Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups (VIDEO)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts)
(4 medium/large chicken breasts
- (or to taste1 tsp Garlic Salt)
- (or to taste1/4 tsp Black Pepper)
- 1/2 cup Pesto sauce)
(about 8 Tbsp total
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese
shredded, ), (reserve 2 oz for topping
- 2 tomatoes
medium
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
optional
- 1 Tbsp Fresh basil leaves
shredded, optional garnish
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425˚F. Cut chicken breast in half lengthwise so you have 8 thin chicken cutlets. Pound each cutlet in a quart sized ziploc bag or between 2 sheets of plastic wrap into 1/8" thick cutlets. Season both sides of chicken with garlic salt and black pepper.
- 2
Spoon and spread 1 Tbsp pesto in the center of each cutlet, top with 2 thin tomato slices and sprinkle with 2-3 Tbsp mozzarella cheese. Roll the chicken up tightly and seal ends with a toothpick.
- 3
Preheat large oven-safe skillet over medium/high heat with 1 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Add chicken roll-ups and sear on both sides until golden (4 min per side or 8 minutes total on the stove).
- 4
Sprinkle tops with remaining cheese and 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Place the skillet on the center rack of oven and bake 425˚F for 13-15 minutes (13 min for these these medium chicken breasts and 15 min for larger chicken breasts, or until internal temp of chicken reaches 160˚F on instant-read thermometer.
Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups (VIDEO)
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About this Recipe
Craving a meal that feels like a special occasion but comes together with surprising ease? These Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups bring restaurant-quality taste right to your home kitchen, with rich Tuscan flavors that impress without any fuss.
What makes these chicken pesto roll-ups truly shine is the irresistible combination of tender chicken, savory pesto, and a generous filling of melted mozzarella and juicy tomatoes. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor, marrying the freshness of basil with the comforting richness of cheese and chicken. You'll love how these roll-ups elevate a simple weeknight meal into something truly memorable.
Expect a dish that's both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying. The chicken breasts, thinly sliced and rolled, become beautifully tender, encasing a creamy, herbaceous pesto and cheese core, brightened by slices of fresh tomato. The overall experience is one of sophisticated simplicity, proving that fine dining flavors don't require hours in the kitchen. It's a comforting yet elegant dish perfect for showcasing fresh ingredients.
Customizing these roll-ups is simple and encouraged. While mozzarella provides a classic creamy texture, you could experiment with other melty cheeses like provolone. If fresh tomatoes aren't in season, the recipe offers optional cherry tomatoes for a similar burst of flavor. Feel free to adjust the garlic salt and black pepper to your personal taste, and a sprinkle of fresh shredded basil makes an optional, fragrant garnish.
These roll-ups are ideal for a cozy date night in, a dinner party with friends, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something delicious and comforting. Serve them alongside a light green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra pesto goodness.