Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups – A Family-Friendly Favorite Packed with Flavor

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s packed with protein, hidden veggies, creamy cheese, and a satisfyingly crispy crust? These Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups are a total game-changer. Combining the gooey goodness of cheddar, the creaminess of softened cheese, the nutrition of broccoli, and the juicy tenderness of baked chicken, this dish is equal parts comfort food and crowd-pleaser.

Each rollup is coated in a crunchy cheddar cracker crust and baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that kids adore, adults crave, and leftovers (if there are any) never last long.

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🧾 Ingredients – What You’ll Need

This recipe yields 6 rollups and uses familiar, easy-to-find ingredients that come together for a crunchy, cheesy, creamy entrée.

For the Filling:

• 3½ cups broccoli (525 g), finely chopped, divided
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200 g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 8 oz cream cheese (225 g), softened

For the Chicken:

• 3 chicken breasts (butterflied and cut to make 6 thin cutlets)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For the Crust:

• 14 oz cheddar crackers (390 g), crushed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
• 2 eggs, whisked

🧄 Pro Tip: Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor, and add a pinch of paprika or cayenne to the flour for a spicy twist.

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👨‍🍳 Preparation – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, microwave 1½ cups (225 g) of the chopped broccoli for 1 minute to soften it slightly. Then add:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 8 oz softened cream cheese

Mix thoroughly. Set aside. This cheesy mixture will serve as the flavorful filling for the rollups.

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Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

1. On a clean cutting board, butterfly the chicken breasts horizontally.
2. Cut through to create 6 thinner chicken cutlets.
3. Place plastic wrap over the chicken and tenderize using a rolling pin or heavy pan until each piece is even in thickness.
4. Remove plastic and season each cutlet with salt and pepper.

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Step 3: Roll and Secure

Scoop a generous spoonful of the broccoli cheddar mixture onto each piece of seasoned chicken. Spread the filling evenly, then roll up the chicken starting from the tapered end.

Secure each rollup with 2 toothpicks to prevent unrolling during baking.

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Step 4: Prepare the Coating

Preheat your oven to 325˚F (165˚C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

1. In a plastic bag, crush the cheddar crackers until they resemble coarse sand.
2. Pour into a large bowl and add the remaining minced broccoli. Stir to combine.
3. Place flour in one bowl, and whisked eggs in another.

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Step 5: Bread the Chicken Rollups

Using tongs (or clean hands):

1. Dredge each chicken rollup in flour, tapping off excess.
2. Dip into the egg, coating completely.
3. Finally, roll in the cheddar cracker-broccoli mixture to coat thoroughly.

Repeat with all six rollups.

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Step 6: Bake

Transfer the coated rollups to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until:

• The crust is golden and crispy
• Chicken is fully cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C)

Allow to cool slightly, then gently remove toothpicks before serving.

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⏱️ Quick Recipe Summary

Step	Time
Prep Time	20 minutes
Bake Time	40–45 minutes
Total Time	~1 hour 5 minutes
Servings	6 chicken rollups
Skill Level	Intermediate

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

These rollups make a full meal on their own, but you can build a plate with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
• Steamed green beans or a mixed green salad
• Buttery corn on the cob or coleslaw

🧄 Sauce it up! Serve with a side of ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli for dipping.

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🔁 Variations & Custom Ideas

• Switch the cheese: Try gouda, provolone, or pepper jack
• Add a protein punch: Stir crumbled bacon or cooked sausage into the filling
• Low carb option: Swap crackers for crushed pork rinds or almond flour and bake as usual
• Kids’ version: Skip the broccoli and fill with ham and cheese

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

These rollups keep wonderfully in the fridge and are great for lunchboxes or meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Wrap each rollup in foil or plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through

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💬 Reader Raves

“My picky kids loved this! Broccoli and all. Total win!”
— Tanya W.

“Made these for Sunday dinner with mashed potatoes and wow… clean plates all around.”
— Brian T.

“The cheddar cracker crust makes this super crunchy and flavorful. Definitely making again!”
— Lena H.

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📌 Final Thoughts – Cheesy, Crispy, and So Satisfying

These Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rollups are everything you want in a comforting, family-friendly dinner: rich, cheesy filling; juicy chicken; and a crave-worthy crunchy crust. They’re creative, filling, and easy to customize—and best of all, they look impressive but come together with minimal stress.

This recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Or the recipe.

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