Chicken Roll Ups with Herbs

Chicken roll ups are my secret trick for transforming a simple weeknight dinner into something everyone gets excited about The creamy cheese tucked inside juicy chicken creates a melt in your mouth bite while the herby seasoning fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma

A go to for me on busy nights when I want something a little special without the fuss My family has come to request this often especially when we need a comforting yet not heavy main dish

Ingredients

• Garlic powder: Gives sharp savory depth Look for a powder that is fragrant not clumpy for freshest flavor
• Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and color Choose a Spanish or Hungarian variety for maximum taste
• Italian seasoning: Offers a balanced blend of herbs like oregano basil and thyme Dried is convenient but opt for a jar with strong aroma
• Kosher salt: Lifts up all the flavors evenly Use a flakier salt for better distribution
• Ground black pepper: Brings a pleasant sharp kick Freshly cracked is worth the extra step
• Thinly sliced chicken breasts: Cooks quickly and stays tender Ask your butcher to slice or do it yourself for uniform pieces
• Garlic and fine herbs Boursin cheese: Delivers creamy texture and herby aroma Choose Boursin straight from the fridge for easy spreading
• Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey cheesy stretch Freshly shredded always melts better than prebagged

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Pan:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Place parchment paper or foil on a baking sheet for easy cleanup This heat ensures juicy but thoroughly cooked chicken

Blend the Seasoning:

Combine garlic powder smoked paprika Italian seasoning salt and pepper in a bowl Stir until all the spices are evenly distributed This makes sure every piece of chicken gets seasoned

Season Chicken:

Lay out the thin chicken breasts flat on the prepared baking pan Sprinkle half the spice mixture over the chicken flip every piece then sprinkle the rest This seasons both sides for maximum flavor

Spread Cheese Filling:

Take your Boursin cheese and use the back of a spoon to gently smear it over one side of every chicken piece Aim for even coverage for gooey results Top with shredded mozzarella ensuring it sticks to the soft cheese layer

Roll and Arrange:

Gently roll up each chicken breast beginning from the short end to enclose the cheese Hold the seam side down on the pan so it does not unravel during baking

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the pan into the oven Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken reaches 165 degrees internally The chicken should look golden around the edges and the cheese should bubble This gives you tender juicy chicken every time

I absolutely love the way Boursin melts into the chicken creating little pools of cheesy goodness My kids still joke about the first time gooey cheese oozed out the sides and we all raced for the cheesiest roll one of our most memorable dinners

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat covered in the oven or microwave for best texture If you want to freeze make sure the roll ups are cooked through Wrap tightly in foil and thaw before gentle reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap Boursin for herbed goat cheese or even softened cream cheese blended with fresh herbs For mozzarella try fontina or provolone for variety If you only have chicken tenders just pound them to flatten for rolling

Serving Suggestions

A simple green salad or roasted vegetables round out the meal beautifully Garlic bread is always a hit for soaking up cheesy juices You can also slice the roll ups into medallions for party appetizers

Cultural and Historical Context

Roll ups have roots in European home cooking often as a creative way to use up extra meat and cheese Over the years they have become a staple for easy impressive meals especially in Italian American kitchens

Seasonal Adaptations

Sprinkle in fresh chopped basil in summer for extra flavor Try adding thin slices of roasted red pepper in autumn In winter a pinch of chili flakes adds warming heat

Success Stories

Several friends have told me this became their go to dinner for impressing guests without a lot of kitchen work It is also a favorite for meal trains since it reheats so well One friend swears her picky eater will only eat chicken if it is rolled up and cheesy

Freezer Meal Conversion

After baking let roll ups cool fully Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to two months Reheat straight from frozen at 350 degrees until hot throughout This makes dinner party prep or new baby visits a breeze

Chicken roll ups are always a hit and super easy to pull together Try them next time you need to impress without stressing in the kitchen

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best for stuffing?

Boursin garlic & fine herbs offers a creamy texture and herbaceous note, while mozzarella melts smoothly for gooey goodness.

→ How do you ensure the chicken stays moist?

Baking at 375°F and not overcooking past 165°F keeps the chicken juicy and tender inside the roll.

→ Can you prepare these in advance?

Yes, assemble the rolls ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake, just add a couple extra minutes to baking time.

→ Are there substitutions for Boursin cheese?

Herbed cream cheese or whipped goat cheese can be used for a flavorful creamy filling alternative.

→ What side dishes complement this dish?

Simple salads, roasted vegetables, or buttered pasta pairs well with these cheesy, garlicky roll ups.