These ham and cheese chicken roll-ups wrap savory ham and melty cheese inside tender chicken breasts, all baked to golden perfection. With a crispy coating and a rich, gooey center, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal without the hassle.
Chicken is one of the most common proteins in anyone’s kitchen, but let’s be honest—it can get a little boring. That’s where these ham and cheese roll-ups come in, turning ordinary chicken breasts into something special.
That’s why I like to keep a batch of these cheesy chicken roll ups in the freezer. You might think, it’s just another usual chicken recipe. But the addition of cheese and ham transforms them into something new to everyone’s liking.
The best part? They stay moist and delicious even when reheated! I can bake half of them and freeze the rest for nights when cooking is the last thing on my mind!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients Needed For Chicken Roll Ups
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 1⁄2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- salt to taste
- 4 slices of ham
- 1⁄4 cup cream cheese, softened
Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures
1. Start by preheating the oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Halve the chicken breasts horizontally to get 4 chicken fillets. Lay them on a cutting board and season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread one tablespoon of cream cheese evenly on each piece of chicken. Then, sprinkle minced garlic, chopped parsley, and some mozzarella cheese on top.
4. Place a slice of ham on each fillet.
5. Roll each chicken fillet tightly from one end and secure it with toothpicks.
6. Place the roll-ups in the greased baking dish.
7. Pour tomato sauce over the chicken roll ups.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9. After 20 minutes, pour more tomato sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
10. Increase oven temperature to 400° F. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Garnish with parsley or fresh basil.
12. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variation Ideas
This chicken roll ups recipe has become a staple in our home, so I strive to add something or tweak the ingredients to come up with something new every time. Here are some twists I have tried.
- Bacon Twist: For a smokier flavor, replace the ham with crispy bacon strips before rolling up.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, provolone, or Swiss cheese for different taste profiles.
- Veggie Addition: Mix in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to your filling for added nutrients.
- Healthier Option: Use turkey breasts instead of chicken for a lighter version.
- Spicy Kick: Mix some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Sauce Switch: Try Alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, or even chicken gravy instead of tomato for a unique taste.
- Crispy Bread Crumbs: Coat the outside of the chicken roll ups with seasoned breadcrumbs before baking to add extra texture and crunch to your chicken.
Serving Suggestion
Pair these delicious chicken rolls with the perfect accompaniment that complements the flavors of this dish!
- As a Main Course: Serve these delicious ham and cheese chicken roll ups as a main course over a bed of fluffy rice or nutritious cauliflower rice.
- Side Veggies: For a wholesome meal, pair these roll ups with a side of roasted veggies, such as asparagus spears or a medley of colorful bell peppers and zucchini.
- As an Appetizer: Slice your chicken roll ups into smaller pieces for an elegant appetizer option at your next gathering. Arrange them on a serving plate with a variety of dipping sauces, like a creamy ranch or tangy marinara.
- Complete the Meal: For a well-rounded dinner, include a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil on the side.
Tips for Success
- Flattening Chicken: Use a meat mallet to flatten the chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking. This ensures that each roll up cooks through evenly without any raw spots.
- Securing Roll-Ups: Use heat-resistant toothpicks to secure your roll-ups and prevent them from unraveling during baking. This simple step ensures that your dish maintains its shape and presentation.
- Checking Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
Storage
Store: Store leftover chicken roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken roll ups ahead of time to streamline your dinner prep! Simply assemble the roll ups completely and refrigerate unbaked until ready to bake. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze: For longer storage, place the chicken roll ups in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. Defrost in the fridge overnight before baking.
One Last Thing
Making your favorite chicken recipe on repeat doesn’t have to be boring! You just have to get creative to keep it interesting, like with these flavorful chicken roll ups!
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a special meal, these roll ups are the perfect way to add a twist to your usual stuffed chicken breasts recipe.
Plus, you can even get more creative with this recipe and tweak it however you like—try different cheeses, add veggies, or experiment with sauces to make it your own!
Your Turn
If you make this chicken and ham roll recipe, please take a moment to let me know how you liked them by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card. Follow me on Pinterest and Facebook for more easy and tasty recipes!
More Easy Recipes Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Easy Ham and Cheese Chicken Roll Ups For Dinner
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- salt to taste
- 4 slices ham
- 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Halve the chicken breasts horizontally to get 4 chicken fillets. Lay them on a cutting board and season with salt and pepper.2 chicken breasts, salt to taste, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Spread one tablespoon of cream cheese evenly on each piece of chicken. Then, sprinkle minced garlic, chopped parsley, and some mozzarella cheese on top.1 tablespoon parsley, 2 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup cream cheese, 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Place a slice of ham on each fillet.4 slices ham
- Roll each chicken fillet tightly from one end and secure it with toothpicks.
- Place the roll-ups in the greased baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the chicken roll ups.1 cup tomato sauce
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, pour more tomato sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.1 cup tomato sauce, 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Increase oven temperature to 400° F. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley or fresh basil.1 tablespoon parsley
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
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