Why Our Family Ador es This Chicken Rollatini Recipe

While eggplant rollatini often steals the spotlight in Italian-American cuisine, for my family, this homemade Chicken Rollatini holds a special place. It’s truly the ideal dish to serve for dinner, especially on those evenings when you need a meal that’s both substantial and universally loved. Its hearty nature makes it incredibly filling, and I can almost guarantee the kids will devour it – even the pickiest eaters usually can’t resist the cheesy, savory goodness! One of the best parts is the incredible leftover sauce; it’s all you need to toss with some pasta like spaghetti or linguine, transforming it into a complete and satisfying meal.

I understand that chicken breast can sometimes feel a bit uninspired, but that’s far from the truth when you consider the myriad ways to dress it up and elevate its flavor profile. Whether you’re preparing a classic like Restaurant-Style Chicken Marsala with its rich mushroom wine sauce, or the bright and zesty Chicken Francese, chicken breast is an incredibly versatile ingredient. Even a simple Cast Iron Chicken Breast can be transformed into something truly delicious with the right technique and seasoning. This rollatini recipe is another perfect example of how to take a humble chicken breast and turn it into a culinary masterpiece.

The magic truly happens with the flavorful ricotta filling. Its creamy texture combined with the tender chicken breast creates an irresistible combination that’s so easy to fall in love with. I particularly cherish the little bits of ricotta cheese that inevitably melt and leak out into the simmering tomato sauce, giving it a slightly pink hue and a wonderfully cheesy, rich consistency! This beautiful, creamy sauce instantly brings to mind the comforting flavors of dishes like our Authentic Italian Baked Ziti or the delectable Italian Pink Sauce with Sausage. It’s a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special.

Essential Ingredient Notes and Helpful Substitutions for Perfect Rollatini

Crafting exceptional Chicken Rollatini begins with understanding your ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and how you can adapt them if needed:

• Chicken Breast: The foundation of our rollatini! For the best results, aim for large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You’ll need to slice them ultra-thin (about ¼-inch thick) horizontally to create the perfect canvas for rolling. After slicing, a crucial step is to tenderize them by pounding them with a meat mallet. This not only ensures a uniformly thin piece but also breaks down the fibers, resulting in an incredibly tender texture when cooked.
  
  Substitution Note: While chicken is traditional here, you can adapt this recipe using thinly sliced eggplant. If using eggplant, you would omit the initial frying step for the rollatini itself and proceed directly to simmering in the sauce, possibly baking it in less tomato sauce to prevent sogginess. Keep in mind the flavors and textures will be quite different from the chicken version.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of our rich simmering sauce. High-quality crushed tomatoes are key for a smooth yet rustic texture. We prefer a good brand of Italian crushed tomatoes for their balanced acidity and sweetness.
  
  Substitution Note: If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, you can easily substitute whole peeled plum tomatoes by pureeing them yourself in a blender or food processor until smooth. Alternatively, plain tomato puree can also be used, though it might yield a slightly smoother sauce texture.
• Ricotta Filling: This creamy, savory stuffing is undeniably the star of this dish and gives the chicken all of its signature flavor! We combine fresh whole milk ricotta with a medley of cheeses and herbs to create a luxurious filling that melts beautifully. The quality of your ricotta makes a difference – choose a whole milk variety for maximum creaminess and flavor. You can find more in-depth tips and tricks on perfecting your ricotta filling in our dedicated ricotta filling recipe!
• Prosciutto: Thin slices of this dry-cured Italian ham add a layer of salty, savory depth that perfectly complements the chicken and ricotta. Its delicate texture crisps up slightly during cooking and infuses the chicken with its unique flavor.
  
  Substitution Note: If prosciutto is unavailable or you prefer an alternative, thinly sliced pancetta or even a good quality, thinly sliced smoked ham could be used, though the flavor profile will change.
• Mozzarella: We use shredded mozzarella for our filling, adding gooey stretchiness and a mild, milky flavor that balances the richness of the ricotta.
  
  Tip: For the absolute best melting results and to avoid excess moisture, always opt for whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella. Avoid fresh mozzarella for this specific application, as its high water content can make the filling too wet.
• Parmesan Cheese: A key component for adding a sharp, salty, and umami depth to the ricotta filling. Freshly grated Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) is always superior to pre-grated varieties.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a vibrant green color to the ricotta filling. Flat-leaf Italian parsley is preferred.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent for the ricotta filling, helping it hold its shape within the chicken rolls during cooking.
• Garlic: Used both in the ricotta filling for aromatic depth and sautéed in the sauce base to build fundamental flavor. Fresh garlic, minced or sliced, is essential.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics for the sauce. A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall Italian flavor profile.
• Flour: A light dredge in all-purpose flour before searing helps create a beautiful golden crust and aids in thickening the sauce slightly as the rollatini simmers.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings for both the ricotta filling and the tomato sauce. Adjust to your taste, always tasting as you go.

*Please refer to the detailed recipe card below for precise measurements and quantities of each ingredient.

Mastering Homemade Chicken Rollatini: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe is undeniably a crowd-pleaser, delivering impressive results with a manageable process. While it involves a few distinct steps for prep, once the rollatini are nestled into the sauce, the majority of the active work is done. Follow these instructions carefully to create a truly memorable meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Ricotta Filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, finely chopped fresh parsley, the egg, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the mixture is uniform and creamy. This is where a lot of the internal flavor comes from, so ensure it’s perfectly seasoned.

Step 2: Tenderize and Layer the Chicken. Begin by taking each chicken breast and carefully slicing it horizontally into 3-4 very thin slices. This ensures quicker cooking and easier rolling. Next, place each chicken slice between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a large freezer bag and tenderize them by pounding them evenly with a meat mallet. Aim for a thickness of about ⅛ to ¼ inch. Once tenderized, lay a single slice of prosciutto flat on top of each thinly pounded chicken breast slice.

Step 3: Stuff, Roll, and Secure the Rollatini. Spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of the prepared ricotta filling onto the prosciutto layer of each chicken slice, spreading it evenly across the surface, leaving a small border. Carefully roll up the chicken breast with the ricotta filling tightly enclosed inside. To ensure the rollatini maintain their shape and the delicious filling doesn’t escape during cooking, use a piece of cooking twine to tie each chicken roll securely. Wrap the twine around the middle of each roll and tie it off.

*Chef’s Note: While toothpicks can be used in a pinch to secure the rolls, I highly recommend using cooking twine. It provides a much more robust hold, preventing the chicken from unraveling and making the searing process significantly easier and more successful.

Step 4: Dredge the Rollatini in Flour. Pour the all-purpose flour onto a shallow plate or baking dish. Take each secured chicken rollatini and gently roll it in the flour, ensuring it is completely and evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. This dredging step creates a light crust when seared and helps to thicken the tomato sauce slightly as the chicken simmers.

Step 5a: Sear the Chicken Rollatini. Place a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering (but not smoking), carefully place the floured chicken rollatini into the pan. Fry them on each side for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and caramelized. The goal here is to develop color and texture, not to cook them through.

Step 5b: Remove and Batch Fry. Once golden brown on all sides, remove the seared chicken rollatini from the pan and set them aside on a plate. To ensure even browning and to maintain the pan’s temperature, it’s best to fry the chicken in 2 batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Don’t be alarmed if some of the cheese filling leaks out slightly during this step; that’s completely normal. Just try to be gentle when flipping the chicken rolls.

Step 6: Prepare the Simmering Tomato Sauce. After removing the chicken, reduce the heat in the same saucepan to medium-low. Add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Stir in the sliced garlic and sauté gently for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and deepen.

Step 7: Simmer the Rollatini in Sauce. Gently place the seared chicken rollatini into the simmering tomato sauce. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover the pan and let it simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding the filling) to check for doneness.

Step 8: Gentle Stirring and Sauce Observation. As the chicken simmers, you’ll notice that the sauce will naturally lighten to a somewhat orange or rosy color, thanks to the flavors of the ricotta and prosciutto infusing into it. Throughout the simmering process, try to stir the sauce gently and occasionally to avoid it burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan, ensuring even cooking and flavor distribution. Keep the heat low to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy! Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the rollatini from the sauce. Before serving, remember to snip and remove the cooking twine from each piece. Serve the delicious chicken rollatini hot, garnished generously with extra grated parmesan cheese. Don’t let that incredible sauce go to waste! Use the remaining sauce to coat some freshly cooked spaghetti or rigatoni, serving it as a perfect side dish. Complete your Italian feast with your favorite vegetable side, such as our savory Italian Cabbage Recipe, or a crisp green salad.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Rollatini Every Time

Achieving restaurant-quality chicken rollatini at home is easier than you think with these professional insights:

1. Prepare the Ricotta Filling in Advance: To save time on a busy cooking day, you can easily make the ricotta filling in advance. Prepare it a day or two before you plan to cook, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even further, potentially enhancing the final taste. For more detailed guidance and tricks on preparing a flawless ricotta filling, be sure to read our comprehensive ricotta filling tips here!
2. The Indispensable Role of Cooking Twine: When it comes to keeping your delicate ricotta filling safely tucked inside the chicken, using cooking twine is truly the best method. While toothpicks might seem like a quick fix, they often prove insufficient. Without the secure embrace of twine, the chicken tends to unravel as it sears, allowing the precious ricotta to spill out into the pan, resulting in a less appealing presentation and a loss of flavor. Investing a few moments to tie each rollatini securely will make a significant difference in your final dish.
3. Searing for Color, Not Full Cook: Remember that the initial frying step is primarily about developing a beautiful golden-brown crust and locking in flavor, not about cooking the chicken all the way through. The internal cooking will be completed later as the rollatini simmer gently in the tomato sauce. This two-stage cooking process ensures the chicken remains incredibly tender and moist, reaching the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F without drying out.
4. Avoid Flour Dredging in Advance: It might be tempting to flour all your chicken rolls ahead of time to streamline the process, but this is a common pitfall. If you flour in advance and let the chicken sit, the moisture from the chicken will absorb the flour, creating a gummy coating. This prevents you from achieving that desired crisp, golden-brown crust when you go to fry it. Always flour your chicken rollatini just before they hit the hot pan for the best results.
5. Don’t Skimp on Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts thin and uniformly is critical. It ensures even cooking, makes the chicken tender, and creates a large enough surface area for rolling without excessive bulk. Aim for about ⅛ to ¼ inch thickness across the entire piece.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Rollatini

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Alongside Your Chicken Rollatini

Chicken Rollatini is a remarkably versatile dish, and its rich flavors mean it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. The number one accompaniment, of course, is classic Italian pasta! Serve the tender chicken rollatini alongside a generous portion of the leftover tomato sauce mixed with freshly cooked spaghetti or linguine – it’s the perfect vehicle for soaking up every drop of that incredible flavor.

• Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the rollatini. A great option is a classic Caesar salad, especially when made with a homemade Traditional Caesar Dressing and crunchy Homemade Italian Parmesan Croutons for an extra layer of flavor and texture. A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette also works beautifully.
• Delicious Veggies: This hearty dish practically begs for a vibrant and easy vegetable side. Consider serving it with some earthy Italian Lacinato Kale (Tuscan), sautéed simply with garlic and olive oil. Or perhaps some slightly bitter and wonderfully flavorful Sautéed Rapini with Garlic. For a more universally appealing option, our recipe for the BEST Garlic Parmesan Green Beans is always a hit!
• Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a loaf of warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic bread. It’s essential for mopping up every last bit of that delectable tomato sauce!
• Sweet Dessert: Every truly good meal deserves a sweet ending. For an authentic Italian finish, try our creamy Pistachio Cream Tiramisu. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different but equally delightful, our Chewy White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies offer a comforting, indulgent treat.

Chicken Rollatini

Vincent DelGiudice