Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls Recipe
If you’re searching for a showstopping dinner that’s both comforting and undeniably crave-worthy, look no further than Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls. This irresistible twist on the classic brings together juicy chicken, gooey mozzarella, and tangy marinara all rolled up and coated in a golden, crunchy crust. Each bite bursts with Italian-inspired flavors and cheesy goodness, making it an instant family favorite perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. Simple pantry staples and a few fresh touches make these Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls an absolute breeze to pull off, with maximum payoff at dinnertime.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, butterflied and pounded thin for easy rolling and even cooking.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the savory flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to complement the richness of the cheese and sauce.
- Garlic powder: Brings subtle depth and classic Italian aroma without overpowering the filling.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and offers that irresistible cheesy pull in every roll.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, salty finish that crisps up in the oven.
- Marinara sauce: Adds tangy tomato flavor inside and as a dip for serving; homemade or store-bought both work well.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Deliver the signature crispy exterior and a boost of herby flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick, ensuring a perfect crust.
- Eggs: Beaten to create a glue-like coating for the breadcrumbs.
- Olive oil: Used for searing to develop a golden, flavorful crust before baking.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Optional, but highly recommended for a burst of color and fresh flavor right before serving.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Take your butterflied, pounded-thin chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning sets the stage for all the vibrant flavors to shine through.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
Lay each seasoned chicken cutlet flat on your work surface. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese and a spoonful of marinara sauce right in the center. Now, carefully roll up the chicken as tightly as you can, tucking in the filling, and secure each roll with toothpicks if necessary to hold everything together while cooking.
Step 3: Dredge and Bread
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken roll first in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the surface to make sure they adhere for that extra-crispy finish.
Step 4: Sear for Crunch
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken rolls and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until gorgeously golden brown. This step locks in the juiciness and gives you that wonderful crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared chicken rolls to your prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle them generously with grated Parmesan cheese for an added savory punch. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rolls are bubbling and crispy. Don’t forget to remove any toothpicks before serving!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls
Garnishes
Top your Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls with a flurry of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and a hit of fresh flavor. A final dusting of grated Parmesan never hurts either, delivering that classic Italian finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette, or pile them alongside buttery garlic bread for serious comfort. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make a lovely, balanced plate to complement the richness of the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the rolls into rounds and fan them out over a pool of warm marinara sauce for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Or, serve them whole on a platter with toothpicks as a hearty appetizer at your next gathering. Either way, they’re sure to steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days and make a fabulous lunch the next day.
Freezing
These rolls freeze surprisingly well! After baking, cool them fully, then wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, ready to rescue you on a busy night.
Reheating
To reheat, place the rolls on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. For an extra-crispy exterior, avoid microwaving, as it can make the breadcrumbs soggy.
FAQs
Can I prepare Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and bread the rolls up to a day in advance, then refrigerate until you’re ready to sear and bake. This makes them a fantastic choice for entertaining or meal prep.
What’s the best way to keep the rolls from unrolling?
Securing each roll with one or two toothpicks before searing and baking helps keep all that cheesy filling tucked inside. Just remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!
Can I use different cheeses inside the rolls?
You sure can! While mozzarella is classic for that stretchy melt, provolone or fontina would also work beautifully for a unique flavor twist.
Are these gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses regular flour and breadcrumbs, but you can easily swap in gluten-free versions of both to make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls suitable for gluten-free diets.
What’s the best way to make the rolls extra crispy?
For next-level crunch, mix a few tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs into the Italian-style breadcrumbs before coating the rolls. It adds extra texture that’s absolutely irresistible!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls! They’re everything you love about classic chicken parmesan, wrapped up in an irresistibly crispy, cheesy package that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a new favorite comfort food tonight.
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Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls are a delightful Italian-American main course featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella and marinara sauce, rolled, breaded, and baked to golden perfection. These rolls combine gooey cheese, savory seasoning, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for dinner or entertaining.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded thin)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
Breading
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the butterflied and pounded thin chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Add Cheese and Sauce: Lay each chicken cutlet flat on a clean surface, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top, and spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the cheese to create a flavorful filling.
- Roll and Secure: Carefully roll up each chicken breast tightly around the filling, securing the rolls with toothpicks if needed to keep them intact during cooking.
- Bread the Rolls: Dredge each chicken roll first in all-purpose flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with Italian-style breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Sear the Rolls: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear each chicken roll for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy crust.
- Bake: Transfer the seared rolls to the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese, and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks carefully before serving. Serve the crispy chicken parmesan rolls hot, with additional marinara sauce on the side and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for added color and flavor.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy texture, mix a few tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs into the Italian-style breadcrumbs before coating.
- These chicken parmesan rolls can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving to save time.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded evenly thin to cook uniformly and roll easily.
- Use fresh basil or parsley as a garnish to add a bright, fresh element to the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
