If you love the irresistible combination of crunchy, cheesy, and savory flavors, you are going to absolutely adore this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls Recipe. These rolls deliver the comforting taste of classic chicken parmesan in a fun, handheld format that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing your guests. Wrapped in a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust with melty mozzarella and zesty marinara inside, every bite bursts with Italian-inspired goodness. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a go-to crowd pleaser that’s as exciting as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the juicy, tender chicken to the crispy breadcrumb crust and the gooey cheese, every element is essential.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Butterflied and pounded thin to create the perfect canvas for rolling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of spice and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings that classic herbaceous flavor that defines Italian dishes.
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese: Melts luxuriously inside each roll for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 4 tablespoons marinara sauce: Provides tangy tomato brightness inside and extra for serving.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp element and helps to crisp the coating.
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Ensures the outer crust is perfectly crunchy.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the glue to hold the breadcrumb coating in place.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the egg adhere to the chicken for an even coating.
- Olive oil spray or cooking oil: Used to give that final golden crispness during baking.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the sheet with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Season your butterflied chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then lay them flat on your workspace.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce evenly over each piece of seasoned chicken. Place 2 slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Rolling tightly from the short end, carefully roll each chicken breast up into a neat cylinder shape, making sure the cheese and sauce are sealed inside. If needed, secure the rolls with toothpicks to prevent unrolling during cooking.
Step 3: Bread the Rolls
Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: the flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of Italian-style breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese in the third. Dip each chicken roll sequentially into the flour, then egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. This triple-layer breading is key for that satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for an extra golden, crispy crust. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is beautifully browned. For the ultimate crisp, turn on the broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow the rolls to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This lets the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier. Serve warm with additional marinara sauce and fresh basil for a perfect finishing touch that will impress everyone at the table.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley instantly brightens these rolls, adding a fresh, herbal kick. A dusting of extra grated Parmesan on top brings an elegant finishing touch, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
These Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or classic Caesar salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside buttered pasta or roasted vegetables to keep things comforting yet colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the rolls into pinwheels for a stylish appetizer platter at your next gathering. You can also nestle them in a warm bed of creamy risotto or place a roll atop polenta for a restaurant-worthy presentation that is sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate any leftover Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just be sure to remove any toothpicks before storing to avoid accidents.
Freezing
These chicken rolls freeze wonderfully either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble and bread the rolls, then wrap individually with plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to bring back that crispy crust and warm the cheese perfectly. Avoid microwaving if you want to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add a bit more juiciness, but make sure to pound them thin for even cooking like the breasts.
Is it necessary to use toothpicks?
Toothpicks help hold the rolls tightly closed and prevent the filling from slipping out during baking, but if your rolls feel secure on their own, you can skip this step.
How can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour and Italian-style breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, such as almond flour or gluten-free panko, for a delicious gluten-free version.
Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and bread the rolls, then refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight before baking. This makes meal prep incredibly convenient.
What’s the best way to get extra crispy coating?
Lightly spraying olive oil over the breadcrumb coating before baking and finishing the rolls under the broiler for a minute or two guarantees that perfect golden crunch.
Final Thoughts
I am genuinely excited for you to try this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that brings comfort food vibes with a fresh twist. The combination of tender chicken, melted mozzarella, tangy marinara, and a perfectly crispy coating is unforgettable. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, these rolls are sure to become a favorite that your crowd will keep asking for. Give it a go and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
Print
Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls are a delicious Italian-American main course featuring tender chicken breasts rolled with marinara sauce and mozzarella, coated in a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, and baked to golden perfection. Perfectly seasoned and oven-baked for a crispy exterior and juicy interior, these rolls are a flavorful and satisfying meal that pairs well with pasta or a fresh side salad.
Ingredients
Chicken Rolls
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded thin)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Olive oil spray or cooking oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease or spray the parchment with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the butterflied and pounded chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Lay them flat on your work surface for easy rolling.
- Add Fillings and Roll: Spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each chicken breast and top with 2 slices of mozzarella cheese. Carefully roll up the chicken tightly from the short end, securing with toothpicks if necessary to hold the rolls together during cooking.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes: place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese in the third.
- Bread the Chicken Rolls: Dredge each chicken roll first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even crunchy crust.
- Arrange and Oil Rolls: Place the breaded chicken rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them sealed during baking. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to help achieve a crispy golden finish.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Optional Broiling: For an extra crispy exterior, broil the chicken rolls for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of the baking time, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm with additional marinara sauce and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare the chicken rolls in advance and refrigerate them before baking, making meal prep easier.
- For an indulgent twist, add a slice of prosciutto inside each roll before rolling for extra flavor.
- These chicken parmesan rolls are delicious served over pasta or with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
