Cheesy Herb-Infused Mozzarella & Red Pepper Chicken Roll-ups Recipe
Sizzling and packed with flavor, these mozzarella & red pepper chicken roll-ups dance with pesto in a delightful culinary embrace.
Mediterranean-inspired ingredients weave magic into every bite of this chicken roll-ups with pesto.
Tender chicken breasts unfurl into golden parcels of deliciousness.
Melted mozzarella peeks through vibrant red pepper strips, creating a visual feast for hungry diners.
Fresh basil pesto adds a bright, herbaceous punch that elevates each roll.
Crisp edges and gooey cheese promise a meal that satisfies from the first forkful.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend gathering, these roll-ups deliver restaurant-quality excitement straight from your kitchen.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 365 kcal
Servings: 5
What’s Needed for Mozzarella Red Pepper Chicken Roll Ups
For Protein Base:
Chicken Cutlets: Lean, tender cuts perfect for rolling, choose evenly thin slices for consistent cooking.
Sea Salt and Fresh Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance chicken's natural flavor and add depth to the dish.
For Filling and Flavor Enhancers:
Fire-Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet, smoky peppers that bring vibrant color and rich Mediterranean-style taste.
Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully, creating a luxurious texture inside the roll-ups.
Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that infuses traditional Italian warmth and complexity into the chicken.
For Sauce and Final Touch:
Pesto Sauce: Bright, herbaceous sauce made from basil, garlic, and olive oil that adds fresh, zesty notes to the chicken roll-ups, serving both as a marinade and finishing sauce.
Kitchen Tools for Mozzarella Chicken Roll Ups
Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy cooking and cleanup.
Toothpicks: Essential for securing chicken rolls tightly.
Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting chicken cutlets and preparing ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately portion cheese, pesto, and seasonings.
Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Useful for spreading pesto evenly on chicken.
Instructions for Red Pepper Chicken Roll Ups with Pesto
Culinary Prep Kitchen workspace ready with clean surfaces and essential tools nearby.
Chicken Canvas Thin chicken cutlets spread flat, waiting to transform into a delightful rolled masterpiece.
Tasty Layers Green pesto spread generously across each cutlet, creating a vibrant foundation. Sweet roasted red pepper nestled at one end, followed by a blanket of melty mozzarella cheese.
Rolling Technique Carefully curl chicken from narrow side, tucking fillings inside. Secure each bundle with toothpicks, creating beautiful compact rolls. Dust with herbal seasonings for an extra flavor punch.
Oven Magic Slide prepared rolls into a preheated 400°F oven. Let heat work its transformative powers, cooking chicken until golden and perfectly tender.
Serving Spectacle Gently remove toothpicks. Crown each roll with an artistic dollop of remaining pesto, ready to delight taste buds with Mediterranean-inspired elegance.
Cooking Tips for Chicken Roll Ups with Mozzarella
Jazz up the pesto by mixing in fresh chopped basil or a splash of lemon juice for an extra bright, zesty flavor profile that will make these chicken roll-ups sing.
Prepare the roll-ups up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Just pop them in the oven when you're ready to cook, adding 5 minutes to the baking time.
Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or goat cheese to create unique flavor combinations that match your mood or pantry ingredients.
Skip the traditional breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a crispy coating if you're watching your carbohydrate intake. This hack adds extra crunch without the extra carbs.
Swap roasted red peppers with other grilled vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or thin asparagus spears to add more nutrition and variety to your roll-ups.
Serving Mozzarella Chicken Roll Ups with Sauce
Italian Feast Night: Transform your dining table into a vibrant Italian-inspired experience by pairing these chicken roll-ups with a crisp arugula salad and crusty garlic bread.
Elegant Plating Technique: Slice the roll-ups diagonally to showcase the beautiful layers of mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and pesto, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation that impresses guests.
Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich, herbal flavors of the dish with a chilled glass of pinot grigio or a light-bodied chardonnay that enhances the pesto's brightness and chicken's tenderness.
Leftover Magic: Repurpose extra roll-ups by chopping them into bite-sized pieces and tossing with mixed greens for a quick lunch or transforming them into a delicious wrap the next day.
How to Keep Chicken Roll Ups Fresh
Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken roll-ups in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed containers keep food fresh and prevent bacterial growth in your refrigerator.
Quick Cooling Technique: Allow roll-ups to reach room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents condensation and maintains the crispy exterior texture of the chicken.
Optimal Storage Duration: Enjoy refrigerated roll-ups within 3-4 days for maximum flavor and food safety. Always check for any unusual odors or discoloration before reheating.
Reheating Magic: Warm roll-ups in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwave as a quick alternative, but expect softer results compared to oven reheating.
Satisfying mozzarella & red pepper chicken roll-ups with pesto emerge as a delightful Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Melted cheese, roasted peppers, and herbal pesto combine to create a quick and flavorful meal you will savor with each bite.
Ingredients
Scale
4 chicken cutlets
1 ⅓ cups (335 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 jarred fire-roasted red peppers
½ cup (120 ml) pesto sauce
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Sea salt
Fresh black pepper
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cooking and cleanup.
Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly dry chicken cutlets, then season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper to amplify natural flavors.
Flavor Foundation: Spread basil pesto across each cutlet from edge to edge, creating a vibrant herbal base for the roll-ups.
Filling Assembly: Layer roasted red pepper at the narrow end of each cutlet, topped with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
Rolling Technique: Carefully roll cutlets from the narrow end, forming tight cylinders that encase the colorful filling completely.
Securing and Seasoning: Anchor each roll with 2-3 toothpicks and dust exterior with Italian seasoning blend to enhance aromatic profile.
Baking Process: Slide baking sheet into preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature, ensuring thorough cooking.
Finishing Touch: Allow roll-ups to rest 3-5 minutes for juice redistribution, remove toothpicks, and drizzle with additional pesto sauce before serving piping hot.
Notes
Ensure Moisture Control: Pat chicken cutlets completely dry to prevent soggy roll-ups and promote perfect golden-brown exterior.
Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results.
Toothpick Pro Tip: Insert toothpicks diagonally through roll-ups to keep them secure and prevent unraveling during baking.
Flavor Enhancement: Allow roll-ups to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices and maximize tenderness.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.