Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls: An Easy and Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than these delicious Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls! This recipe combines the savory taste of chicken with the vibrant flavors of pesto and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a convenient and satisfying roll. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a special occasion. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients.

This recipe will guide you through each step, from prepping the chicken to baking the rolls to golden perfection. We’ll also share some tips and tricks to ensure your Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls turn out perfectly every time. Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of pesto, cheese, and chicken creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love the cheesy, savory taste of these rolls, making them a great option for picky eaters.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** These chicken rolls taste great reheated, making them ideal for lunch the next day.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The rolled shape and golden-brown crust make these chicken rolls visually appealing, perfect for serving to guests.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of this recipe. You’ll need about 2 large chicken breasts.
* **Pesto:** Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto. Pesto adds a vibrant, herby flavor to the chicken.
* **Cheese:** Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for its melting properties and mild flavor. You can also use provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the chicken and enhance the flavors.
* **Olive Oil:** For searing the chicken rolls.
* **Optional Ingredients:**
* **Garlic Powder:** Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the chicken.
* **Italian Seasoning:** Enhances the overall Italian flavor profile.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Adds a touch of heat (optional).
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Adds a tangy and chewy element.
* **Spinach:** Adds nutrients and a pop of color.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Cutting Board:** For prepping the chicken.
* **Sharp Knife:** For butterflying and slicing the chicken.
* **Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin:** For flattening the chicken breasts.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the pesto and cheese.
* **Skillet or Frying Pan:** For searing the chicken rolls.
* **Baking Dish:** For baking the chicken rolls.
* **Aluminum Foil:** For tenting the baking dish (optional).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. **Butterfly the Chicken:** Place one chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the chicken breast horizontally, starting from one side and stopping just before the other side. Open the chicken breast like a book. This creates a thinner, more even piece of chicken.

2. **Pound the Chicken:** Place the butterflied chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to about ¼-inch thickness. This will tenderize the chicken and make it easier to roll.

3. **Season the Chicken:** Season both sides of the pounded chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder (optional), and Italian seasoning (optional). Be generous with the seasoning to ensure the chicken is flavorful.

4. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 1-3 with the remaining chicken breast.

**Step 2: Prepare the Filling**

1. **Combine Pesto and Cheese:** In a small bowl, combine the pesto and mozzarella cheese. Mix well until the cheese is evenly coated with pesto. You can adjust the ratio of pesto to cheese to your liking.

2. **Add Optional Ingredients (Optional):** If using, add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or red pepper flakes to the pesto and cheese mixture. Stir to combine.

**Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Rolls**

1. **Spread the Filling:** Spread a generous amount of the pesto and cheese mixture evenly over one side of each pounded chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges.

2. **Roll the Chicken:** Starting from one end, carefully roll up the chicken breast tightly, like a jelly roll. Secure the roll with toothpicks if necessary. Make sure the seam is facing down.

3. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the remaining chicken breasts and filling.

**Step 4: Sear the Chicken Rolls**

1. **Heat Olive Oil:** Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken rolls.

2. **Sear the Rolls:** Carefully place the chicken rolls in the hot skillet, seam-side down first. Sear the rolls on all sides until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This will help seal in the juices and add flavor.

3. **Remove from Skillet:** Remove the seared chicken rolls from the skillet and place them in a baking dish. Discard the toothpicks if you used them.

**Step 5: Bake the Chicken Rolls**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Bake the Rolls:** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

3. **Tent with Foil (Optional):** If the chicken rolls start to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.

4. **Rest Before Serving:** Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. **Slice the Rolls:** Slice the Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls into 1-inch thick slices. This makes them easier to serve and eat.

2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.

3. **Serve:** Serve the Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls hot, as a main course. They pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a salad.

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Rolls

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your chicken rolls will be. Use fresh pesto, good-quality cheese, and organic chicken breasts if possible.
* **Don’t Overfill the Rolls:** Overfilling the chicken rolls can make them difficult to roll and bake evenly. Be careful not to use too much filling.
* **Secure the Rolls with Toothpicks:** If you’re having trouble keeping the chicken rolls closed, secure them with toothpicks before searing and baking. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).
* **Let the Rolls Rest Before Slicing:** Letting the chicken rolls rest for a few minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
* **Get Creative with Fillings:** Feel free to experiment with different fillings to create your own unique variations. Try adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the chicken rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.

## Serving Suggestions

Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Pasta:** Serve with your favorite pasta dish, such as spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, or penne arrabiata.
* **Rice:** Serve with rice pilaf, risotto, or plain white rice.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Salad:** Serve with a fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping in the melted cheese and pesto sauce.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Cheese:** Try using different cheeses, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. Each cheese will add a unique flavor and texture to the chicken rolls.
* **Different Pesto:** Experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or basil pesto. You can even make your own homemade pesto.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Marinate the tofu or mushrooms in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before filling and rolling.
* **Spicy Chicken Rolls:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto and cheese mixture for a touch of heat.
* **Chicken Cordon Bleu Rolls:** Add ham and Swiss cheese to the filling for a chicken cordon bleu variation.
* **Cream Cheese Filling:** Combine cream cheese with the pesto and mozzarella for an extra creamy filling.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g per serving
* Fat: 20-30g per serving
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g per serving

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly less crispy. For best results, reheat in the oven.

## Conclusion

Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls are a delicious, easy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and variations to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the savory and cheesy goodness of Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls!

Enjoy cooking!