-ups. Searing them well helps seal everything, too! A little cheese leakage is okay, it happens, but those tips should minimize it.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Pesto Roll Ups

Okay, so everyone always wants to know about the nutrition, right? Here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at with these Chicken Pesto Roll Ups. Just keep in mind – this is an *estimate*. It’ll change depending on the exact brands you use, how much pesto you slather on (guilty!), and all that jazz. So, yeah, take it with a grain of salt, okay?

Enjoy Your Delicious Chicken Pesto Roll Ups!

Alright, friends, that’s all there is to it! I hope you love these Chicken Pesto Roll Ups as much as my family does. If you try them, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think! And hey, sharing is caring – tag me in your photos on social media! I can’t wait to see your creations!