Crunchy on the outside, mellow and cheesy on the inside, these baked chicken and zucchini pockets are the cozy weeknight hug your oven gives you. Ready in about 50 minutes and full of Italian-ish vibes, they’re perfect for busy evenings, potlucks, or turning leftover egg whites into culinary gold.
This dish is a compact roll of tender chicken, salty prosciutto, a zucchini-Parmesan filling and a gooey mozzarella heart, crumb-coated and oven-baked until golden. Serve them as a main with a crisp salad, on a bed of herby couscous, or sliced as impressive finger food.
What are Baked Chicken & Zucchini Pockets?
These are similar to involtini, which are Italian meat rolls. Thin chicken slices are layered with prosciutto, a quick zucchini-Parmesan mix and a little ball of mozzarella, rolled up, breaded and baked. This creates a crunchy shell, a tender chicken layer, and a molten cheesy center. In fact, pairing zucchini with prosciutto is a classic move, the zucchini’s gentle sweetness balances prosciutto’s savory saltiness.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Chicken & Zucchini Pockets
- Dry the zucchini thoroughly. After grating, salt and let sit for 10–15 minutes, then squeeze in a tea towel. The drier filling, the least likely you will get soggy pockets.
- Use thin cutlets to make rolling easier and ensure even cooking. Butterfly the breasts or pound them to an even thinness (about 4–6 mm).
- After dipping in egg wash, press the crumbs so they cling to build a crunchier coating.
- Place each roll seam-side down on the tray so they don’t unfurl while baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover egg whites for the egg wash?
Absolutely. If you only have egg whites, whisk 2 egg whites and 2 tbsp milk, or water with a pinch of salt and pepper. It works well for coating and is a great way to use leftovers.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work and add extra juiciness and flavor. Flatten them to an even thickness so they roll easily and cook through at the same time.
How should I serve these?
They’re excellent as a main with roasted potatoes or a salad or sliced into medallions for a party platter. A squeeze of lemon or a scatter of chopped parsley lifts the flavors.
How to Store Leftovers
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 180 °C / 350 °F oven for 8–12 minutes, or until warmed through to keep the crumb crunchy. Microwaves will warm them but soften the crust.
Ingredients
How to Make Baked Chicken & Zucchini Pockets
Grate the zucchini, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let sit for 10–15 minutes. Squeeze firmly in a clean towel or cheesecloth until mostly dry.
Grate the zucchini, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let sit for 10–15 minutes. Squeeze firmly in a clean towel or cheesecloth until mostly dry.
If not pre-sliced, butterfly breasts and pound gently between plastic wrap to an even thinness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
If not pre-sliced, butterfly breasts and pound gently between plastic wrap to an even thinness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
On each chicken slice, lay prosciutto, zucchini, parmesan, and mozzarella. Tightly roll the chicken around the filling and tuck the ends under so the roll holds its shape.
On each chicken slice, lay prosciutto, zucchini, parmesan, and mozzarella. Tightly roll the chicken around the filling and tuck the ends under so the roll holds its shape.
In a shallow bowl whisk the egg, milk, salt, and pepper and pour breadcrumbs into another dish. Dip each roll into the egg wash, then roll in breadcrumbs.
In a shallow bowl whisk the egg, milk, salt, and pepper and pour breadcrumbs into another dish. Dip each roll into the egg wash, then roll in breadcrumbs.
Pour oil on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place each roll seam-side down. Then, drizzle or brush each roll with a little olive oil.
Pour oil on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place each roll seam-side down. Then, drizzle or brush each roll with a little olive oil.
Bake in the oven for 35 minutes at 180 ° C / 350 ° F. Enjoy!
Bake in the oven for 35 minutes at 180 ° C / 350 ° F. Enjoy!
;Resize,width=767;)
