Baked Eggplant Rolls with Chicken and Cheese

These Baked Eggplant Rolls are savory, cheesy, and packed with herby goodness. Thinly sliced eggplants are grilled until tender, wrapped around roasted chicken and melty cheese, then finished with a crispy breadcrumb-Parmesan topping. Whether you're planning a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish is a hearty and elegant option.

What Are Eggplant Rolls?

Eggplant rolls, sometimes called involtini, are a Mediterranean-style dish where eggplant slices are grilled or roasted and then wrapped around a savory filling. This version combines roasted chicken and cheese, enhanced with a fragrant herb oil and finished with a crispy topping. It’s a beautiful harmony of earthy eggplant, rich cheese, and protein-packed chicken—all baked to golden perfection.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

From weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, these rolls are a hit:

• Flavor-Packed: Infused with garlic, herbs, and extra virgin olive oil.
• Comforting Texture: Creamy cheese meets juicy chicken and tender eggplant.
• Balanced: It’s hearty without being too heavy—perfect alongside a green salad.
• Versatile: Great as a starter, side, or light main dish.
• Gluten-Friendly Option: Easily adaptable with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Pro Tips for the Best Eggplant Rolls

1. Slice evenly: Aim for 1/4-inch thick slices so they’re flexible but hold their shape.
2. Salt the eggplant first if you want to remove bitterness—let sit for 20 minutes, then pat dry.
3. Use leftover roasted chicken to save time (store-bought rotisserie works perfectly).
4. Try smoked provolone or mozzarella for added flavor depth.
5. Drizzle with herb oil before baking for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Rolls Vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or ricotta cheese.

What’s the Best Cheese for This Recipe?

Mozzarella, provolone, fontina, or a mix of mild melting cheeses all work well.

Can I Use a Grill Instead of a Pan for the Eggplant?

Yes! Grilling adds a lovely smoky flavor. Just brush the slices with herb oil and grill for 2–3 minutes per side.

How Can I Make It Ahead?

Assemble the rolls in the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the toppings just before baking.

Can I Skip the Breadcrumbs?

You can omit them or use crushed nuts for a crunchier, gluten-free topping.

How to Freeze

Freeze after baking: place cooled rolls in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 375°F until hot and bubbly.

How to Store

Cool the eggplant rolls to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melted.

How To Make Eggplant Rolls

In a small bowl, mix olive oil with salt, pepper, garlic, basil, rosemary, and parsley. Slice the eggplants lengthwise into thin strips and brush each slice with the seasoned oil.

Pan-cook the eggplant slices on both sides until softened and pliable.

On a cutting board, lay out the cooked eggplant slices. Add a piece of roasted chicken and a slice of cheese, then roll tightly.

Drizzle olive oil into a baking dish and sprinkle the base with breadcrumbs. Arrange the eggplant rolls in the dish and top with cheese cubes.

Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan and more breadcrumbs. Add a final drizzle of olive oil.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!