Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups: Easy Weeknight Dinner

Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? Get ready to be amazed by our Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups. This dish combines tender chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and fresh broccoli. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, loved by everyone in your family.

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups

Key Takeaways

  • Delicious blend of chicken, cheese, and broccoli for a satisfying meal
  • Quick and convenient weeknight dinner option
  • Versatile recipe that can be made ahead and frozen
  • Nutritious and high in protein, dairy, and chicken
  • Comfort food that melts in your mouth with rave reviews from users

What Makes Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Special

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups are a delightful dish. They offer a perfect mix of flavors and textures. These stuffed chicken breasts are easy to make and won’t break the bank. They’re great for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Key Benefits and Features

These rollups stand out because of the high-quality Cabot Cheddar Cheese used. It’s aged naturally and is lactose-free and gluten-free. The recipe is also designed to be affordable, perfect for those watching their budget.

Perfect for Family Dinners

These stuffed chicken breasts are loved by both kids and adults. The mix of broccoli, cheddar, and crispy breadcrumbs makes a satisfying meal. It’s a dish that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

Make-Ahead Option

One of the best things about Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups is that you can make them ahead of time. You can prep them up to the breading stage, then refrigerate or freeze them. This makes meal planning easier and saves time on busy nights.

With their tasty flavors, budget-friendly price, and versatility, Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups are a special dish. They’re sure to become a favorite in your home.

“The recipe was a hit with my family. The chicken was moist and flavorful, and the broccoli and cheddar were the perfect complement. I love that it’s a make-ahead option, too!”

Essential Ingredients and Equipment

To make the tasty Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups, you’ll need some key items. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh or frozen broccoli florets, and shredded Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese. You’ll also need eggs, seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, butter, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.

You’ll need a 9×13″ baking dish, a cheese grater, and toothpicks to hold the rollups together. You’ll also need shallow bowls for breading and a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the chicken. You can also use plastic wrap to cover the chicken while pounding it.

Ingredient Quantity
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts 4 chicken breasts
Broccoli Florets 3 1/2 cups (525 g)
Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese 2 cups (200 g)
Cream Cheese 8 oz (225 g)
Panko Breadcrumbs 14 oz (390 g)
All-Purpose Flour 1 cup (125 g)
Butter As needed
Eggs As needed
Seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning) To taste

With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a delicious Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups dish. It’s great for weeknight dinners or special events.

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Ingredients

How to Butterfly and Prepare Chicken Breasts

Preparing chicken breasts is key to making tasty Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups. You can either butterfly or make a pocket in the chicken. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.

Proper Butterflying Technique

To butterfly the chicken, cut the breast horizontally. This makes it thinner and more even. Place the chicken on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice through the middle. Stop just before cutting all the way through.

This method opens the chicken like a book. It doubles the surface area without changing the thickness.

Tips for Even Thickness

  1. Place the butterflied or pocketed chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap.
  2. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken, creating an even thickness throughout.
  3. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking.

Safety Considerations

  • Always use separate cutting boards for raw chicken and other ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw poultry.
  • Disinfect all surfaces that have come into contact with the raw chicken to maintain food safety.

By following these steps for butterflying chicken and ensuring even thickness, you’ll make tender, juicy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups. They’re perfect for serving and enjoying.

Broccoli Cheddar Filling Preparation

The secret to tasty Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups is in the filling. I start by microwaving 1.5 cups of fresh broccoli florets for about 1 minute. This makes them soft and keeps their color and nutrients.

Then, I mix the broccoli with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 4 ounces of softened cream cheese or ricotta, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt. This mix of cheese mixture, broccoli preparation, and seasoning blend makes the filling incredibly flavorful.

I make sure to mix everything well. This ensures every bite is full of flavor and balanced.

“The broccoli cheddar filling is the star of this dish, adding both texture and a burst of flavor to the tender chicken.”

broccoli cheddar filling

Now that the filling is ready, I’m ready to assemble these Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups.

Step-by-Step Rolling and Breading Process

Getting the chicken roll-ups just right is all about the rolling and breading. Let’s go through each step to make sure your broccoli cheddar chicken roll-ups are crispy and tasty.

Securing the Rollups

First, put the broccoli cheddar filling on the butterflied chicken breasts. Roll up the chicken from the thin end, securing it with toothpicks. This keeps the chicken in shape while you bread it.

Breading Techniques

To get a crispy outside, you need to bread the chicken. Dip the rollups in a beaten egg mix, then coat them with panko coating breadcrumbs. This makes them crunchy when baked.

If dipping is hard, try another way. Brush the chicken with egg mix and press panko breadcrumbs onto it. This makes the breading process easier and the panko sticks well.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

To get that perfect crispy finish, lightly spray the panko-coated chicken with cooking spray before baking. This helps the panko coating turn golden and crispy.

The secret to great chicken roll-ups is in the details. By perfecting the rolling and breading, you’ll make a dish that looks good and tastes amazing.

Baking Instructions and Temperature Guidelines

To get perfectly baked baking chicken, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups on a greased baking sheet. Make sure they have enough space to bake evenly.

Put them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. They should be golden brown and the juices clear. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is at least 165°F.

For a cheesy finish, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese in the last 5 minutes. This will make the crispy exterior even more delicious.

Let the rollups rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step helps the flavors mix and the juices spread. You’ll get a tender and tasty bite.

To make them even crisper, broil them for a couple of minutes. Just watch them to avoid burning. The breading will be satisfyingly crunchy.

“The baking instructions were clear and easy to follow, resulting in a delicious and visually appealing dish.” – Emily, home chef

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups are a great choice for dinner. They are easy to add to your meal plans. These rolls have tender chicken, tasty broccoli cheddar filling, and a crispy outside. They are loved by everyone, even the pickiest eaters.

You can make these rolls your own by trying different cheeses or adding more veggies. They can also be made ahead and frozen. This makes them perfect for busy nights or when you need to prep meals quickly.

In summary, Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups are a fantastic versatile recipe for a family-friendly dinner. They taste amazing and are easy to plan for meals. These rollups will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

FAQ

What makes Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups special?

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups are special because they mix tender chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and fresh broccoli. They’re great for family dinners, easy on the budget, and versatile for weeknights.

Why are Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups perfect for family dinners?

They’re perfect for family dinners because kids love them and they’re filling. The mix of classic flavors is a hit with everyone.

Can Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them ahead. Prepare up to step 5 and refrigerate until baking. You can also freeze them for later.

What type of cheese is used in Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups?

They use Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese. It’s naturally aged, lactose-free, and gluten-free.

What are the key ingredients and equipment needed for Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups?

You’ll need chicken breasts, broccoli, Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, butter, and seasonings. You’ll also need a 9×13″ baking dish, a grater, toothpicks, and shallow bowls for breading. A meat mallet is optional for flattening the chicken.

How do you properly butterfly and prepare the chicken breasts for Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups?

You can butterfly or create a pocket in the chicken. Butterflying means cutting it horizontally to make it thinner. Use plastic wrap and a meat mallet for even thickness. Always use separate cutting boards for raw chicken and wash your hands well after handling.

How do you make the broccoli cheddar filling?

Mix chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese or ricotta, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Microwave the broccoli for 1 minute before mixing to ensure flavors are evenly distributed.

How do you roll and bread the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups?

Place the filling on the chicken, roll it up, and secure with toothpicks. Dip in eggs and coat with breadcrumbs. You can also brush with egg and press panko onto the chicken for a crispy exterior. Spray the panko with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

What are the baking instructions and temperature guidelines for Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups?

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Bake for 25 minutes until the juices run clear and the breadcrumbs are golden. The internal temperature should be 165°F. Add more cheese in the last 5 minutes for a cheesy top. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. For a crisper exterior, broil them for a few minutes after baking.

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