Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls

Picture this: perfectly breaded chicken, golden and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, all wrapped up around a melty, cheesy filling with a rich marinara sauce, and topped with more gooey cheese. Heavenly, right? That’s exactly what you get with these Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls—a playful twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you’re looking for a fun family dinner, a hearty meal for two, or something to wow your guests, these rolls are sure to become a favorite. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a master chef. Trust me, this dish will have you craving seconds.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls

These crispy chicken rolls take the best parts of Chicken Parmesan and roll them up into a neat, delicious package. Here’s why they’re an absolute winner:

Perfectly Crispy & Golden

The chicken is breaded and fried to golden perfection, giving it that crispy crunch you love in a great Chicken Parmesan, but with an extra fun, rolled-up twist.

Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Goodness

Each roll is stuffed with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, making each bite irresistibly gooey. It’s a cheesy lover’s dream!

Flavor Packed

From the savory chicken to the tangy marinara sauce, the combination of flavors in these rolls is absolutely mouthwatering. It’s like all your favorite Italian flavors wrapped up in one neat package.

Simple Ingredients

With a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came straight from a fancy Italian restaurant. No complicated steps here—just pure, straightforward comfort food.

Make-Ahead Friendly

These rolls can be prepped ahead of time, making them perfect for busy nights when you want to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without a ton of work right before dinner.

Ingredients

To make these crispy chicken parmesan rolls, you’ll need a few pantry staples, along with fresh chicken breasts and melty cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Rolls:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The base for our crispy rolls. Tender and juicy, they’ll hold all the cheesy goodness inside.
• Mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that makes these rolls extra special.
• Parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty cheese to add depth and flavor to the filling.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with classic Italian flavors.
• Breadcrumbs: For that golden, crispy coating.
• Eggs: To help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
• Flour: For a light dusting before breading.
• Olive oil: For frying the chicken to crispy perfection.

For the Sauce:

• Marinara sauce: To spoon over the chicken rolls before serving. You can use store-bought or homemade—either way, it adds the perfect amount of tang and richness.
• Fresh basil (optional): For garnish, adding a touch of freshness and color.

Instructions

Time to get cooking! These crispy chicken parmesan rolls are simple to make, but they’ll taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by flattening the chicken breasts. Place each one between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re about 1/2-inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to roll up.

Step 2: Stuff the Chicken

Lay the flattened chicken breasts on a clean surface and season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese in the center of each chicken breast.

Step 3: Roll ‘Em Up

Carefully roll up each chicken breast around the cheesy filling, securing it with toothpicks if needed. You want the rolls to be snug, but not so tight that the cheese will spill out when it melts.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:

1. Flour in the first bowl.
2. Beaten eggs in the second bowl.
3. Breadcrumbs (seasoned with a little more Italian seasoning and Parmesan) in the third bowl.

Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip it into the egg, and coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. Make sure every surface is covered so you get a nice, crispy crust when you fry.

Step 5: Fry the Rolls

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking!), carefully add the chicken rolls to the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and crispy. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the chicken rolls are golden and crispy, transfer them to a baking dish. Spoon a little marinara sauce over each roll, then sprinkle with more mozzarella cheese. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the toothpicks, plate the chicken rolls, and garnish with fresh basil (if you like). Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~400-500 calories (depending on portion size and the type of breading used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls

These rolls are hearty enough to stand on their own, but you can pair them with these tasty sides to complete the meal:

• Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with some warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up that extra marinara sauce.
• A Fresh Salad: Pair these with a crisp Caesar or Italian salad for a lighter side that balances out the richness of the chicken rolls.
• Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers complement the flavors of the rolls and add a nutritious touch.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prep these chicken rolls a day or two ahead. Simply bread and roll them up, store in the fridge, and fry when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze them before frying for a quick meal on a busy day!
• Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—Provolone, fontina, or even a bit of ricotta mixed in can add some extra richness.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken with eggplant or zucchini slices for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes, chicken thighs will work great, especially if you want a juicier result. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftover chicken rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep the breading crispy.

Q3: Can I freeze these?
A3: Yes, these chicken rolls freeze beautifully. After breading and rolling, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes.

Q4: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A4: You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should already be gluten-free.

Q5: Can I skip frying the rolls?
A5: If you’re looking to make it a little lighter, you can skip the frying and bake the rolls directly after breading them. Just drizzle a bit of olive oil over them before baking to help them crisp up.

Q6: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
A6: Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce works just fine, but homemade is always a great option if you have the time.

Q7: What’s the best way to reheat these rolls?
A7: The best way to reheat these chicken rolls is to bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps preserve the crispy texture.

Q8: Can I make the filling spicier?
A8: Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the rolls before baking for a spicy kick.

Q9: Can I make these in advance and bake later?
A9: Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

Q10: What’s a good side dish for these chicken rolls?
A10: A nice side of pasta,

roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad would pair beautifully with these crispy chicken parmesan rolls!

Conclusion

These Crispy Chicken Parmesan Rolls are the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and comforting. They’re a fun twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress your family and guests alike. With crispy chicken, melty cheese, and savory marinara sauce, this dish is everything you love about Chicken Parmesan—rolled into a fun, easy-to-serve package. Make it tonight and enjoy every bite!

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