Ingredients:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 thin fillets)

½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup panko or Italian-style breadcrumbs

1 egg (beaten)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Toothpicks (to secure roll-ups)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Prepare Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Assemble Roll-Ups:

Spread about 1 tablespoon of pesto onto each chicken fillet.

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pesto.

Carefully roll up each fillet and secure with toothpicks.

Bread the Chicken:

Dip each roll-up into the beaten egg.

Coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Bake:

Place roll-ups in the greased baking dish.

Drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).

Serve:

Let rest for a few minutes before removing toothpicks.

Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

Serve with a side of pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Pesto Chicken Roll-Ups

Thin Chicken for Easy Rolling: Pound the chicken fillets to an even thickness if needed to make rolling easier.

Use Fresh Pesto: Homemade basil pesto adds extra freshness and flavor. If using store-bought, go for a high-quality brand with minimal additives.

Secure Well: Use toothpicks to keep the roll-ups intact while baking. Just remember to remove them before serving!

Crispy Finish: For an extra crispy texture, broil the roll-ups for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, for a crispy and quick alternative.

Make it Keto-Friendly: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb version.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

(Based on 1 roll-up, recipe makes 4 servings)

Calories: ~320 kcal

Protein: ~35g

Carbohydrates: ~10g (varies based on breadcrumbs)

Fats: ~16g

Fiber: ~1g

Sugar: ~1g