When I first made Rolled Chicken Washington, I felt like I’d discovered a hidden gem in my kitchen. The tender chicken wrapped around gooey cheese and savory ham, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, was almost too good to believe I made it myself! My favorite part? That golden crust gives way to a cheesy, flavorful center that feels like a warm hug.

This dish is easier to prepare than it looks, yet it wows everyone at the table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, Rolled Chicken Washington strikes the ideal balance between comfort food and elegance.

Ingredients for Rolled Chicken Washington

Here’s everything you need to make this irresistible dish.

4 large chicken breasts, pounded to ¼-inch thickness for easy rolling.
4 slices deli ham, thin and pliable for the perfect filling.
4 slices American cheese for that classic gooey center.
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs to add crunch and flavor.
2 large eggs, whisked for binding the breadcrumb coating.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter for a rich cheese sauce.
½ cup milk to create the creamy sauce base.

Note: Makes 4 servings. Adjust ingredients proportionally for larger batches.

Creative Variations to Try

Switch things up with these fun twists on the classic recipe!

Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based cheese and swap regular milk for unsweetened almond milk to accommodate dietary needs.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs and a cornstarch slurry in place of flour for the sauce.
Add Some Spice: Mix paprika or cayenne into your breadcrumbs for an extra kick.
Unique Fillings: Try spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or Swiss cheese for a flavorful twist.

Timing Breakdown

This dish doesn’t take long to prepare and delivers big on flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

The Equipment You’ll Need

Make the process seamless by gathering these tools.

Meat Tenderizer for flattening the chicken to an even thickness.
Mixing Bowls to hold the breadcrumbs, eggs, and prepare the sauce.
Large Skillet to brown the chicken rolls before baking.
Baking Dish for finishing the rolls in the oven.
Saucepan to craft the dreamy cheese sauce.

How to Make Rolled Chicken Washington?

Creating this dish is easier than it seems. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result!

Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts between plastic wrap. Use a meat tenderizer to gently pound each to about ¼-inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to roll. Pour the seasoned breadcrumbs into one bowl and whisked eggs into another, and set them aside for coating the rolls later.

Layer on the Ham and Cheese

Lay one slice of ham and one slice of cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly from one end to the other, keeping the filling secure. Use toothpicks if needed to hold the rolls together, but remove them before serving. Ensure the rolls are sealed to avoid any filling spillage during cooking.

Coat the Chicken Rolls

Dip the chicken rolls into the whisked eggs, ensuring every side is covered. Then roll them thoroughly in the breadcrumbs. Press the crumbs gently to ensure they adhere well, creating a crispy, golden coating.

Brown the Chicken Rolls

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with some oil, and brown the chicken rolls on all sides. This step locks in flavor and adds a beautiful crust. Remove the rolls from the skillet once they are evenly golden brown.

Bake to Perfection

Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 30 minutes. Baking thoroughly cooks the chicken while keeping the crust crispy and golden.

Whip Up the Cheese Sauce

While the chicken is baking, heat milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add the cheese slices, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. This luscious sauce is the key to making the dish extra indulgent.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken rolls are done baking, drizzle the warm cheese sauce over the top. Plate them alongside your favorite sides, and serve immediately while the cheese is still melty. Watch everyone savor each bite with joy!

Extra Tips for the Perfect Chicken Rolls

Here are my go-to tips from personal experience to make this dish flawless!

Don’t Skip Tenderizing: Pounding the chicken creates an even surface, making it easier to roll and ensuring it cooks through uniformly.
Secure with Toothpicks: For perfect rolls, use toothpicks to hold them together while they bake. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk while stirring to reach the desired creaminess.
Double Dip for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy layer, coat the chicken rolls in breadcrumbs twice.

Beautiful Ways to Serve Rolled Chicken Washington

Presentation enhances the appeal of this dish. Arrange the chicken rolls on a warm plate and drizzle the cheesy sauce generously over the top. Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce and roasted green beans or a fresh garden salad for balance.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped parsley or a dash of paprika on top. These little details add color and elevate the overall look of the dish. Perfect for any occasion, this meal is bound to impress at the table.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving.

Calories: 397
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fat: 15g

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is just as convenient to prepare ahead as it is to enjoy fresh.

Refrigeration

Store cooked chicken rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven to restore their crispy texture.

Freezing for Later

Wrap the uncooked chicken rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Rolled Chicken Washington ticks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing dish. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it.

Impressively Simple: It looks sophisticated but is easy enough for any level of cook.
Customizable Flavors: Endless ways to tweak the filling or spice up the coating.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for weeknight dinners or special events, it always wows.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love the crispy coating and cheesy filling, making it family-approved.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it in advance and bake when ready to serve, saving time and effort.

Rolled Chicken Washington is a recipe worth adding to your kitchen arsenal. Its combination of textures, flavors, and versatility guarantees it’ll be a favorite in no time. Give it a spin and see just how easy it is to create something this delightful!