This recipe is my daily favorite! My whole family is crazy about it – and it’s super nutritious too. I make it almost every day because it’s just that good – you’ll be just as hooked as I am!

 

The Basics: What Are Cheesy Chicken Roll-Ups?

Cheesy chicken roll-ups are typically made by rolling cooked and shredded chicken in tortillas or rolling cheese filling inside thin chicken cutlets. Both approaches exist across different recipe sites, and both are delicious.

There are two major versions:

Version 1 (Most Popular)

Tortilla Roll-Ups:
Soft tortillas stuffed with a creamy chicken-cheese mixture, rolled, placed in a baking dish, smothered in a savory sauce, and baked until bubbly.

Version 2 (Chicken Breast Roll-Ups)

Chicken breasts pounded thin, stuffed with cheese/cream filling, rolled, secured with toothpicks, seared, and baked with sauce.

This guide focuses primarily on Version 1, the famous, easiest, family-friendly bake — but includes Version 2 as a variation.

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⭐ Ingredients (For the Classic Tortilla Cheesy Chicken Roll-Ups)

This version uses tortillas, shredded chicken, cheese, cream, and seasonings. It creates 8 large roll-ups or 12 smaller ones.

For the Filling

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  (rotisserie or poached chicken works perfectly)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1 cup shredded cheddar

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup sour cream OR Greek yogurt

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional)

For the Sauce

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• ½ cup milk or heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat

For Assembly

• 8 large flour tortillas (8–10 inch)

• 1 cup shredded cheese to sprinkle on top (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)

• Extra parsley for garnish

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⭐ How to Cook Your Chicken (If Not Using Rotisserie)

If you're starting from raw chicken:

Poaching (Best for shredding)

1. Place chicken breasts in a pot.

2. Add salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and a bay leaf.

3. Cover with water or broth.

4. Simmer 15–18 minutes.

5. Shred with forks or a mixer.

Baked Chicken Breasts

1. Rub with oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 22–26 minutes.

3. Shred or chop.

Rotisserie chicken is the best shortcut and adds fantastic flavor.

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⭐ Step-by-Step Instructions (Classic Tortilla Version)

Step 1: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl:

• Combine shredded chicken

• Add mozzarella and cheddar

• Mix in softened cream cheese

• Add sour cream

• Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and salt

• Stir until fully combined

What You Want

A creamy, cheesy mixture that sticks together and is easy to spread.
If it feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons milk.

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Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Cream of chicken soup

• Milk or cream

• Broth

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Pepper

This will be rich, smooth, and slightly thick — the perfect baking sauce.

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Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups

1. Lay a tortilla flat.

2. Spoon ⅓–½ cup filling across the center.

3. Roll tightly.

4. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Repeat until all your tortillas are filled.

Tips:

• Do not overfill.

• Roll tightly to ensure even baking.

• Place roll-ups snugly in the dish so they don’t unravel.

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Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the roll-ups.

Make sure:

• It spreads evenly

• It contacts every tortilla

• The tops are covered (helps prevent drying)

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Step 5: Add Cheese on Top

Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese evenly.
This creates the golden, bubbly crust everyone loves.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.

It’s done when:

• Cheese is melted and bubbling

• Sauce is simmering around edges

• Tortillas are soft and golden

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Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving.

This allows the sauce to thicken and makes slicing easier.

Garnish with:

• Chopped parsley

• Black pepper

• Red pepper flakes

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⭐ Texture, Flavor, and Appearance (What to Expect)

A perfect cheesy chicken roll-up should be:

• Soft and creamy inside

• Cheesy with each bite

• Slightly crispy on top edges

• Smothered in a savory cream sauce

• Comforting and hearty

• Balanced between chicken, cheese, and tortilla

Kids usually request seconds. Adults secretly do too.

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⭐ Recipe Variations (The Fun Part)

Here are the best, most popular versions from search databases, cookbooks, and food bloggers.

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1. Chicken Alfredo Roll-Ups

Replace sauce with:

• 1 ½ cups Alfredo sauce

• Add ½ cup parmesan cheese

The whole dish becomes creamy, rich, and decadent.

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2. Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups

To the filling, add:

• ⅓ cup buffalo sauce

• ½ cup ranch

• Pepper Jack cheese

Spicy, tangy, addictive.

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3. Mexican Southwest Roll-Ups

Add to the filling:

• 1 cup black beans

• 1 cup corn

• 1 diced jalapeño

• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

• Use Mexican cheese blend

Top with salsa and cilantro.

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4. Pesto Chicken Roll-Ups

To the filling:

• Add ¼ cup pesto

• Use mozzarella

Use a cream + basil sauce on top.

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5. Spinach Artichoke Chicken Roll-Ups

Add:

• 1 cup chopped spinach

• ½ cup diced artichoke hearts

• ¼ cup parmesan

A gourmet twist.

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6. Bacon Cheddar Ranch Roll-Ups

Add:

• ½ cup bacon bits

• ½ teaspoon ranch seasoning

• Sharp cheddar

A guaranteed hit at potlucks.

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7. Low-Carb Version (Chicken Breast Roll-Ups)

Use thin chicken cutlets instead of tortillas.

Steps:

1. Pound chicken breasts thin.

2. Spread cheese filling on inside.

3. Roll tightly.

4. Secure with toothpicks.

5. Sear the outside.

6. Bake with sauce for 20–25 minutes.

This version is gluten-free and keto-friendly.

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⭐ Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Tortillas Crack

Reasons:

• Tortillas too cold

• Too dry

Solution:

• Microwave 10–15 seconds before rolling.

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Problem: Filling Leaks Out

Causes:

• Overfilling the tortillas

• Rolling too loosely

• Baking dish too large

Solution:

• Use correct portion sizes

• Pack roll-ups tightly into the dish

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Problem: Sauce Too Thin

Likely too much milk.
Add:

• 2 tbsp cream cheese OR

• 1 tbsp flour whisked into sauce

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Problem: Top Burns

Tent with foil for last 10 minutes.

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Problem: Roll-ups dry out

Ensure sauce fully covers the tortillas.

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⭐ Serving Suggestions

These roll-ups pair well with:

Sides

• Rice pilaf

• Mashed potatoes

• Caesar salad

• Green beans

• Roasted vegetables

• Garlic bread

• Corn on the cob

Sauces to Drizzle Over

• Ranch

• Southwestern chipotle sauce

• Garlic aioli

• Buffalo sauce

• Pesto drizzle

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⭐ Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

Up to 3–4 days.

Freezer:

Up to 2 months (best frozen before baking).

Reheating:

Bake at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.
Microwave 60–90 seconds per roll.

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⭐ Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Roll-Ups are popular because they hit all the comfort food notes:

✔ Cheesy
✔ Creamy
✔ Savory
✔ Filling
✔ Customizable
✔ Easy to prepare
✔ Uses inexpensive ingredients
✔ Feeds a family easily

They’re ideal for:

• Weeknight dinners

• Potlucks

• Meal prep

• Parties

• Cozy winter nights

• Feeding picky eaters

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⭐ Make-Ahead Instructions

You can make this recipe ahead in 3 convenient ways:

1. Full Bake Ahead

Make completely, refrigerate, reheat later.

2. Prep Ahead, Bake Later (Best Method)

• Assemble roll-ups

• Pour sauce

• Cover tightly

• Refrigerate up to 2 days

• Bake when ready

3. Freeze for Future Meals

• Assemble (without sauce)

• Freeze individually

• Add sauce and bake from frozen

Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.

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⭐ Professional Chef Tips for Next-Level Roll-Ups

1. Toast tortillas lightly before rolling
   Gives better structure and flavor.

2. Add smoked paprika
   Adds subtle smokiness.

3. Use a blend of cheeses
   Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for flavor, Monterey Jack for melt.

4. Add a little broth to the filling
   Makes the interior moist and tender.

5. Top with both cheese and breadcrumbs
   Creates a crispy, golden finish.

6. Broil last 2 minutes
   For restaurant-style bubbling cheese.

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⭐ Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish

Cheesy Chicken Roll-Ups are everything a comfort meal should be: warm, creamy, melty, savory, simple, customizable, and satisfying. They turn ordinary ingredients into something that feels special — something that brings people to the table quickly and keeps them there happily.

Whether you're cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this dish is guaranteed to become a new go-to recipe. Easy to prep, easy to bak