Involtini di Pollo (Chicken Rolls)
Involtini di Pollo is a dish that quietly captures the heart of Italian home cooking—simple ingredients, handled with care, transformed into something comforting yet elegant.
Tender chicken is gently rolled around savory ham and melting cheese, then simmered until everything comes together in a silky, flavorful pan sauce.
Each bite balances richness and lightness, making it equally suited for a cozy family dinner or a refined weeknight meal that feels special without being complicated.
Why People Will Love Involtini di Pollo (Chicken Rolls) Recipe
Elegant comfort food: It delivers the warmth and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal while still feeling refined and restaurant-worthy.
Simple ingredients, big flavor: Everyday staples like chicken, ham, and cheese come together to create layers of savory richness without complexity.
Perfect texture contrast: Tender, juicy chicken on the outside with a creamy, melty center makes every bite deeply satisfying.
Balanced and versatile: Rich enough to feel indulgent, yet light enough to pair well with vegetables, salad, or simple sides.
Quick but impressive: It looks sophisticated on the plate, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Family-friendly crowd-pleaser: Familiar flavors appeal to adults and kids alike, with no overpowering or unusual ingredients.
Customizable to taste: Easy to adapt with spinach, herbs, different cheeses, or even wine in the sauce for a personal touch.
Authentic Italian soul: Inspired by classic Italian cooking, it highlights the beauty of restraint, technique, and harmony of flavors.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken breasts: Lean yet tender, they form the perfect canvas for rolling and absorbing the flavors of the filling and pan sauce.
Ham: Adds a subtle saltiness and savory depth that contrasts beautifully with the mildness of the chicken.
Mozzarella or provolone cheese: Brings a creamy, melty richness that binds the filling together and creates a luxurious center.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Lends gentle fruitiness while helping achieve a golden, flavorful sear on the chicken rolls.
Chicken stock or dry white wine: Builds a delicate sauce that enhances the dish without overpowering its balanced flavors.
Unsalted butter: Finishes the sauce with softness and shine, adding depth and a restaurant-style silkiness.
Fresh parsley (optional): A final touch of brightness that lifts the richness and adds a clean, herbal note to the dish.
Expert Tips:
Pound evenly, not thinly: Aim for uniform thickness rather than ultra-thin chicken so the rolls stay juicy and don’t tear during cooking.
Season every layer: Lightly season the chicken before filling—this ensures flavor throughout, not just on the surface.
Choose the right cheese: Use low-moisture mozzarella or provolone to prevent excess liquid from leaking into the pan sauce.
Roll tightly and secure well: A firm roll helps the filling stay intact and creates clean slices when serving.
Sear with patience: Let the chicken develop a deep golden crust before turning—this builds flavor and keeps the rolls sealed.
Keep the simmer gentle: Once liquid is added, lower the heat; a slow, gentle simmer keeps the chicken tender and prevents dryness.
Baste as it cooks: Spoon the pan juices over the rolls during simmering to reinforce moisture and flavor.
Rest briefly before serving: Let the involtini rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute evenly.
Finish with finesse: Swirling in butter off the heat creates a smooth, glossy sauce that elevates the dish to restaurant quality.
Involtini di Pollo (Chicken Rolls)
Ingredients
2 boneless chicken breasts, butterflied open
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 thin slices of ham
4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup chicken stock or dry white wine
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Lightly pound the chicken breasts until evenly thin, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Lay a slice of ham and a slice of cheese over each piece of chicken. Roll the chicken up tightly, enclosing the filling.
Secure each roll with toothpicks to keep it from opening during cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken rolls and sear on all sides until golden brown.
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine), cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, until cooked through.
Finish by spooning the pan sauce over the chicken rolls and serve hot.
Tip: Tuck a few spinach leaves inside the rolls for added color and extra flavor.