Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups
Tender chicken wrapped around creamy broccoli and melted cheddar cheese for an irresistible family dinner!
Description
These Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups are a delicious, comforting dinner that combines juicy chicken, tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and flavorful seasonings in every bite. Thin chicken breasts are filled with a rich broccoli-cheddar mixture, rolled up, and baked until tender, golden, and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying homemade meal. The combination of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and garlic creates a creamy filling that pairs beautifully with seasoned chicken. Serve these rollups with roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a crisp garden salad for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 25–35 minutes | Servings: 4
For the chicken rollups
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
– Toothpicks for securing the rollups
Optional creamy sauce
– ½ cup chicken broth
– ¼ cup heavy cream
– ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Prepare the broccoli: Steam the chopped broccoli for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain thoroughly and allow it to cool. Finely chop it so the filling spreads easily.
3. Make the cheesy filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, broccoli, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until creamy and evenly combined.
4. Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound to an even thickness of about ¼ inch. Be careful not to tear the meat.
5. Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
6. Fill the chicken breasts: Spread an even layer of the broccoli-cheddar mixture over each chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Roll them up: Carefully roll each chicken breast around the filling. Secure with toothpicks to help keep the filling inside.
8. Arrange in the baking dish: Place the rollups seam-side down in the prepared dish. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
9. Bake until cooked: Bake for approximately 25–35 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. The center of each rollup must reach 165°F (74°C) on a food thermometer.
10. Prepare the optional sauce: While the chicken rests, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, and cheddar in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
11. Rest and serve: Let the rollups rest for 5 minutes. Remove all toothpicks, spoon over the creamy sauce if using, and serve warm.
Recipe Tips
– Pound the chicken evenly: Uniform thickness helps the chicken cook evenly and makes rolling easier.
– Drain the broccoli well: Excess moisture can make the filling watery.
– Use freshly shredded cheese: It generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
– Don’t overfill: A moderate amount of filling makes the rollups easier to secure.
– Keep the filling inside: Place each roll seam-side down and use toothpicks if needed.
– Add extra flavor: A pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika gives the chicken a delicious kick.
– Make ahead: Prepare and assemble the rollups, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
– Store leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days and reheat until thoroughly hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw it completely, cook if needed, and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into the filling.
Q: Can I use mozzarella instead of cheddar?
Absolutely. Mozzarella provides a mild flavor and a stretchy, melted texture. A combination of mozzarella and cheddar also works beautifully.
Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Pound the chicken evenly, avoid overcooking, and use a thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make these rollups without cream cheese?
Yes. You can substitute ricotta cheese or a thick spreadable cheese, although the filling will have a slightly different texture.
Q: What sides go best with broccoli cheddar chicken rollups?
Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, steamed green beans, rice, or a fresh green salad make excellent accompaniments.
Q: Can I freeze these rollups?
For best quality, freeze them after cooking and cooling. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
Short Description
These Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups feature tender seasoned chicken stuffed with creamy broccoli, cream cheese, and melted cheddar. Baked until juicy and delicious, they’re an easy, cheesy family dinner everyone will love!