Chef Mitchell preparing Cheesy Baked Chicken Rolls
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe for Cheesy Baked Chicken Rolls was born out of a love for Mexican cuisine and a desire to create a comforting dish that the whole family would enjoy. After experimenting with various fillings, I finally perfected this cheesy blend that is both delicious and easy to make. Each roll is packed with flavor, bringing a taste of Mexico to our dinner table."

Having spent years honing my skills in Mexican cuisine, I have developed a deep appreciation for its vibrant flavors and comforting dishes. I love creating recipes that bring people together around the dinner table, showcasing the best of Mexican cooking. My experience allows me to create easy but delicious recipes that anyone can prepare.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cheesy Baked Chicken Rolls served on a plate

Why This Cheesy Baked Chicken Rolls Recipe Works

This recipe is special because it combines the richness of cheese with the heartiness of chicken, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. It's an ideal dish for gatherings or a comforting dinner at home. The use of both cream cheese and cheddar enhances the flavor and texture, making each bite irresistible.

The technique of rolling the tortillas tightly ensures that the filling stays inside during baking, while the two types of cheese create a beautifully melted topping. Baking the rolls allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully, giving you a dish that is sure to be a hit.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will ensure a smooth filling that spreads easily. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge before baking. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and bake within 24 hours for the best results. If you want to make them further in advance, consider freezing them before baking.

If you don't have cream cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or a mixture of Greek yogurt and shredded cheese. These alternatives will still provide a creamy texture, but the flavor may vary slightly.

The rolls are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortillas start to turn golden brown. You can also insert a knife into the center to check for hot filling, ensuring it is heated through.

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled rolls before baking. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

These rolls pair perfectly with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with additional salsa or guacamole for dipping, enhancing the Mexican flavors of the dish.

The rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Yes, you can assemble the rolls a day in advance and keep them wrapped in the fridge. Just remember to bake them just before serving them for the best texture and flavor.

The best way to reheat the rolls is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until they are heated through. This will help maintain the crispy texture of the tortillas.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the rolls turn out dry, it may be due to overcooking or not enough filling.

Solution: Ensure to keep an eye on the baking time and consider adding more filling if necessary. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of salsa can also help add moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the rolls are not crispy, it may be due to excess moisture in the filling.

Solution: Make sure all ingredients are well-drained, and consider baking them a few minutes longer uncovered to allow steam to escape.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooking can result in a tough texture and burnt edges.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep the oven temperature accurate and check the rolls a few minutes before the suggested baking time.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center remains cold, it indicates insufficient baking time.

Recovery: You can return the rolls to the oven for an additional few minutes to ensure the filling is fully heated.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt exterior could occur from an overly high oven temperature.

Prevention: Check your oven temperature accuracy and possibly lower it slightly, or cover the rolls with foil towards the end if they brown too quickly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the rolls are too sweet, consider adding more savory spices like cumin or chili powder to balance the flavor.

Too Salty: For overly salty rolls, serve with a side of plain rice or a creamy dip to offset the saltiness.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, enhance it with more spices or serve with zesty toppings like salsa or fresh lime.

Fresh ingredients for Cheesy Baked Chicken Rolls

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Chicken Rolls

The key ingredients for these rolls include tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and flavorful spices. Each component contributes to the overall taste, making these rolls a favorite among family and friends. Using high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Opt for fresh herbs and spices to elevate the taste further. The chicken should be freshly cooked and shredded, while the cheeses should be good quality for the best melting properties.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: For the best flavor, use chicken breast that is cooked and shredded. This allows for a tender filling that retains moisture and flavor. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Using sharp cheddar cheese adds a punch of flavor to the rolls. Make sure to shred your own cheese from a block for the best melt and texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for a creamy filling. Ensure it is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
Cooking process for Cheesy Baked Chicken Rolls

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Cheesy Baked Chicken Rolls is straightforward and perfect for home cooks of any skill level. Start by preparing your filling and then rolling it into tortillas, making sure to seal them well. Baking is the final step that brings everything together, giving the rolls a delicious golden crust.

Achieving perfect results relies on following the assembly steps closely and ensuring the rolls are evenly spaced in the baking dish. This allows for consistent cooking and prevents them from sticking together.

Key Technique for Perfect Cheesy Baked Chicken Rolls

The most important technique is to roll the tortillas tightly while ensuring the filling is evenly spread. This ensures that the filling stays inside during cooking and results in a well-structured final dish. Additionally, allowing the rolls to rest before serving helps the flavors meld together.

Cheesy Baked Chicken Rolls

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream
    For a creamy topping
  • 1/2 cup salsa
    For added flavor
  • 1 tsp chili powder
    For spice
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup cream cheese
    Softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    For flavor
  • 1/2 cup green onions
    Chopped
  • 1/2 cup salsa
    For flavor
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1 tsp onion powder
    For flavor
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
    For flavor
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
    For flavor
  • 1 package flour tortillas
    For wrapping
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    For topping
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
    For greasing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Filling

    In a large bowl, combine cooked and shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

  2. Assemble the Rolls

    Lay a tortilla flat and place a generous amount of the chicken filling on one side. Roll it tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

  3. Repeat Assembly

    Continue to fill and roll the remaining tortillas until all the filling is used.

  4. Top with Cheese

    Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas.

  5. Bake the Rolls

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  6. Garnish and Serve

    Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftover Cheesy Baked Chicken Rolls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave to enjoy them again.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheesy Baked Chicken Rolls with a side of Mexican rice, fresh guacamole, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. They’re also delicious with a dollop of sour cream or extra salsa on top.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize these rolls by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the filling. You can also experiment with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.