Easy Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups Recipe | Delicious and Quick Dinner Idea

Make these easy Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups for a delicious and quick dinner! Juicy chicken breasts rolled with pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes, then baked to perfection. Perfect for a family meal or entertaining guests!

Anything that is pounded in a mortar and pestle can be called a pesto. Pesto alla Genoese is what we typically think of when we think of pesto - the creamy spread made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Genoese because it originated in Genoa, Italy.

What Is Pesto?

4 cloves of garlic, peeled

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 large bunch of basil (about 4-5 ounces)

3 tablespoons pine nuts

2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated on microplate (about 1 1/2 cups unpacked)

1/2 cup mild extra virgin olive oil

Combine the garlic and salt in a mortar and pestle and pound to a paste. Add the pine nuts, grinding down to a paste with each addition. Add the basil leaves, a handful at a time, grinding down to a paste with each addition. Add the cheese and drizzle in the olive oil. Combine well until emulsified.

How To Make Pesto Sauce Easy

FAQs

  1. Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe? Yes, store-bought pesto works great and saves time.

  2. What if I don’t have a skillet that’s oven-safe? You can transfer the seared roll-ups to a baking dish before baking.

  3. Can I prepare the roll-ups ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble them a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.

  4. How do I keep the roll-ups from unrolling during cooking? Secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

  5. What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese? Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese are good alternatives.

  6. Is there a way to make this recipe lower in fat? Use low-fat cheese and reduce the amount of olive oil and butter.

  7. Can I freeze the cooked roll-ups? Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

  8. What side dishes go well with Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups? Serve with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or pasta.

  9. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, but cooking time may vary slightly.

  10. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 160°F (70°C).

  11. Can I add more vegetables to the filling? Yes, spinach or bell peppers are great additions.

  12. How can I make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.

  13. What type of pesto is best for this recipe? Basil pesto is classic, but you can try sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto.

  14. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? It’s best to use raw chicken to ensure the roll-ups stay moist and flavorful.

  15. How can I make the chicken extra crispy? Sear the chicken in a very hot pan to get a golden crust before baking.Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe? Yes, store-bought pesto works great and saves time.

  16. What if I don’t have a skillet that’s oven-safe? You can transfer the seared roll-ups to a baking dish before baking.

  17. Can I prepare the roll-ups ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble them a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.

  18. How do I keep the roll-ups from unrolling during cooking? Secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

  19. What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese? Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese are good alternatives.

  20. Is there a way to make this recipe lower in fat? Use low-fat cheese and reduce the amount of olive oil and butter.

  21. Can I freeze the cooked roll-ups? Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

  22. What side dishes go well with Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups? Serve with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or pasta.

  23. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, but cooking time may vary slightly.

  24. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 160°F (70°C).

  25. Can I add more vegetables to the filling? Yes, spinach or bell peppers are great additions.

  26. How can I make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.

  27. What type of pesto is best for this recipe? Basil pesto is classic, but you can try sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto.

  28. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? It’s best to use raw chicken to ensure the roll-ups stay moist and flavorful.

  29. How can I make the chicken extra crispy? Sear the chicken in a very hot pan to get a golden crust before baking.

Watch the video recipe

Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups

Serving: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts (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, shredded (reserve 2 oz for topping)

  • 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced into 16 rings

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)

  • 1 Tbsp fresh basil leaves, shredded (optional garnish)

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken:

    • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

    • Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 8 thin cutlets.

    • Pound each cutlet to about 1/8" thick using a quart-sized Ziploc bag or between plastic wrap.

    • Season both sides with garlic salt and black pepper.

  2. Fill and Roll the Chicken:

    • Spread 1 Tbsp pesto in the center of each cutlet.

    • Top with 2 tomato slices and sprinkle with 2-3 Tbsp mozzarella cheese.

    • Roll the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks.

  3. Sear the Chicken:

    • Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and butter.

    • Add the chicken roll-ups and sear for 4 minutes per side, until golden brown.

  4. Bake the Roll-Ups:

    • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

    • Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken (if using).

    • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

  5. Serve:

    • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

    • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups!

Additional Notes

  • Cheese Options: Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or gouda for a different flavor.

  • Pesto Variations: Try using sun-dried tomato pesto or basil pesto for a twist.

  • Serving Suggestions: Pair these roll-ups with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal.

  • Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 430

  • Total Fat: 28g

    • Saturated Fat: 10g

  • Cholesterol: 130mg

  • Sodium: 900mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 5g

    • Dietary Fiber: 1g

    • Sugars: 2g

  • Protein: 40g

Explore More Tasty Recipes

Must-Try Recipes

Dive Into More Deliciousness

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Recipe Collection for endless culinary adventures.

How To Make Pesto

How To Make Pesto

Chicken Croquettes

Chicken Croquettes

Fresh Basil Pesto Pasta

Fresh Basil Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo