Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded thin
- 4 slices of mozzarella cheese (you can use fresh mozzarella for extra flavor, or regular sliced mozzarella)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 slices of pepperoni (you can add more depending on your preference)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (for seasoning the chicken)
- Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing them horizontally through the middle, but not all the way through, then open them up like a book. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Using a meat mallet (or a rolling pin), pound the chicken breasts until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures the chicken will cook evenly and makes it easier to roll.
- Season the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. You can also sprinkle on some Italian seasoning if you like an extra herby flavor.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Lay one slice of mozzarella cheese on each chicken breast.
- Place 4 slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese for each breast (you can add more if you love extra pepperoni).
- Starting from one end, tightly roll up the chicken breast, keeping the cheese and pepperoni tucked inside. Secure the roll with toothpicks to prevent it from unrolling during cooking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Lightly grease a baking dish (around 9×13 inches) with olive oil.
- Pour ½ cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Place the chicken roll-ups, seam side down, into the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top of the chicken, making sure they are fully covered.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the chicken moist during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken roll-ups.
- Top each roll with a few extra pepperoni slices for a pizza-like finish.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks from the chicken before serving.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color, if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pasta: Serve the pizza chicken with a side of spaghetti or your favorite pasta tossed in marinara sauce.
- Garlic Bread: A side of crispy garlic bread complements the Italian flavors perfectly.
- Salad: A simple green salad with Italian dressing can balance out the richness of the chicken.
This Pizza Chicken Roll-Up dish combines the best of both worlds: the delicious flavors of a cheesy pizza stuffed into tender chicken, baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser and great for a fun family dinner! Enjoy!