If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and veggie-packed meal, the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe is here to become your new favorite. This dish brilliantly combines tender chicken breasts wrapped around a savory broccoli and cheddar filling, all coated in a crunchy cheddar cracker crust that bakes to golden perfection. Each bite delivers a wonderful mix of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare while looking and tasting like an impressive gourmet meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in making the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe taste spectacular. From the fresh broccoli adding vibrant color and nutrition to the creamy cheeses creating that melty center, every item contributes to the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Broccoli (3 1/2 cups, finely chopped): Provides a fresh, slightly crunchy bite and a pop of green that brightens the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully with the broccoli for a rich, cheesy filling.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of savory flavor without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the filling with a hint of sweetness and umami.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates a smooth, creamy texture that binds everything together.
- Chicken breasts (3): The main protein that wraps all those delicious fillings inside.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the other flavors.
- Cheddar crackers (14 ounces, crushed): Provide a crunchy, cheesy crust that adds exciting texture contrast.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Helps the breading stick evenly to the chicken rollups.
- Eggs (2, whisked): Act as a glue for the cracker crumbs, giving a crispy finish when baked.
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 a minute. This softens it just enough without turning it mushy, so it blends perfectly into the filling. Then, combine the warm broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and softened cream cheese. Mix everything until you have a cohesive, creamy filling bursting with cheesy goodness and savory spices.
Step 2: Butterfly and Season the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and carefully butterfly each one by slicing horizontally almost through, then open them like a book. This creates a flat surface perfect for rolling. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, which will enhance the overall taste and balance the richness of the cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Rollups
Now for the fun part—spoon a generous scoop of the broccoli cheddar filling onto each chicken breast cutlet. Spread it evenly, leaving some space at the edges to avoid the filling oozing out during baking. Then roll up the chicken tightly and secure it with toothpicks to hold everything in place while cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Breading Station
Crush the cheddar crackers into coarse crumbs that will give a satisfying crunch. Set up three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the cracker crumbs. This classic breading trio will help create a crispy, flavorful coating on the rollups.
Step 5: Bread the Chicken Rollups
First, lightly coat each rollup in flour, which helps the egg wash stick better. Then dip them into the egg bowl, making sure they’re fully covered. Lastly, roll them in the cheddar cracker crumbs until well-coated. This triple-step breading ensures the outside becomes golden and crunchy while the chicken stays juicy inside.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the breaded rollups on the sheet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. As they bake, the chicken cooks through, the cheese inside melts, and the outside crisps to an irresistible golden brown that is certain to wow everyone at the table.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the rollups to cool slightly before carefully removing the toothpicks. This rest time helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy. Serve immediately to enjoy the full contrast of crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy interior.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and freshness, cutting through the richness of the cheesy rollups. A light drizzle of sour cream or a tangy ranch dressing on the side can also complement the flavors beautifully, making each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups pair wonderfully with simple side dishes that balance out the richness. Consider serving with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like carrots and asparagus. For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery rice pilaf work like a charm to soak up any leftover goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, slice the rollups into medallions and arrange them on a platter with colorful vegetable sticks or a fresh herb garnish. You could also serve them atop a bed of lightly sautéed spinach or with a side of garlic butter noodles. The presentation possibilities are endless, making this recipe versatile for both casual meals and special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crunchy coating, let them cool completely before storing, and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled and breaded rollups before baking by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a little extra time to the baking process for even convenience.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10-15 minutes to restore the crunchy texture while warming the insides thoroughly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crispness, although it works in a pinch for quick meals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well as long as you thaw and drain it thoroughly before using. Excess moisture can affect the filling’s texture, so squeezing out any water helps keep the mixture creamy without becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for cheddar crackers?
If cheddar crackers aren’t available, you can use crushed buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs mixed with some grated cheddar, or even crushed cornflakes for a different but equally tasty coating.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
While this recipe relies heavily on cheese and cream cheese for flavor and texture, you can try using dairy-free cheese alternatives and vegan cream cheese. Keep in mind that the taste and texture might be different but still enjoyable.
Can I prepare these rollups in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble and bread the rollups a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. This makes dinner prep a breeze if you have guests coming over or a busy weeknight ahead.
What temperature should the chicken reach when baking?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to check for doneness without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and wonderfully versatile, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special and delicious.
Print
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups are a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy broccoli and cheddar cheese mixture, coated in a crispy cheddar cracker crust, and baked to golden perfection. This recipe combines savory flavors and textures for a satisfying meal suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Filling
- 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
- 3 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Breading
- 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 bowl, combine the microwaved broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
- Prepare chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally to create thin, even cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Assemble rollups: Place a scoop of the broccoli and cheddar mixture onto each chicken cutlet. Carefully roll up the chicken around the filling and secure with toothpicks to keep the rollups intact during cooking.
- Prepare breading: Crush the cheddar crackers into a coarse crumb texture. Spread the all-purpose flour in one bowl, and whisk the eggs in another bowl separately for dipping.
- Bread chicken: Dip each chicken rollup first in the flour, coating all sides, then dip in the whisked egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the crushed cheddar cracker crumbs.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken rollups on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the chicken rollups from the oven and let them cool slightly. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving. Enjoy warm as a hearty main course.
Notes
- Microwaving the broccoli slightly helps soften it for a smoother filling.
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier.
- Using cheddar crackers for breading adds extra cheesy flavor and a unique crunchy texture.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese for a lower-fat option.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers and flour substitutes.
