If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and vibrant broccoli all wrapped up in a crispy coating, then this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe is the answer to dinner magic. With each bite, you’ll get a wonderful harmony of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a recipe that’s surprisingly simple but impressively delicious, perfect for those weeknight dinners or a special cozy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe are straightforward, yet each plays a vital role in creating those fantastic layers of flavor and texture. From fresh broccoli adding color and nutrients to the sharp cheddar cheese delivering that ooey-gooey indulgence, every element works beautifully together.
- 3 1/2 cups broccoli (525g), finely chopped: Provides a fresh, healthy crunch and vibrant green color.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200g): Brings creamy, sharp cheese flavor that melts perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with subtle sweetness.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (225g), softened: Links all the filling ingredients together with rich, smooth creaminess.
- 3 chicken breasts: The tender, juicy canvas that holds all those delicious flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.
- 14 ounces cheddar crackers (390g), crushed: Creates a crunchy, flavorful crust packed with cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g): Helps the breading stick to the chicken for the perfect crisp.
- 2 eggs: Used to bind the breading to the chicken rollups, ensuring a satisfying texture.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli Mixture
Start by microwaving 1 1/2 cups of the finely chopped broccoli for about one minute. This softens it just enough without losing that pleasant bite. Next, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and softened cream cheese until you have a creamy, cheesy filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Butterfly each chicken breast carefully to create a wide, flat cutlet perfect for rolling. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken before adding the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Rollups
Place a generous scoop of the broccoli cheddar mixture onto each chicken cutlet. Roll up the chicken tightly around the filling, and secure each rollup with toothpicks so nothing slips out during cooking. These rollups will hold all those flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Breading Station
Crush the cheddar crackers into a coarse crumb texture — this will give your rollups that amazing crunch. Set out three separate bowls: one with the flour, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the crushed crackers. This classic breading setup makes sure every rollup gets a perfect, even coating.
Step 5: Bread the Chicken Rollups
First, coat each chicken rollup in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip them into the egg mixture to get that sticky layer, and finally roll them in the cheddar cracker crumbs, pressing gently so they adhere well. This triple-layer breading creates a mouthwatering golden crust when baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things easy. Place the breaded chicken rollups on the sheet spaced evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the chicken reaches a juicy, cooked-through state and the breading turns perfectly crispy and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups cool just a bit before removing the toothpicks. Serving these warm will let the cheesy, broccoli filling melt in your mouth while the crispy exterior adds incredible texture. It’s a dish that will surely become a favorite in your rotation.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the rollups just before serving for a pop of fresh color and a subtle herbal note. A light drizzle of homemade honey mustard or a tangy ranch dip on the side also pairs beautifully, elevating the flavors to something extra special.
Side Dishes
These rollups shine when paired with simple sides like roasted baby potatoes, a crisp garden salad, or even buttery garlic green beans. Each side adds a different texture or freshness, balancing the rich, cheesy chicken to create a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at a dinner party, slice the rollups into smaller pinwheels and arrange them on a platter as bite-sized appetizers. They also look fabulous served over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up any of those delicious juices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover rollups into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and remain tasty enough to enjoy reheated during busy weekdays.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a quick meal later, freeze the assembled but unbaked rollups on a baking sheet first. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed frozen chicken rollups in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes to regain that crispy crust and warm the cheesy filling through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the breading nice and crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before chopping. This prevents sogginess in the filling and helps maintain the rollups’ texture.
What cheese works best besides cheddar?
While cheddar is perfect for its sharp flavor and meltability, you can also try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses to customize the filling to your taste preferences.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken rollups are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The breading should be golden and crispy, and the chicken should be juicy without any pink inside.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free crackers for the breading, and double-check that all other ingredients, like seasoning blends, are gluten-free to keep the dish safe without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to cook these on the stovetop instead of baking?
You can pan-fry these rollups in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat, turning frequently to brown all sides evenly. However, baking is preferred for even cooking and a crisp, golden crust without excess oil.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe is truly a winner in my book. It combines simple ingredients into a delightful dish that looks impressive and tastes even better. I hope you’ll enjoy making this recipe as much as you’ll love eating it, whether for a family dinner or when entertaining friends. Give it a try, and watch these rollups become your new favorite comfort food!
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Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe
- Prep Time: 22 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups feature tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy broccoli and cheddar cheese mixture, coated with crunchy cheddar cracker crumbs, and baked to golden perfection. This comforting and flavorful dish combines the goodness of vegetables and cheese in a satisfying rolled-up entrée that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Broccoli Mixture
- 3 1/2 cups broccoli (525g), finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 ounces cream cheese (225g), softened
Chicken and Breading
- 3 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 14 ounces cheddar crackers (390g), crushed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Prepare broccoli mixture: Microwave 1 1/2 cups of the finely chopped broccoli for 1 minute until slightly softened. In a mixing bowl, combine the microwaved broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Prepare chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating flat cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble rollups: Spoon a generous amount of the broccoli cheddar mixture onto each chicken cutlet. Carefully roll up each breast, securing them with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
- Prepare breading: Crush the cheddar crackers into a coarse crumb texture and place them in a shallow bowl. Put the all-purpose flour in another bowl. In a third bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.
- Bread chicken: Dredge each chicken rollup first in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it thoroughly with the crushed cracker crumbs, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the breaded chicken rollups on it, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the chicken rollups to cool slightly before removing the toothpicks. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, crispy delight.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Microwaving the broccoli softens it to blend better with the cream cheese and cheese mixture.
- Butterflying chicken breasts helps in creating an even surface for rolling and cooking evenly.
- You can substitute cheddar crackers with panko bread crumbs mixed with cheddar cheese for a crunchier texture.
- For best results, serve immediately after baking to retain crispiness.
