Chicken and Stuffing Roll Ups Recipe

There are certain meals that just wrap you in a warm hug, meals that feel like coming home after a long day. For my family, these Chicken and Stuffing Roll Ups fall squarely into that category. The first time I made them, I was looking for something a bit more special than our usual weeknight chicken routine, but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The aroma that filled the house as they baked – savory stuffing, tender chicken, creamy sauce – had everyone drifting into the kitchen asking when dinner would be ready. The verdict? An overwhelming success! My kids, usually picky about mixed textures, devoured them without a second thought, asking for seconds (a rare event!). My partner declared it “comfort food elevated,” and I had to agree. It captures the nostalgic flavors of a holiday dinner – juicy chicken, flavorful stuffing, rich gravy – but packages it into a manageable, elegant-looking roll that feels both familiar and excitingly different. Since then, it’s become a staple in our rotation, perfect for Sunday dinners, cozy evenings, or even when we have guests over. It looks impressive on the plate, but the secret is its surprising simplicity, relying heavily on pantry staples like boxed stuffing mix and condensed soup, which makes it achievable even on a busy week. It’s a dish that consistently delivers satisfaction and that delightful “mmm” moment with every bite.

Complete Chicken and Stuffing Roll Ups Recipe

This recipe brings together tender chicken breasts, flavorful stuffing, and a creamy sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal that feels special enough for guests but is easy enough for a weeknight. Think mini Thanksgiving dinners, rolled up and baked to perfection!

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• Chicken:
  • 4 large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 6-8 oz each, totaling approx. 1.5 – 2 lbs) – Ensure they are relatively uniform in thickness to start, which makes pounding easier.
• Stuffing:
  • 1 package (6 ounces) Boxed Stuffing Mix (such as Stove Top Savory Herb or Chicken Flavor) – Choose your favorite flavor profile; cornbread stuffing also works wonderfully.
  • 1 ½ cups Water or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Using broth instead of water adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the stuffing.
  • ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) Unsalted Butter – Essential for richness in the stuffing.
• Sauce & Assembly:
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup – This forms the base of our creamy, savory sauce.
  • ¼ cup Milk (any kind) or additional Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Used to thin the soup slightly for a pourable consistency.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt – For seasoning the chicken.
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper – Freshly ground preferred for better flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or Melted Butter – For greasing the baking dish.
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon Paprika – Sprinkled on top for color and a hint of smoky flavor.
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped – For garnish, adding freshness and visual appeal.
• Equipment Needed:
  • Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
  • Plastic Wrap or Parchment Paper
  • Medium Saucepan (for stuffing)
  • 9×13 inch Baking Dish
  • Small Bowl (for sauce)
  • Whisk
  • Toothpicks (optional, for securing rolls)
  • Meat Thermometer (recommended for checking doneness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly cooked, flavorful Chicken and Stuffing Roll Ups every time.

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven.
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter. Ensure the bottom and lower sides are lightly coated to prevent sticking. Set aside. Why grease? This prevents the chicken from sticking during baking and makes cleanup significantly easier.

2. Prepare the Stuffing:

• Follow the package directions on your chosen boxed stuffing mix. Typically, this involves bringing the water (or broth) and butter to a boil in a medium saucepan.
• Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the dry stuffing mix until just moistened. Don’t overmix, as this can make the stuffing gummy.
• Cover the saucepan and let it stand for about 5 minutes, or as directed on the package, allowing the liquid to be fully absorbed and the stuffing to become fluffy.
• After 5 minutes, fluff the stuffing gently with a fork. Set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the chicken. Why cool? Hot stuffing can start to cook the thin chicken prematurely, and slightly cooled stuffing is much easier and safer to handle when assembling the rolls.

3. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:

• Place one chicken breast at a time between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. This prevents splattering and keeps your workspace cleaner.
• Using the flat side of a meat mallet, a rolling pin, or even a heavy-bottomed pan, gently pound the chicken breast until it reaches an even thickness of about ¼ inch. Start pounding from the center and work your way outwards. Be firm but gentle to avoid tearing the meat. Why pound thin? This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, preventing dry edges and an undercooked center. It also makes the chicken much easier to roll.
• Repeat this process with the remaining chicken breasts.
• Once all chicken breasts are pounded thin, season both sides of each piece evenly with the ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.

4. Assemble the Chicken Roll Ups:

• Lay one pounded and seasoned chicken breast flat on your work surface.
• Spoon approximately ¼ of the prepared stuffing mixture onto one end of the chicken breast. Don’t overfill, or the stuffing will squeeze out during rolling and baking. Leave a small border (about ½ inch) around the edges.
• Carefully roll the chicken breast up tightly, starting from the end with the stuffing, like a jelly roll.
• Place the rolled chicken breast seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Placing it seam-down helps prevent it from unrolling during baking.
• Repeat this process with the remaining chicken breasts and stuffing, arranging them snugly in the baking dish without overcrowding. If your rolls seem prone to unravelling, you can secure each one with one or two toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving!

5. Prepare and Add the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the can of condensed cream of chicken soup and the ¼ cup of milk (or chicken broth) until smooth. If the soup is very thick, you might add another tablespoon of liquid until it reaches a pourable, gravy-like consistency. Don’t make it too thin; it should coat the chicken nicely.
• Pour the prepared soup mixture evenly over the chicken roll ups in the baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to gently spread the sauce if needed, ensuring the tops of the rolls are mostly covered. This sauce not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist during baking.
• Optional: Sprinkle the paprika evenly over the sauce-covered chicken rolls for added color.

6. Bake the Roll Ups:

• Carefully place the baking dish into the preheated oven.
• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken rolls and your specific oven.
• The chicken roll ups are done when the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink in the center) and the sauce is bubbly and lightly golden around the edges.
• Crucially: The most accurate way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a chicken roll (avoiding the stuffing). The internal temperature should register 165°F (74°C). Using a thermometer guarantees perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken without drying it out.

7. Rest and Serve:

• Once cooked, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.
• Let the Chicken and Stuffing Roll Ups rest in the baking dish for 5-10 minutes before serving. Why rest? This allows the juices within the chicken to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. It also allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve hot, spooning some of the extra sauce from the bottom of the dish over each roll up.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 550-650 calories

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate only, calculated using standard ingredients and measurements. Actual values may vary based on specific brands used, precise ingredient quantities, optional additions, and individual preparation methods. Factors like the fat content of the chicken, the specific type of stuffing mix, and whether broth or water is used can influence the final calorie count. This information should be used as a general guideline. For precise nutritional data, consider using a detailed nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.

This dish is a good source of protein from the chicken. The stuffing contributes carbohydrates, and the sauce adds fats and sodium. To adjust the nutritional profile, consider using lower-sodium soup and broth, whole wheat stuffing mix (if available), or serving with larger portions of steamed vegetables.

Preparation Time

Understanding the time commitment helps in planning your meal preparation effectively.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Making Stuffing: 5-7 minutes (including boiling water/broth and resting time)
  • Pounding & Seasoning Chicken: 10-12 minutes
  • Assembling Rolls & Preparing Sauce: 6-8 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes (baking time in the oven)
• Resting Time: 5-10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from start to finish.

This timeframe makes the Chicken and Stuffing Roll Ups a feasible option for a satisfying weeknight dinner, especially if some prep (like pounding the chicken) is done slightly ahead of time. It also fits comfortably into a weekend cooking schedule without demanding an entire afternoon.

How to Serve Chicken and Stuffing Roll Ups

These roll ups are quite versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes, effectively creating a mini feast. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Classic Comfort Pairings:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce from the baking dish. Garlic mashed potatoes or cheesy mashed potatoes add extra layers of flavor.
  • Gravy: While the dish has its own sauce, a side of classic chicken or turkey gravy can enhance the Thanksgiving feel, especially if you love extra sauce.
• Vegetable Sides: Balance the richness of the roll ups with some fresh or roasted vegetables.
  • Steamed Green Beans: Simple, crisp-tender green beans tossed with a little butter or olive oil and slivered almonds.
  • Roasted Asparagus: Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasted until tender-crisp.
  • Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with butter and a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup.
  • Roasted Broccoli or Broccolini: Adds a nice earthy flavor and a bit of char.
  • Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
• Starchy Alternatives:
  • Egg Noodles: Buttered egg noodles are a simple and comforting base.
  • Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf with herbs or vegetables complements the savory notes.
  • Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are always welcome for mopping up any remaining sauce.
• Fruity Contrast:
  • Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce on the side adds a tart-sweet element reminiscent of holiday meals.
• Presentation:
  • Serve one or two roll ups per person.
  • Spoon a generous amount of the creamy sauce from the baking dish over the top of the rolls on the plate.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a touch of green.
  • Ensure side dishes are arranged neatly alongside the roll ups for an appealing plate.

Choose one or two sides based on your preference and the occasion to create a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Additional Tips for Success

Elevate your Chicken and Stuffing Roll Ups with these five helpful tips:

1. Ensure Even Chicken Thickness: The key to perfectly cooked roll ups is pounding the chicken to a uniform ¼-inch thickness. If some parts are thicker than others, the thin parts will overcook and become dry while the thick parts might remain undercooked. Take your time with the pounding step; it makes a significant difference. If you accidentally tear the chicken slightly, don’t worry too much; overlap the edges when rolling, and the sauce will help keep it moist.
2. Don’t Overstuff the Rolls: It might be tempting to pack as much stuffing as possible into each roll, but resist the urge! Overstuffing makes rolling difficult and increases the likelihood of the stuffing squeezing out during baking, creating a mess and potentially leading to uneven cooking. Aim for a moderate layer, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges of the pounded chicken.
3. Secure the Rolls if Necessary: While placing the rolls seam-side down usually does the trick, some chicken breasts might be trickier to keep rolled. If your rolls seem loose or you’re concerned about them unravelling, insert one or two wooden toothpicks horizontally through the seam to secure them. Just make a mental note (or tell your diners!) to remove the toothpicks before eating. Kitchen twine can also be used, tied around each roll in one or two places.
4. Customize Your Stuffing: Don’t feel limited by the basic boxed stuffing mix. Enhance its flavor and texture by adding extra ingredients before assembling the rolls. Consider sautéing ½ cup of finely chopped onions and/or celery in butter until softened and mixing them into the prepared stuffing. Other delicious additions include cooked crumbled sausage, chopped dried cranberries or cherries, toasted pecans or walnuts, or even a handful of shredded cheese like Swiss or Gruyere. Ensure any additions are cooked (if necessary) and mixed in well.
5. Make-Ahead Strategy: You can assemble the Chicken and Stuffing Roll Ups ahead of time to save stress later. Prepare the rolls completely (stuffing, rolling, placing in the dish, and covering with sauce), then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before baking to let it come closer to room temperature (this promotes even cooking). You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the initial baking time. This is perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making Chicken and Stuffing Roll Ups:

1. Can I use homemade stuffing instead of boxed mix?

• Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade stuffing recipe, feel free to use it. Ensure the stuffing is fully cooked and slightly cooled before you use it to fill the chicken rolls. You’ll need approximately 2.5 to 3 cups of prepared stuffing for four large chicken breasts. Using homemade stuffing allows for even more customization of flavors.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thigh meat is naturally more moist and flavorful than breast meat. However, thighs are often smaller and less uniform in shape, which can make pounding and rolling a bit trickier. Pound them carefully to an even thickness (around ¼ to ½ inch, as they might not get as thin as breasts) and adjust the baking time accordingly. Since thigh meat is more forgiving, check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F or 74°C), but they might take slightly longer or shorter depending on their size and thickness after pounding.

3. Can I freeze Chicken and Stuffing Roll Ups?

• Yes, this dish freezes reasonably well both before and after baking.
  • Freezing Unbaked: Assemble the rolls completely in a freezer-safe baking dish (like a foil pan for easy cleanup). Cover tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or use a container with an airtight lid. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed, potentially adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
  • Freezing Baked: Allow the cooked roll ups to cool completely. You can freeze them directly in the baking dish (well-wrapped) or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat covered in a microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through (about 20-30 minutes). You may want to add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce seems too thick upon reheating. Note that the sauce texture might change slightly after freezing and reheating.

4. My chicken rolls keep unrolling in the dish. What can I do?

• This is a common frustration! Here are a few tricks: First, make sure you’re placing them seam-side down in the baking dish. Second, arrange them snugly together – the neighboring rolls help keep each other in place. Third, as mentioned in the tips, don’t overstuff them. Finally, if they’re still misbehaving, use wooden toothpicks inserted horizontally through the seam to pin them shut. Just remember to count them and remove them all before serving!

5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• Making a gluten-free version is definitely possible with a couple of key substitutions.
  • Stuffing: Use your favorite gluten-free bread to make homemade stuffing, or purchase a certified gluten-free boxed stuffing mix (several brands are now available).
  • Cream Soup: Standard condensed cream of chicken soup contains gluten. Look for a certified gluten-free version, or make a simple homemade substitute. A basic white sauce (béchamel) made with gluten-free flour blend, butter, milk, and chicken broth, seasoned well, can work. Alternatively, whisk together cornstarch or arrowroot powder with cold chicken broth, heat until thickened, and season to taste.
  • Ensure all other ingredients (like broth, seasonings) are also certified gluten-free. With these swaps, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this comfort food classic.