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Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups - Comforting, Easy, and Crowd-Pleasing

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded thin)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil and oregano)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to season chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to season chicken
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine (for baking pan)
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound to an even 1/4–1/2 inch thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Pat dry. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the spinach filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and a pinch of salt; cook until wilted (or warmed through if using frozen). Stir in red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Mix the cheese blend: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and Dijon mustard if using. Fold in the cooled spinach until evenly distributed.
  4. Fill and roll: Lay the chicken breasts flat. Spread a generous spoonful of the spinach-cheese mixture onto each, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll up tightly from the short end. Secure with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine so the filling stays put.
  5. Prep the baking dish: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Pour chicken broth or wine into the bottom of the dish to keep things moist.
  6. Arrange and brush: Place chicken roll-ups seam-side down in the dish. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Bake: Bake for 22–28 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you want a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  8. Rest and slice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so the juices settle. Remove toothpicks or twine. Slice into rounds or serve whole.
  9. Optional finishing touch: Spoon a little pan juice over the roll-ups and sprinkle with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley.