There’s something magical about Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups that instantly reminds me of cool fall evenings in my grandma’s kitchen. The aroma of sizzling garlic and creamy sauce filled the air as she rolled tender chicken with herbs and cheese, baking it until golden and bubbling. That dish didn’t just warm the room, it brought everyone to the table, hungry for comfort and conversation.
Over the years, I’ve carried that same cozy tradition into my own kitchen. These roll-ups are perfect when you’re craving something indulgent, yet simple. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or hosting a relaxed dinner, this recipe always wins hearts. With only a few wholesome ingredients and a creamy, garlic-forward flavor, this is a weeknight dinner you’ll turn to again and again.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups are the ultimate cozy comfort food. Tender chicken stuffed with a rich, garlicky cheese filling, seared to golden perfection, then baked in a silky parmesan cream sauce, this is a fall dinner that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced or butterflied)
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or provolone
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and gently pound to even thickness. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Fold in spinach and shredded mozzarella.
- Spoon the mixture onto each chicken breast, roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear roll-ups 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer roll-ups to a baking dish. In the same skillet, add heavy cream and parmesan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Pour the cream sauce over roll-ups and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Toothpicks help keep the roll-ups secure, just remember to remove before serving. Softened cream cheese spreads easier, and a quick sear adds flavor depth. You can assemble ahead and bake later for stress-free dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups at home:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced or butterflied)
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional for extra color and flavor)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or provolone
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups
Butterfly and season the chicken.
Start by slicing the chicken breasts horizontally so they open like a book (butterfly cut). If they’re thick, gently pound them between parchment with a meat mallet for even thickness. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the creamy filling.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Fold in the spinach and shredded mozzarella. This mixture should be thick but spreadable, your flavorful filling for each roll-up.
Roll it up and sear.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto each chicken breast. Roll tightly, securing with toothpicks. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roll-ups for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Don’t cook them through just yet, we’ll finish them in the oven.
Make the creamy garlic sauce.
Once the roll-ups are browned, transfer them to a baking dish. In the same skillet, add heavy cream and parmesan. Simmer until slightly thickened. Pour the sauce over the roll-ups.
Bake and serve.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and sauce is bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
This method keeps the chicken moist and tender, while locking in that rich, creamy garlic flavor that’s so beloved in dishes like Marry Me Chicken or Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the sear. Browning the roll-ups first locks in moisture and adds depth of flavor.
- Use toothpicks or cooking twine. Secure the roll-ups so they hold shape while baking.
- Softened cream cheese spreads better. Let it sit at room temperature before mixing.
- Customize your filling. Want to switch it up? Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or cooked mushrooms for variety.
- Make it ahead. You can assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate them (uncooked) up to a day in advance.
The creamy filling stays rich and smooth, just like in dishes such as One-Pan Chicken and Chorizo or Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese, easy, comforting meals that feel homemade every time.
Variations to Try
Gluten-Free Friendly:
This dish is naturally gluten-free if you skip any flour-based thickeners in the sauce. Stick with cream, cheese, and herbs, and check your seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Swaps:
Use a dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The texture stays smooth and the garlic still shines.
Add some crunch:
Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes on top for a golden finish. You can find a similar textural contrast in our Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken.
Lighter version:
Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt and use a light cream or half-and-half. It won’t be as rich but still offers the signature creamy garlic profile.
Spicy twist:
Add red pepper flakes to the filling or stir in a spoonful of hot sauce. If you love heat, check out our Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites for inspiration.
Pair it with:
Serve these roll-ups over rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad like our Green Goddess Chicken Salad for balance.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing leftovers:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy garlic flavor deepens as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep.
Freezing:
Wrap uncooked roll-ups individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F, adding 10–15 minutes extra cooking time.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or gently in the microwave at 60% power to avoid splitting the sauce.
This dish reheats beautifully, just like our Juicy Baked Chicken Bites, making it ideal for batch cooking and easy dinners on busy nights.
FAQs About Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups
What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups?
They pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up that garlic cream sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well. They may require slightly longer cooking time but will stay juicy.
How do I keep the roll-ups from unraveling?
Secure with toothpicks, seam-side down in the baking dish, or use kitchen twine. Don’t forget to remove before serving.
Can I make this dish low-carb?
Absolutely. Skip any starchy sides and serve it with cauliflower mash or sautéed greens.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken Roll-Ups aren’t just a recipe, they’re a dinnertime experience. Rich, savory, and packed with flavor, they bring a cozy, restaurant-worthy feel right to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or meal-prepping for the week, this dish fits effortlessly into your routine and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to, just like it is for so many readers across Fresh Leaf Rezepte.