Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups: Easy Cheesy Weeknight Dinner
Introduction To Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups
If you love pizza and crave juicy, cheesy chicken dinners, then you’re in for a treat. Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups are a delicious twist on both classics. Imagine tender chicken breasts pounded thin, rolled up with gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce, all baked to golden perfection and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Plus, it’s family-friendly, customizable, and easier to make than you’d think!
Why is this Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups so popular?
Because it combines two all-time favorites: pizza and chicken. This recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza—cheese, sauce, seasoning, and spice—but wraps it in tender, oven-baked chicken breasts for a meal that’s satisfying without being too heavy or carb-laden.
It’s also kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and naturally gluten-free (depending on the ingredients you choose). And did we mention how great it looks when sliced on a plate with cheese oozing out? Total crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups:
- 🍕 All the flavor of pizza with fewer carbs
- 🧀 Melty mozzarella and pepperoni packed inside juicy chicken
- 🧂 Seasoned to perfection with Italian spices
- 🍅 Topped with rich, bubbling pizza sauce
- 👨👩👧 Kid-friendly and fun to assemble together
- 🔁 Great for meal prep and leftovers
- 🧼 Minimal cleanup and one-pan baking
Ingredients For Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups:
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
For the Chicken Roll-Ups:
- 🍗 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin to ¼ inch thickness)
- 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
- 🌿 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 🧀 8 slices mozzarella cheese (or 1½ cups shredded mozzarella)
- 🍕 24 slices pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings)
- 🧈 1 tbsp olive oil, for searing
For the Sauce & Topping:
- 🍅 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 🧀 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌱 Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- 🧄 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Optional Fillings (Customizable):
- 🌶️ Sliced black olives
- 🍄 Sautéed mushrooms
- 🌶️ Bell peppers or jalapeños
- 🧅 Caramelized onions
- 🫑 Chopped spinach
How To Make Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups:
Step 1: Preheat and prep your ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper. Lay out all your ingredients so assembly goes smoothly.
Step 2: Flatten the chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to about ¼-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and easy rolling.
Step 3: Season the chicken
Sprinkle both sides of the flattened chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This builds a flavorful base.
Step 4: Assemble the roll-ups
Lay 2 slices of mozzarella (or a generous spoonful of shredded cheese) onto each chicken breast. Add 6 slices of pepperoni, spacing them evenly. Add optional fillings now if desired.
Carefully roll each chicken breast up tightly, starting from the short end. Secure with toothpicks if needed to hold them closed.
Step 5: Optional sear for flavor
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each roll-up for 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly golden. This adds flavor and helps the rolls keep their shape, but you can skip this step if short on time.
Step 6: Bake the roll-ups
Place seared (or raw) roll-ups into your prepared baking dish. Spoon pizza sauce evenly over the top of each one. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is bubbling.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm with extra sauce on the side!
Variation:
- 🍄 Veggie pizza roll-ups: Skip the pepperoni and use mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
- 🧀 Extra cheesy version: Add ricotta or cream cheese to the filling for a creamier bite.
- 🌶️ Spicy roll-ups: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
- 🍞 Breaded roll-ups: Dredge in breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy finish.
- 🌮 Mexican twist: Swap pizza sauce for salsa, mozzarella for cheddar, and pepperoni for chorizo.
COOKING Note:
These roll-ups are very forgiving and work with all kinds of fillings and sauces. But a few key tips ensure success:
- Don’t overstuff the chicken, or it may unroll during baking.
- Use toothpicks to hold them tight—just don’t forget to remove them before serving!
- Pound the chicken thin for even cooking and easy rolling.
- Don’t skip resting the roll-ups after baking—it helps the juices redistribute and keeps them moist.
Serving Suggestions:
- 🍝 Serve over pasta tossed in marinara or garlic butter.
- 🥗 Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad.
- 🥖 Add garlic bread or breadsticks for the full pizza-parlor experience.
- 🍆 For a low-carb meal, serve with roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles.
- 🍷 Pair with red wine or a sparkling Italian soda.
Tips:
- 🔁 Meal prep: Assemble roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly: Freeze assembled (unbaked) roll-ups for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cooking time.
- 🔥 Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to keep the cheese melty.
- 🧂 Taste your sauce before baking—adjust seasoning if needed with extra herbs or garlic.
- 🧀 Use a blend of cheeses for complex flavor—mozzarella + provolone or fontina works great.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
30–35 minutes
Total Time:
50–55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per roll-up, approx.):
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 6g
FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, but make sure to pound them flat and trim excess fat. Thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook.
Q: Can I make this in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through. Use foil to keep sauce from dripping.
Q: Is this keto-friendly?
A: Yes—just check your pizza sauce for added sugars. The base recipe is naturally low-carb.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Mozzarella is traditional, but provolone, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses will also work beautifully.
Q: Can I prepare this the night before?
A: Definitely. Assemble, cover tightly, and store in the fridge. Add sauce just before baking.
Conclusion:
Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups are the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making over and over again. They’re easy, satisfying, and packed with everything you love about pizza, melty cheese, flavorful sauce, and savory fillings—all tucked inside juicy, oven-baked chicken. Whether you serve them with pasta, salad, or straight from the baking dish, they bring big flavor to any table.
They’re great for picky eaters, meal prep, low-carb diets, or just a fun twist on dinner that makes everyone smile.
