Monterey Chicken Rolls
Description
Butter… Garlic… Cheese? All tucked into a tender chicken roll? This recipe is a keeper for any special occasion or weekday dinner. Originally passed down from family, Monterey Chicken Rolls have only improved over time, especially with the flexibility to add a little extra garlic for those who crave it! These flavorful chicken rolls can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving, ensuring a moist and delectable result each time. Just follow these step-by-step instructions for a foolproof meal that’s sure to impress.
Prep and Cook Time
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Nutrition Information
| Calories | Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Cholesterol (mg) | Sodium (mg) | Carbohydrates (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 455.6 | 27.8 | 11.1 | 113.3 | 721.2 | 10.6 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 39.2 |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 | Boneless skinless chicken breasts |
| 1 | Monterey Jack cheese |
| 1/2 cup | Margarine (or butter) |
| 1 cup | Seasoned breadcrumbs |
| 1 tbsp | Fresh parsley, chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 1 tbsp | Garlic, minced (adjust to taste) |
| 1 tsp | Salt and pepper to taste |
Instructions
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Prep the Chicken: Start by pounding each chicken breast flat using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will help with even cooking and make it easier to roll each breast around the cheese.
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Cheese Slicing: Slice the Monterey Jack cheese into pieces roughly 1/4-inch thick, ideally one slice per chicken breast.
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Assemble the Rolls: Place one slice of cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Carefully roll the chicken around the cheese, tucking the ends to keep the cheese inside.
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Butter-Garlic Dip: In a small saucepan, melt the margarine (or butter) over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour this mixture into a shallow bowl for dipping.
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Breadcrumb Coating: In another shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
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Coat the Chicken Rolls: Dip each chicken roll first in the melted butter-garlic mixture, coating evenly. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Arrange the coated chicken rolls seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
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Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. The covering will help to keep the rolls moist during the first part of cooking.
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Finish Baking: Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Be cautious not to overbake, as this can dry out the chicken.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken rolls from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. These Monterey Chicken Rolls are delicious as is or with a simple garnish of fresh parsley.
Recipe Notes
This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking. Just extend the baking time slightly if baking from a cold state.
