Mediterranean Cheesy Chicken Roll-Ups

Tender chicken cutlets rolled with a rich Mediterranean filling of spinach, feta, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes — seared until golden and finished in a light, creamy broth. Juicy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts (thinly sliced into cutlets)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika

For the Filling

• 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen, squeezed dry)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For Cooking

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for extra sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thin, even cutlets.
2. Place them between two sheets of plastic or parchment and gently pound to even thickness.
3. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Set aside.

2. Make the Cheesy Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine:
   • spinach
   • sun-dried tomatoes
   • feta
   • mozzarella
   • cream cheese
   • Italian seasoning
2. Mix until you have a thick, creamy, well-combined filling.

3. Roll the Chicken

1. Lay each chicken cutlet flat.
2. Spread 1–2 tablespoons of the filling over one end.
3. Roll tightly from one end to the other.
4. Secure each roll with toothpicks so they don’t open during cooking.

4. Sear the Roll-Ups

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chicken roll-ups seam side down.
3. Sear until golden on all sides — about 3–4 minutes per side.
4. Don’t worry if they aren’t cooked through yet; they will finish cooking in the sauce.

5. Add Sauce & Cook

1. Pour chicken broth (and heavy cream if using) into the pan.
2. Scrape up brown bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and sauce slightly thickens.

6. Serve

1. Remove toothpicks.
2. Spoon creamy pan sauce over the top.
3. Garnish with parsley, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of feta.

Serve hot with rice, pasta, couscous, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Q & A

Q1: Can I bake instead of pan-cooking?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Add a splash of chicken broth to the baking dish so the rolls stay juicy.

Q2: Can I substitute cheese?

Absolutely:

• Mozzarella → cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack
• Feta → goat cheese, cottage cheese, queso fresco

Q3: What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Try:

• Chopped cherry tomatoes
• Roasted red peppers
• Kalamata olives
• Artichoke hearts

Q4: How do I keep roll-ups from opening?

• Use toothpicks or kitchen twine
• Avoid overfilling
• Sear seam-side down first

Q5: Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Add:

• Red chili flakes
• Peri-peri sauce
• Harissa paste
• Smoked paprika

Q6: Best side dishes?

Perfect pairings:

• Lemon Herb Rice
• Garlic Butter Pasta
• Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
• Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
• Sauteed Green Beans with Lemon