Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Ingredients
- 4 small chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 4 mozzarella cheese sticks (or 4 oz fresh mozzarella, divided)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or spray for lighter version)
- ½ cup sugar-free marinara or pizza sauce (optional for topping)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Prep the Chicken:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place each chicken breast between two pieces of parchment paper and pound flat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. -
Add the Filling:
Place one mozzarella stick (or chunk) and ½ tablespoon of cream cheese in the center of each piece. -
Roll It Up:
Roll the chicken around the cheese and secure with a toothpick or wrap tightly. -
Sear for Flavor:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes per side). -
Bake to Finish:
Transfer to an ovenproof dish, spoon a little marinara over the top, and bake for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C) and cheese is melty. -
Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Plan Notes
- Keto / Low Carb: ~4g net carbs per serving
- Weight Watchers: ~4–6 points (use low-fat cheese and cooking spray instead of oil)
-
Slimming World:
- Free if using cheese as part of your Healthy Extra A
- Syns: olive oil (2 syns per tsp) and cream cheese (~1 syn per tsp if used)
- Sugar-free marinara (1–2 syns per serving, depending on brand)
Gluten-Free
High Protein
Low Carb, No Flour, No Breadcrumbs
Optional Add-Ins
- Wrap chicken in lean bacon before baking for extra flavor (adds 1–2 syns or 1–2 WW points).
- Add a layer of spinach or sundried tomatoes inside before rolling.
- Air fryer version: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through.
