Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic chicken dish. Tender chicken breasts are rolled up with a creamy ricotta filling, seasoned with fresh herbs that bring a burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of juicy chicken and the rich, herby cheese filling makes this dish both comforting and elegant.
I love making these chicken rolls when I want something a little special but still easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The ricotta mixture is super simple to prepare and you can really play around with your favorite herbs—basil, parsley, or thyme all work beautifully. It’s also fun to see the colorful filling tucked inside the chicken when you slice it, which always impresses my family.
My favorite way to serve these chicken rolls is alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies. They also hold up well for leftovers, so I often pack them for lunch the next day. If you like, you can drizzle a little olive oil or squeeze some lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors just before serving.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Pounding them thin helps the rolls cook evenly and stay tender. You can also use chicken thighs for more flavor, though they’ll take a bit more time to cook through.
Ricotta cheese: This soft cheese makes the filling creamy. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese worked through a sieve can be a simple substitute.
Fresh herbs: Parsley, rosemary, and thyme add fresh, bright notes. Use dried herbs if needed—reduce quantity to one-third since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and a mild earthy taste. You can swap in kale or Swiss chard, finely chopped and lightly cooked to soften.
Parmesan cheese: It adds a nice umami kick. Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are good alternatives if you want a sharper flavor.
How Do You Roll and Secure Chicken Without It Falling Apart?
Rolling chicken tightly and securing it well is key to keeping the filling inside and cooking evenly. Here’s how:
- Flatten evenly: Pound the chicken to about 1/4 inch thick. Thin pieces roll more easily and cook faster.
- Spread filling evenly: Leave a small border around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out.
- Roll firmly: Start rolling from a short edge, tucking in the filling as you go to avoid air pockets.
- Secure with twine or toothpicks: Use kitchen twine to tie rolls snugly or insert toothpicks through to hold everything in place.
- Sear seam side down: When browning in the pan, place rolls seam side down first so they seal better during cooking.
Taking these small steps makes slicing your chicken rolls clean and keeps the filling inside deliciously intact!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – to pound the chicken breasts evenly thin for easy rolling.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for combining the ricotta and herbs smoothly.
- Sharp knife – to slice the chicken and cut the rolls after baking cleanly.
- Ovenproof skillet or baking dish – for searing and baking the chicken rolls without extra cleanup.
- Kitchen twine or toothpicks – keeps the chicken rolls secure during cooking so filling stays inside.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap spinach for sautéed mushrooms for a deeper earthy flavor and soft texture.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes to the ricotta mix for a nice tangy burst that complements the herbs.
- Use feta cheese instead of ricotta for a saltier, sharper filling.
- Include chopped cooked bacon or prosciutto inside for smoky richness and extra protein.
How to Make Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Kitchen twine or toothpicks (for securing rolls)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. Add a few minutes more for searing the chicken rolls and resting them before serving. All in all, plan for roughly 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and gently pound each to about 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps the chicken roll easily and cook evenly.
2. Make the Ricotta Herb Filling:
Mix together the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, parsley, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until everything is well combined.
3. Assemble the Chicken Rolls:
Spread the ricotta herb mixture evenly over each flattened chicken breast. Roll each breast tightly from a short end and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
4. Sear and Bake:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken rolls seam side down and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Then transfer the skillet to the oven (or move the rolls to your prepared baking dish if your pan isn’t oven-safe) and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken rolls and let them rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs if you like. Slice and serve warm, garnished with a sprig of rosemary and your favorite sides.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before pounding and rolling. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture during searing.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese strained to remove excess liquid works well. You can also try cream cheese for a richer texture, though it will slightly change the flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken tender and filling creamy.
Can I Prepare These Chicken Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if cooking from chilled.
