If you’ve been looking for a dish that’s the perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and comforting, look no further than the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe. It’s a delightful way to take simple ingredients like chicken breasts, fresh broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese and transform them into tender, flavorful rollups with a satisfyingly crispy crust. Each bite delivers that melty cheddar goodness mingled with subtle garlic and onion undertones, wrapped in juicy chicken and an irresistible cheddar cracker exterior. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, these rollups will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe starts with just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully, offering contrasting textures and rich flavors. Every item plays a critical role, from the creamy base to the crunchy coating, making these rollups truly unforgettable.
- Broccoli (3 1/2 cups, finely chopped): Adds fresh crunch, vibrant color, and wholesome nutrition to the filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The star cheese that provides sharpness and gooey melty texture.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, aromatic flavor to the mixture without overwhelming it.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle sweetness that enhances the cheese and broccoli.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates a luxuriously smooth, creamy filling that binds everything together.
- Chicken breasts (3): The tender, juicy protein base that wraps the delicious filling.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and filling.
- Cheddar crackers (14 ounces, crushed): Provide the signature crispy, cheesy coating with extra flavor and crunch.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Helps the coating stick perfectly to the chicken rollups.
- Eggs (2, whisked): Act as the glue between the flour and cracker coating.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli Cheddar Filling
Start by microwaving 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped broccoli for about one minute. This softens the broccoli just enough without losing its bright color and satisfying texture. Then, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and softened cream cheese. Stir everything until the mixture is creamy, cheesy, and well combined—this filling packs all the flavor you want inside every rollup.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Next, butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally but not all the way through, then open it like a book. This makes the chicken thin and ready to be filled while ensuring it cooks evenly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural chicken flavor and balance the richness of the filling.
Step 3: Roll Up the Chicken with Filling
Spoon a generous scoop of the broccoli cheddar mixture onto each butterflied chicken breast. Carefully roll up the chicken around the filling and secure each roll with toothpicks so the filling stays put throughout cooking. This step transforms the chicken into neatly packed parcels of cheesy delight ready for the coating process.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating Stations
Crush the cheddar crackers into a coarse crumb texture—small enough to stick well but large enough to provide a nice crunch. Pour the flour into one bowl and whisk the eggs in another. These three elements—the flour, eggs, and cracker crumbs—create the triple-layer coating that makes these rollups so irresistible.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken Rollups
One by one, coat each chicken rollup first in flour to help the egg adhere better. Then dip it into the whisked eggs, ensuring full coverage. Finally, roll it in the crushed cheddar crackers, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well and form an even crust. This process guarantees a crispy, flavorful outer layer that traps all the juicy goodness inside.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken rollups on the sheet with a little space between each. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the cheese filling to get melty. The cracker crust will turn a beautiful golden brown and give you that craving-worthy crunch.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the rollups cool slightly so they hold their shape when you remove the toothpicks. Serve them warm to savor the creamy, cheesy center paired with the crispy outer crust. These rollups make mealtime exciting and comforting all at once.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top. These herbs add a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy rollups. For an extra touch, a drizzle of ranch dressing or a light sprinkle of parmesan can add an interesting twist to every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or creamy garlic mashed cauliflower also pair incredibly well, soaking up any cheesy drippings. For a lighter touch, roasted sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweet counterpoint that complements the savory rollups perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice these rollups into medallions and arrange them on a platter for an eye-catching appetizer or party dish. Stack and layer them with a colorful vegetable ratatouille or drizzle with a tangy tomato basil sauce to add layers of sophistication. For a casual twist, serve atop a bed of rice pilaf or couscous for a heartier, complete plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you enjoy your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining their flavors and texture, making them great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared rollups before baking to save time on busy days. Wrap each rollup tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the coating to soften. For a quick reheat, a toaster oven also works well to retain that crunchy outside.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli as a substitute. Just thaw and drain it well before mixing it into the filling to avoid extra moisture that could affect the texture of the rollups.
What can I substitute for cheddar crackers?
If cheddar crackers aren’t available, you can use crushed Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs mixed with shredded cheddar, or even panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Just be sure to season them well to maintain flavor.
Is it necessary to butterfly the chicken breasts?
Butterflying the chicken breasts is highly recommended because it thins the meat for quicker, even cooking and allows the filling to be spread evenly before rolling up. Without this step, the rollups won’t hold together as well.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
With a few ingredient swaps, absolutely! Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar-style vegan shreds. Just note that the texture and taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the chicken rollups are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. The chicken should also feel firm and the juices should run clear when pierced.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups Recipe is one of those comfort food delights that you’ll never want to forget. It’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week, but special enough to impress family and friends with its irresistible flavor and texture combination. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience firsthand how perfectly cheesy, tender, and crunchy these rollups are. Go ahead and make this recipe your next go-to for a meal that brings smiles all around the table!
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
Delicious Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy broccoli and cheddar cheese mixture, coated with crunchy cheddar crackers, and baked to golden perfection. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
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 the filling: Microwave 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped broccoli for 1 minute until slightly softened. In a mixing bowl, combine the microwaved broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and softened cream cheese. Mix well to form a creamy filling.
- Prepare the chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally to create a wider, thinner cutlet. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill and roll the chicken: Place a generous scoop of the broccoli cheddar mixture onto each butterflied chicken breast. Carefully roll up the chicken breasts around the filling, securing each roll with toothpicks to hold shape during cooking.
- Prepare the breading station: Crush the cheddar crackers into coarse crumbs. Place the flour in a shallow bowl and whisk the eggs in a separate bowl.
- Bread the chicken rolls: Dredge each chicken roll in the flour, ensuring an even coat. Then dip into the egg mixture, followed by coating thoroughly with the crushed cheddar crackers for a crispy crust.
- Bake the chicken: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the breaded chicken rollups spaced evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Allow the chicken rollups to cool slightly, carefully remove the toothpicks, and serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful broccoli cheddar chicken rollups!
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Microwaving the broccoli helps soften it for easier mixing in the filling.
- Butterflying the chicken breasts creates enough surface area to hold the filling and roll easily.
- Crushing the crackers coarsely provides a crunchy texture; avoid grinding them too finely.
- Remove toothpicks before serving to avoid injury.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken rollups for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
