Ricotta Chicken Rollups: A Hug on a Plate

There are those evenings, aren’t there? The ones where the fridge looks a little sparse, you’ve got a tub of ricotta cheese staring you down, and you just need something comforting yet relatively effortless to whip up. I remember one such evening vividly. I’d been experimenting in the kitchen all day, and by the time dinner rolled around, my culinary energy reserves were depleted. I spotted that ricotta and a spark ignited. What if I could combine it with some thinly pounded chicken breasts, some vibrant herbs, and a rich tomato sauce? The result was not just “quite good,” as my initial scribbled note might suggest, but a revelation in simple, satisfying cooking. It’s the kind of dish that feels both familiar and special, a true testament to how humble ingredients can create something truly delightful.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 6 rollups
• Dietary Type: Contains Dairy, Gluten (if served with bread)

Ingredients

This recipe celebrates simplicity, allowing the quality of a few key ingredients to shine through. You’ll need:

• 6 chicken breasts, very thin (often labeled as “thin-cut” or “cutlets”)
• 1/2 lb part-skim ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (reserve about half for topping)
• 2 teaspoons fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced (about 2-3 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 8 ounces tomato sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Equipment Needed

To bring these Ricotta Chicken Rollups to life, you’ll want to have these on hand:

• A baking sheet
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper for lining the baking sheet
• A medium bowl for mixing the filling
• A spoon for scooping
• An oven preheated to the correct temperature

Instructions

Crafting these rollups is a straightforward process, perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy cleanup.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (you’ll use the rest for topping), the chopped kalamata olives, the chopped basil, oregano, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Stir this mixture gently until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Lay out your thin chicken breasts flat on a clean surface or directly on the prepared baking sheet. If your chicken breasts are not already very thin, you can pound them to about ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan. This ensures even cooking and makes them easier to roll.
4. Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the ricotta cheese mixture onto one end of each chicken breast. The exact amount will depend on the size of your chicken pieces.
5. Carefully roll up each chicken breast, starting from the end with the filling, ensuring the filling is enclosed within the chicken. Place the rolled chicken pieces seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Once all the chicken is rolled and placed on the baking sheet, spoon the tomato sauce evenly over the top of each rollup.
7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce-covered rollups.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a rollup.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Ricotta Chicken Rollups from good to exceptional, consider these professional touches:

• Chicken Preparation: For truly uniform rollups, consider butterfly-ing thicker chicken breasts and then pounding them even thinner. This creates a more consistent thickness for rolling.
• Herb Power: If using dried herbs, a quick rub between your palms before adding them to the ricotta mixture will release their full aroma and flavor.
• Cheese Management: Don’t skimp on reserving that mozzarella for the topping! It creates a beautiful, golden crust that ties everything together.
• Sauce Savvy: While a good quality store-bought tomato sauce is perfectly fine, consider using a marinara sauce with a bit more depth of flavor for an extra layer of deliciousness. You could even add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
• Preventing Sticking: If you’re worried about sticking, a light coating of olive oil on the chicken before rolling, or ensuring your foil is well-creased, can help.
• Doneness Check: Beyond a thermometer, you can gently pierce a rollup with a fork. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Ricotta Chicken Rollups are wonderfully versatile. Serve them hot from the oven. They are fantastic on their own, or you can pair them with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside pasta, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a covered oven-safe dish at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) until heated through, or microwave them for a quick option. Freezing is also an option; cool completely, wrap individual rollups tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for these delicious Ricotta Chicken Rollups, based on a serving of one rollup:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	641.1 kcal
Calories from Fat	320 g
Total Fat	35.6 g	54%
Saturated Fat	14.6 g	72%
Cholesterol	193.1 mg	64%
Sodium	1006 mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate	11.3 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Sugars	3.3 g	13%
Protein	66.8 g	133%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is delightful as is, don’t hesitate to put your personal spin on it!

• Herb Swap: If fresh basil and oregano aren’t your favorites, try using fresh spinach (finely chopped) or chives in the ricotta mixture.
• Olive Alternatives: For a different flavor profile, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or even capers could be used instead of olives.
• Cheese Choices: While part-skim cheeses are specified for a lighter touch, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone for a sharper bite or a sprinkle of Parmesan in the filling for added savory notes.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Serve these rollups over gluten-free pasta or with a side of roasted vegetables for a completely gluten-free meal.

FAQs

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs can be a great substitute. They tend to stay moister during cooking. Ensure they are pounded thinly and adjust cooking time as needed; thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Q: What if my chicken breasts are too thick to roll easily?
A: If your chicken breasts are not thin enough, you can pound them thinner using a meat mallet, the flat side of a heavy skillet, or even a rolling pin between two pieces of plastic wrap. Aim for about ¼-inch thickness.

Q: How can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the filling and pound the chicken a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the rollups just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Q: Is it okay to add extra vegetables to the filling?
A: Absolutely! Finely chopped sautéed mushrooms or spinach would be delicious additions to the ricotta mixture. Just ensure they are cooked and drained well to avoid making the filling too watery.

Q: My rollups are falling apart. What did I do wrong?
A: This can happen if the chicken isn’t thin enough, or if you overfill them. Ensure you’re using very thin chicken and not packing too much filling onto each piece. Rolling them snugly and placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet also helps them hold their shape.

A Taste of Comfort

This Ricotta Chicken Rollup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to create something genuinely comforting and delicious with minimal fuss. It’s proof that simple ingredients, thoughtfully prepared, can bring immense satisfaction to your table. I encourage you to try it, to taste the harmonious blend of creamy ricotta, savory chicken, and bright herbs, all brought together by a luscious tomato sauce. Share it with loved ones, or simply savor it yourself – it’s a hug on a plate, any way you slice it. Enjoy!