If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly marries crispy texture with creamy, tangy bursts of flavor, then the Crispy Chicken Roll-Ups with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Filling Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts rolled around a lush goat cheese and sun-dried tomato mixture, then crowned with a crunchy, herb-infused panko topping. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds and impressing anyone lucky enough to share your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is essential, contributing to the balance of creamy filling, savory chicken, and crisp topping. These components work harmoniously to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture in every bite.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Fresh and pounded thin for easy rolling and even cooking.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of fruitiness and helps crisp the chicken exterior perfectly.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing every layer of flavor.
- Non-stick spray: Keeps your baking sheet clean and prevents sticking.
- 5 ounce goat cheese log: Soft, tangy, and creamy – the heart of the filling.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, chopped): Bursts of intense, sweet-tart flavor throughout the filling.
- 1 plump garlic clove (minced): Adds aromatic warmth that complements the cheese and tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Herbal note that elevates the savory profile.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the filling’s depth.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to the filling.
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs: Creates the irresistible crunchy topping.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Coats the panko, helping it crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses the topping with a lovely herbaceous flavor.
- Pinch of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes: Rounds out the topping with seasoning and just a hint of heat.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Roll-Ups with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Pound the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, followed by a light spray of non-stick spray. Next, take your fresh chicken breasts and carefully butterfly each one open. Using a meat mallet or even a rolling pin, pound the chicken to about ¼ inch thickness to create an even surface that’s perfect for rolling. This step ensures your roll-ups cook evenly and stay tender.
Step 2: Make the Goat Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine that gorgeous goat cheese with mayonnaise, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and smooth with no lumps of cheese remaining. This filling is the flavor powerhouse of your Crispy Chicken Roll-Ups with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Filling Recipe, so getting it just right is key.
Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Roll-Ups
Spread a generous layer of the goat cheese filling over about three-quarters of each flattened chicken breast. Then, carefully roll each breast up like a burrito to fully enclose that delicious filling. Place the rolls seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry if things get a little messy—this is part of the magic, and it will all come together beautifully. Drizzle the rolls with olive oil and sprinkle them with kosher salt and black pepper for that perfect savory touch.
Step 4: Bake and Add the Crunchy Topping
Pop the chicken roll-ups into the oven and bake for 15 minutes to start the cooking process. Meanwhile, mix together panko bread crumbs, mayonnaise, dried basil, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Once the initial bake is done, remove the chicken and pile on this crunchy topping generously over each roll. Carefully return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the panko turns beautifully golden and crispy, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the rolls rest for five minutes before serving to keep all that juicy goodness locked inside.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Roll-Ups with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Filling Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add fresh bursts of flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add a sweet tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with the rich goat cheese and savory chicken.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside simple, complementing sides like roasted asparagus, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or buttery garlic mashed potatoes. Each offers a different texture that balances the crispy roll-ups while enhancing the meal with freshness and comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the roll-ups into pinwheels for a charming appetizer or party platter. Arrange these bite-sized pieces on a beautiful serving board with colorful roasted vegetables or a medley of olives and roasted peppers for an impressive spread that’s as tasty as it is eye-catching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Chicken Roll-Ups with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Filling Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to allow the chicken to cool completely before storing to maintain its texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this delicious dish later, you can freeze the roll-ups before baking. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the roll-ups in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the crust soggy and the chicken tough.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese provides a tangy creaminess that’s unique, cream cheese or ricotta can be good substitutes if you’re looking for a milder flavor or something you already have on hand.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil?
If you have sun-dried tomatoes without oil, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to plump them up before chopping. This will help bring out their flavor and softness in the filling.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken thin?
Pounding the chicken thin is key for even cooking and for making it easier to roll without tearing. It ensures the roll-ups cook through perfectly and have a tender texture.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular panko bread crumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain that irresistible crunchy topping.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer. When the internal temperature hits 165°F, your chicken is safely cooked through and ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Roll-Ups with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Filling Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special yet is easy enough for any weeknight. The harmony of creamy, tangy filling with a crunchy topping creates an experience that’s comforting, exciting, and utterly crave-worthy. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly find it becoming a beloved favorite in your home too!
Print
Crispy Chicken Roll-Ups with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Chicken with Goat Cheese & Sun Dried Tomatoes recipe features tender chicken breasts rolled with a creamy, flavorful goat cheese filling and topped with a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust. Baked to golden perfection, this dish combines tangy goat cheese, savory sun dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs for an impressive yet easy-to-make main course perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – fresh, not frozen
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Non-stick spray, for baking sheet
Goat Cheese Filling
- 5 ounce goat cheese log, softened by removing from fridge 20 minutes prior
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 plump garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Crunchy Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts to about ¼ inch thickness. For best results, butterfly the chicken open before pounding. This helps ensure even cooking and easier rolling.
- Make the Goat Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, mayonnaise, chopped sun dried tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and no clumps remain.
- Assemble the Chicken Rolls: Spread a few spoonfuls of the goat cheese mixture evenly over each flattened chicken breast, covering about ¾ of the surface. Carefully roll the chicken breasts over the filling like a burrito, making sure to keep the filling inside. Place the rolls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each roll with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Initial Baking: Place the chicken rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to start cooking the chicken.
- Prepare the Crunchy Topping: While the chicken bakes, mix together panko bread crumbs, mayonnaise, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until the mayo evenly coats all the panko crumbs.
- Add the Crunchy Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the chicken from the oven and generously pile the panko breadcrumb mixture onto each chicken roll. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Baking time may vary depending on chicken thickness, so check with an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute before serving. Enjoy your crispy stuffed chicken hot for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Soften the goat cheese before mixing to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin and butterfly the chicken for evenly thin pieces for rolling.
- Ensure the chicken is rolled tightly to keep the filling inside during baking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- The crunchy panko topping can be adjusted with spices to your preference.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking helps keep it juicy.
