Rolled Chicken Recipe

Easy Chicken Roulade Stuffed Rolled Baked Breast is my go to dinner for those nights when I want something that feels special, but I do not want to babysit a complicated recipe. You know the vibe, you have chicken breasts in the fridge, you are bored of the same old seasoning routine, and everyone is asking what is for dinner. This is the kind of meal that looks like you tried really hard, yet it is honestly just rolling, stuffing, and baking. It also solves the classic problem of dry chicken, because the filling keeps everything tender and flavorful. If you are cooking for guests, it gets that little wow moment when you slice it.

Chicken Roulade Fillings

Let us talk about the fun part: what goes inside. The filling is where you can use what you already have, clean out the fridge, or stick to a tried and true combo. For this Easy Chicken Roulade Stuffed Rolled Baked Breast, I usually aim for something creamy plus something salty plus something green. That balance gives you big flavor without needing a ton of extra sauce.

Here is my favorite filling combo that I keep coming back to:

• Cream cheese or ricotta for that creamy center
• Spinach (fresh or thawed frozen, squeezed dry)
• Garlic (fresh minced or garlic powder in a pinch)
• Parmesan for a salty punch
• Sun dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers if you want extra color

If you love the broccoli and cheese situation, you will probably want to peek at this easy broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken too. It is the same comforting idea, just a different shape.

For a more classic feel, you can do ham and Swiss, or mozzarella with pesto. And if you are a crispy topping person, my weeknight brain always thinks about this easy baked chicken parmesan because that cheesy baked vibe is hard to beat.

Quick note on moisture: if you use watery veggies like mushrooms or zucchini, cook them first and let them cool. If you do not, they can leak and make the roulade a bit slippery inside. Still tasty, just messier.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Rolled Chicken

I have made this enough times to know what makes it go smoothly. The first time I tried a roulade, I overstuffed it and it basically burst open like it had big opinions about being rolled. It still tasted great, but it taught me a few things.

My simple step by step method

Here is how I do it in my kitchen, without fancy tools:

1) Flatten the chicken
Put the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a zip bag. Pound it with a rolling pin or the bottom of a pan until it is an even thickness. Not paper thin, just even so it cooks evenly.

2) Season every layer
Salt, pepper, a little paprika, maybe Italian seasoning. Season the inside and outside. It makes a difference.

3) Add filling, but do not overdo it
Leave a small border around the edges so it can seal when you roll.

4) Roll tight and secure
Roll from the narrow end if you can. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine. Toothpicks are totally fine for home cooking.

5) Bake until done
Bake at 400 F until the thickest part hits 165 F. I trust a simple instant read thermometer more than guesswork. Let it rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing so the juices stay put.

If you are nervous about dryness, do not be. Stuffed chicken holds moisture really well. But if you want another super reliable baked option for busy nights, I also make this deliciously juicy oven baked chicken breast recipe when I just want simple and foolproof.

Also, here is a real life little testimonial moment because I made this for a friend who claims she cannot cook chicken without turning it into sawdust:

“I tried your roulade method and my chicken was actually juicy. I felt like I cheated, it looked fancy and everyone thought I ordered it.”

Last tip: slice with a sharp knife using gentle pressure. If you saw back and forth aggressively, the filling can smear and you lose that pretty swirl.

Variations to Try

This recipe is basically a template, which is why I love it. Once you get the rolling part down, you can make it match your mood. I have done cozy versions in winter and lighter ones in summer, and it always works.

Three easy flavor directions

1) Bacon and herb
Wrap the outside with bacon or tuck bits of cooked bacon in the filling with chives and cream cheese. If bacon is calling your name, you might also like this deliciously easy bacon wrapped air fryer chicken breast recipe for another weeknight win.

2) Mediterranean style
Feta, spinach, olives, and a little lemon zest. Serve it with a cucumber salad and it feels fresh and bright.

3) Pizza night roulade
Mozzarella, pepperoni, a spoon of thick marinara, and Italian seasoning. Go light on sauce so it does not leak.

For a slightly heartier meal where your side dish basically cooks along with the chicken, I am also into this easy air fryer chicken breast and potatoes. Different method, same goal: dinner without drama.

And if you are tracking your go to combos, here is a handy spot for your notes: ; use it like a quick cheat sheet for fillings, bake time, and what sides you liked best.

Serving Suggestions

The best part about Easy Chicken Roulade Stuffed Rolled Baked Breast is that it plays nice with almost any side. Since the chicken has a flavorful center, I usually keep the sides simple and let the slices be the star.

Here are some serving ideas that work in real life, like on a Tuesday:

• Roasted veggies like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus
• Mashed potatoes or a quick garlic butter rice
• Simple salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
• Pasta tossed with olive oil, parmesan, and pepper
• Pan sauce made from the baking juices plus a splash of broth and a small knob of butter

If you want to make it feel extra cozy, spoon a little warmed marinara on the plate, then lay your sliced roulade on top. It is one of those small moves that makes dinner look restaurant-ish, even if you are wearing sweatpants.

When I am serving kids or picky eaters, I go with buttered noodles and a veggie they will actually eat. No shame in keeping it simple.

Making it Ahead

This is one of my favorite things to prep early because it makes the evening so much easier. You can assemble everything, tuck it into the fridge, then bake when you are ready. It is also great for guests because you are not scrambling while people are chatting in your kitchen.

How I prep it for later

Option 1: Assemble and refrigerate
Roll and secure the chicken, then place it seam side down in a baking dish. Cover well and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When it is time, bake as usual. You might need a few extra minutes since it is starting cold.

Option 2: Freeze before baking
Freeze the rolled chicken on a tray until firm, then wrap tightly and store up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking for best texture.

Option 3: Bake and reheat
If you bake it ahead, let it cool, slice, and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or sauce so it stays moist.

One safety note I take seriously: do not leave raw stuffed chicken sitting around at room temperature. Keep it chilled until it goes into the oven, and always cook to 165 F in the thickest part.

Common Questions

Do I have to pound the chicken?
It really helps. If the chicken is uneven, the thin part overcooks while the thick part is still catching up. Even thickness makes everything easier to roll and bake.

What if my roulade unrolls while baking?
It happens. Use more toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine. Also do not overfill. If it opens a little, it is still totally edible.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Leave a border around the edges, roll tightly, and avoid super wet fillings. If using spinach, squeeze it dry. Thick fillings behave better than runny ones.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
You can, but it is trickier to roll neatly. If you do, use boneless skinless thighs and overlap them to make a flat layer, then roll.

How do I know it is done without drying it out?
Use a thermometer and pull it right at 165 F, then rest before slicing. Resting is a big deal for keeping it juicy.

A cozy final note before you cook

If you try Easy Chicken Roulade Stuffed Rolled Baked Breast once, you will see why I keep it in my back pocket for busy weeks and casual dinner guests. It is simple, flexible, and it slices up so pretty that it makes you feel like you have your life together for a minute. If you want more ideas and a slightly different spin, these two guides are worth a look: Chicken Roulade Recipe – Mon Petit Four® and Easy Baked Stuffed Rolled Chicken – Real Food by Dad. Now go grab those chicken breasts and pick a filling you actually get excited about. You have got this.