Why You’ll Love these Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups
When you’re looking for a dinner that truly impresses without hours of complicated prep, these Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups are about to become your new secret weapon. They combine tender chicken, savory dried beef, and melty mozzarella in a perfect spiral of flavor.
I’m obsessed with how versatile these are – fancy enough for company but simple enough for weeknights. The creamy garlic sauce takes these over the top, pooling around each golden-brown roll-up.
Who can resist that combo of crispy panko exterior and gooey cheese center? Pure comfort food magic.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups?
Let’s talk about what makes these Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups so irresistibly good. The beauty of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of protein, cheese, and crispy coating, all brought together with that velvety garlic sauce.
I’m always amazed at how these simple ingredients transform into something that looks like it came from a restaurant kitchen. The combination might seem a bit indulgent, but trust me, sometimes we need a little indulgence on our dinner plates.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces dried beef
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (plus 2 tablespoons reserved for sauce)
- 1 dash garlic salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (plus 3 tablespoons for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially for the chicken and cheese. Try to find thicker chicken breasts since they’ll need to be pounded flat and then rolled.
As for the dried beef, it might be in an unexpected grocery aisle—often near the canned meats or sometimes in the deli section. Not a fan of mozzarella? You could substitute provolone or even a mild cheddar, though the meltiness factor might differ slightly.
The panko breadcrumbs are key for that perfect crunch, so I wouldn’t swap those for regular breadcrumbs if you can help it. Seriously, that textural contrast between crispy exterior and creamy filling? Worth every calorie.
How to Make these Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get these chicken roll-ups in the oven! First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Take your 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and pound them flat—this is where you can release any pent-up frustrations from the day.
Once flattened, lay each breast flat and cover with 2 layers of dried beef (8 ounces total). This creates that wonderful savory foundation that makes these roll-ups so special. Next, slice your 8 ounces of mozzarella into 3-inch sticks. Place a cheese stick on each chicken breast and roll everything up jelly-roll style, tucking in the sides as you go. If they’re being stubborn (aren’t we all sometimes?), secure them with toothpicks.
Now for the crispy coating that makes these roll-ups absolutely irresistible. Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a bowl—be sure to reserve some of this liquid gold for the sauce later. In a separate dish, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Dip each chicken roll-up in the melted butter first, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated. Place them seam-side down in a baking dish, then cover and bake for 30 minutes. After that initial bake, uncover them and let them brown for an additional 15 minutes. That extra time uncovered is what gives them that gorgeous golden exterior we’re all dreaming about.
While your roll-ups are getting all crispy and bubbly in the oven, it’s time to make that heavenly creamy garlic sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, add those 2 tablespoons of reserved butter along with 2 minced garlic cloves. Let them sauté until the kitchen fills with that mouthwatering aroma, about 2-3 minutes.
If you’re making this recipe often, a commercial food processor can save you tons of prep time by quickly mincing garlic and chopping herbs in seconds. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux, cooking until it just starts to change color. Then gradually pour in a mixture of 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps—nobody wants a lumpy sauce, right? Bring this velvety mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, whisking until it thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
Once your chicken roll-ups are done baking, pour this luxurious sauce over them and garnish with 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. And voilà—dinner is served!
Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, we can explore some creative twists on these delicious roll-ups!
Swap mozzarella for gouda, provolone, or even blue cheese for a tangy kick. Not a fan of dried beef? Try prosciutto, salami, or for a lighter option, spinach leaves.
The panko breadcrumbs can be replaced with crushed crackers or almond flour if you’re going low-carb.
For the sauce, try adding white wine instead of some of the broth, or mix in pesto for an herby variation.
Can’t do dairy? Coconut milk works surprisingly well in the sauce, giving it a subtle sweetness that complements the garlic beautifully.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups
These rich and flavorful chicken roll-ups deserve perfect companions to round out your meal.
I always pair them with a light, vibrant side to balance the creamy sauce—roasted asparagus or green beans work beautifully.
A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while garlic mashed potatoes make the perfect vehicle for soaking up extra sauce. Can you imagine a better combination?
For a complete dinner, add crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls.
Rice pilaf or lemon herb couscous also complement these roll-ups nicely, creating a restaurant-worthy plate right at your dinner table.
Final Thoughts
My journey with these Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups has been nothing short of incredible, and I hope they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection too.
The combination of tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and that rich garlic cream sauce creates a truly memorable dining experience.
What I love most? The versatility. Dress them up for company or make them for a cozy family dinner.
They’re impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for weeknights when you want something a bit more special.
Trust me, these roll-ups will have everyone asking for seconds.
