Description
Creamy Chicken Roll Ups are a comforting main dish featuring tender chicken wrapped around a rich garlic herb cheese filling and fresh spinach. Each roll is seared until golden, then finished in a silky parmesan cream sauce. The result is a flavorful, satisfying meal that feels special but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (about 1 to 1.5 pounds, pounded thin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for pan)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried blend)
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (fine)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 cup Boursin cheese, garlic and herb (softened)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (crumbled)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Zest from 1 lemon (optional, finely grated)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken (Room Temp, 10 minutes): Pound chicken to 1/4-inch thickness at room temperature (about 70°F). Season evenly; chicken should look uniformly coated and slightly glossy.
- Add Filling (Room Temp, 5 minutes): Spread Boursin over each piece, top with spinach and mozzarella. Filling should be evenly distributed without overpacking.
- Roll & Secure (Room Temp, 5 minutes): Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks. Rolls should hold shape firmly without filling spilling out.
- Preheat Pan (Medium Heat ~350°F, 2 minutes): Heat a skillet with olive oil until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sear Chicken (Medium Heat ~350°F, 10–12 minutes): Place seam-side down and sear 3 minutes per side (4 sides total). Chicken should be golden brown and reach 165°F internally.
- Rest Chicken (Room Temp, 5 minutes): Remove and rest; juices should redistribute and toothpicks can be removed safely.
- Start Sauce (Medium Heat ~325°F, 2 minutes): Melt butter, add garlic, cook until fragrant and lightly golden (not browned).
- Build Sauce (Medium-Low Heat ~300°F, 5 minutes): Add cream, milk, and bouillon. Stir until dissolved; mixture should gently simmer with small bubbles.
- Thicken Sauce (Low Heat ~285°F, 3–4 minutes): Add seasoning, nutmeg, and parmesan. Stir until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine & Finish (Low Heat ~285°F, 2 minutes): Return chicken, spoon sauce over, and simmer briefly. Chicken should be heated through and glossy with sauce.
Notes
- Substitute Boursin with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs if unavailable.
- Make ahead by assembling rolls up to 24 hours in advance; store covered in the refrigerator.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat (~275°F) for 8–10 minutes, adding a splash of milk if needed.
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Array