If you’re craving a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and vibrant broccoli all wrapped up in a crispy coat, you’re going to love this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without too much fuss. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors that sing together beautifully, making it an absolute favorite to keep in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a dish full of flavor and texture. Each item plays its part, from the fresh broccoli adding color and crunch to the cheddar cheese delivering that irresistible sharpness, and the creamy cheese blending everything smoothly.
- 3 1/2 cups broccoli (525g), finely chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant vegetable component and a slight crunch after baking.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200g): Brings rich, tangy flavor that melts perfectly inside the rollups.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle aromatic background to the filling.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (225g), softened: Provides creaminess that binds the broccoli and cheddar together.
- 3 chicken breasts: The tender protein base, perfectly shaped for rolling around the filling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and filling just right.
- 14 ounces cheddar crackers (390g), crushed: Gives a unique, flavorful crunch as the breading.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g): Helps the egg and cracker coating stick beautifully to the chicken.
- 2 eggs: Acts as a binding agent for the breading to create a crispy crust.
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 just one minute—this softens it slightly while keeping a nice bite. Then combine the warm broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and softened cream cheese. Mix everything until it’s creamy, cheesy, and evenly blended. This filling is going to be the star inside your chicken!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Next, take your chicken breasts and butterfly them carefully. This means slicing them horizontally almost through to create a flat, even piece that’s perfect for rolling. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and complement the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Rollups
Now comes the fun part: spoon a generous scoop of the broccoli cheddar mixture onto each butterflied chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling, making sure it’s sealed as much as possible. Hold them together with toothpicks so the filling stays inside during cooking—no one wants their cheesy surprise slipping out!
Step 4: Prepare the Breading
For a crispy, flavorful coating, crush your cheddar crackers until they’re coarse crumbs—not too fine or powdery. Then set up a breading station with flour in one bowl and whisked eggs in another. This three-step breading process locks in moisture while adding a delectable crunch.
Step 5: Bread the Chicken
Take each chicken rollup and coat it first in the flour, dusting away any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll the chicken in the crushed cheddar crackers, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere well. This triple coating is the secret to that incredible texture you’ll love.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the breaded chicken rollups with space between them and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until they’re cooked through, the cheese inside is melted, and the coating is golden and crisp. Patience here rewards you with perfect rollups every time.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the rollups cool slightly so they hold their shape when you remove the toothpicks. Then dive in! The gooey cheddar broccoli filling combined with the crispy baked chicken is utterly delicious and guaranteed to become a new favorite.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can brighten this hearty dish. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh taste that pairs wonderfully with the richness. A light drizzle of hot sauce or even a squeeze of lemon juice can give a zesty kick that balances the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
These rollups go beautifully with simple, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Roasted sweet potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes add comforting, earthy flavors that pair well. Steamed rice or quinoa also works as a light, neutral companion that lets the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe shine.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or making a special dinner, slice the rollups into rounds for a fun appetizer-style presentation. You can even serve them atop a bed of sautéed greens or with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli for extra indulgence. These rollups are versatile and look as charming as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and crispness. When you’re ready for a quick meal, they’re just a few minutes away from deliciousness.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, these rollups freeze beautifully before baking. Assemble and bread the rollups, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—perfect for busy weeknights when you need a homemade meal in a pinch.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rollups on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the breading crisps up again. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that wonderful crunch intact!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before chopping and mixing to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
What type of cheddar cheese is best?
A sharp or extra-sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast to the creamy filling, but mild cheddar can be used if you prefer a subtler cheese taste.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You can try using ricotta or mascarpone for a different texture, but cream cheese provides the perfect balance of tang and richness that melts well with the cheddar.
Is it possible to cook these on the stovetop?
While baking is recommended for even cooking and crispiness, you can pan-fry the rollups over medium heat, turning carefully to brown all sides. Just be sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
How do I prevent the rollups from falling apart?
Butterflying the chicken breasts evenly and securing rolls tightly with toothpicks is key. Also, the triple breading step helps hold everything together during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe truly is a crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into something spectacular. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these rollups offer a delicious balance of textures and flavors that feel both special and comforting. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to dishes for any occasion!
Print
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups are a delicious baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of broccoli, cheddar cheese, garlic, and onion powders. Coated in a crunchy cheddar cracker crust, these rollups bake to golden perfection and make a satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Broccoli Cheddar 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 Rollups
- 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 chopped broccoli for 1 minute until slightly softened. Then combine it with shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy filling.
- Prepare chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally to open like a book. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Assemble rollups: Place a generous scoop of the broccoli cheddar mixture onto each butterflied chicken breast. Carefully roll up the chicken, securing each roll with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
- Prepare breading: Crush the cheddar crackers into a coarse crumb texture. Place the flour in one bowl and whisk the eggs in another bowl.
- Bread chicken: Coat each chicken rollup first in the flour, then dip into the whisked eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the crushed cheddar cracker crumbs.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange the chicken rollups spaced out on the sheet, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Let the chicken rollups cool slightly, carefully remove the toothpicks, and serve warm for a delightful cheesy and crunchy chicken meal.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts helps ensure even cooking and easier rolling.
- Microwaving part of the broccoli softens it and helps blend the filling ingredients better.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the rollups for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Use toothpicks with care and remove them before serving.
