These chicken pesto roll-ups are a low-carb dinner recipe that the whole family will love! Chicken is often the go-to protein for quick, healthy dinners, but it’s also one of the easiest meals to get bored with. The same baked chicken breast, with bland seasoning and no inspiration. Most people aren’t struggling to cook chicken; they’re struggling to make it exciting again. And that’s why I love this recipe.
It takes everything you think of as simple chicken dinners and flips it into something completely different. It’s juicy, flavorful, cheesy, wrapped in a crispy coating, and incredibly simple. And the best part? It’s still low-carb, keto-friendly, and simple enough to make on a busy weeknight, serving up real, satisfying food that actually makes you look forward to dinner.
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What makes these chicken roll-ups stand out isn’t just the flavor (though the combination of savory pesto and melted cheese is hard to beat). It’s the texture and versatility. You get the perfect contrast between a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior that’s packed with bright, indulgent flavor.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make the perfect chicken pesto roll-ups step by step, plus small tips and tricks that make a big difference. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a reliable, to-to dinner that’s anything but boring.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups
These roll-ups have become a regular favorite since I first made them while on a pesto kick. They strike the perfect balance between easy, healthy, and crave-worthy. Here are a few more reasons to make this recipe tonight:
- Great low-carb dinner option.
- A flavorful recipe to upgrade plain chicken.
- Ready to serve in under an hour!
- Juicy and tender results.
- Super simple (just 5 ingredients!)
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shows just how easy it is to transform simple, everyday ingredients into a dinner that feels elevated. You don’t need a long shopping list (in fact, this one is shorter than you’d think). With just 5 simple components, this recipe is not only great for your taste buds, but it’s even better on your wallet.
- Chicken Breast: Thinly sliced or pounded chicken works best here.
- Pesto: This is where most of the flavor comes in, so quality matters. You can use store-bought for convenience, or make your own for a fresher, more vibrant taste.
- Cheese: Here’s where the richness comes in. This recipe calls for cheddar, but mozzarella, provolone, or your favorite sliced cheese will work just as well.
- Egg: This acts as a glue, helping the crumb coating to stick to the chicken.
- Crumb Coating: A low-carb option, such as almond meal, becomes the perfect coating for this chicken dish. We’ll get more into crispy coating options next.
Measurements for each ingredient, along with instructions for making Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups, are in the printable recipe card below.
Printable Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts, or 8 thinly sliced chicken cutlets
- ⅔ cup Pesto
- 8 slices Cheddar Cheese
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Almond Meal (or almond flour)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF. Grease a baking sheet and set it aside.
- Beat the eggs in a small bowl and set it aside. Place the almond meal in a second bowl and set it aside.
- Lay pieces of chicken out on work surface. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally so you have 8 pieces in all.
- Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound into thin, even pieces about ¼" thick.
- Spread pesto evenly on top of each chicken breast.
- Place a slice of cheese on top of the pesto.
- Starting at the short end of a piece of chicken, roll up tightly making sure the cheese stays in place as you roll. Secure the chicken with a tooth pick. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- Dip each piece of chicken in the egg and then in the almond meal to coat.
- Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉.
Notes
- Use breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even cornflakes as an alternative coating to the almond meal.
- Shredded cheese is a good substitute for the cheese slices.
Nutrition
Low-Carb Crumb Coating (Options & Substitutes)
The coating gives these chicken roll-ups their signature crispy finish, but if you’re keeping things low-carb, traditional bread crumbs are off the table. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives that work just as well (if not better).
Almond flour/meal is one of the most popular options. It creates a light, slightly nutty coating that crisps up nicely in the oven. It’s low-carb and easy to use, making it a go-to choice for keto recipes.
Crushed pork rinds are another excellent option. They might sound unconventional, but they deliver an incredibly crispy texture and add a savory, salty flavor that pairs well with chicken. If you’re looking for maximum crunch, this is your best bet.
Parmesan cheese is often used as part of the coating, mixed in with other ingredients. It adds both flavor and crispiness. A mix of almond flour and Parmesan creates a balanced coating with both texture and flavor. The beauty of this recipe is that you can adapt it to your diet without compromising flavor and texture.
Note: If you’re not strictly low-carb, you can substitute with traditional breadcrumbs or panko for an even crunchier finish.
Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps and images to help you achieve perfect, juicy, and crispy chicken pesto roll-ups!
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Grease a baking sheet and set it aside.
Step 2
In a small bowl, beat the 2 eggs and set it aside. Place the 1 cup of almond meal in a second bowl and set it aside.
Step 3
If using whole chicken breasts, slice them horizontally into 8 thinner slices. Then, place each slice between pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4″.
Tip: Instead of plastic wrap, you can place the chicken in a large ziplock bag. Use a heavy-bottomed pan, a rolling pin, or a meat mallet to pound the chicken.
Step 4
Spread pesto evenly on one side of each chicken breast, then top with a slice of cheese.
Step 5
Starting at the short end of a piece of chicken, roll it up tightly, making sure the cheese stays inside. Secure the chicken with a toothpick. Repeat with each piece of chicken.
Step 6
Dip each piece of chicken in the egg, then coat it with the almond meal. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Tip: Use a digital kitchen thermometer to accurately check the temperature of the chicken to avoid under- or overcooking it!
Make It Even Better (Variations & Add-Ins)
Once you’ve mastered the basic version of these chicken pesto roll-ups, the real fun begins: customizing them to fit your taste.
Veggie Overload
One of the easiest upgrades is adding vegetables to the filling. Spinach is a great option because it adds color, nutrients, and a subtle flavor without overpowering the dish. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture so the rolls don’t get soggy. Sun-dried tomatoes pair beautifully with pesto and cheese. A small amount goes a long way in boosting flavor. Or even try it with this sun-dried tomato pesto!
Make It Richer
Consider adding a thin slice of prosciutto or bacon inside the roll. This adds a salty, savory depth that takes the recipe to another level.
Experiment with Cheeses
Swap the cheddar for something sharper, like provolone or Swiss, or even go for an indulgent brie cheese for a completely different flavor profile.
Make It Vegan
Swap the traditional pesto for a vegan option. Go store-bought for convenience or make your own, like the lemon pesto in this Buddha bowl recipe. Substitute the egg for dairy-free milk or a vegan mayo. Spread it on the chicken before coating it in breadcrumbs for an easy vegan swap.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes like these chicken pesto roll-ups have a few simple mistakes to avoid that make this recipe successful every time you make it.
Too Thick Chicken
One of the most common issues is not pounding the chicken thin enough. Thick chicken is harder to roll and tends to cook unevenly, leaving you with dry edges and undercooked centers. Aim for an even thickness so everything cooks at the same rate.
You can often find thin-sliced chicken breasts sold at the store, or buy regular chicken breasts and slice them at home. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally, then place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken into even, thin cutlets.
For more tips on preparing your chicken breast, watch this quick video from Blue Apron:
Overfilling the Chicken
Another mistake is overfilling the chicken. It’s tempting to load up on pesto and cheese, but too much filling can cause the roll-ups to fall apart or leak during baking. A thin, even layer works best to keep everything intact while still delivering plenty of flavor.
Overcooking
Overcooking is a major culprit behind dry chicken. Because these roll-ups are relatively thin, they cook faster than you might expect. Using a digital kitchen thermometer and pulling them from the oven at 165ºF ensures they stay juicy.
What to Serve with Chicken Roll-Ups
These chicken pesto roll-ups are flavorful enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can turn them into a complete, satisfying meal.
If you’re keeping things low-carb, roasted vegetables are one of the best options. Choose your favorite veggies, season and roast them to add the perfect, healthy side without overpowering the main dish. For an indulgent veggie side, try these low-carb Brussels sprouts au gratin.
A fresh salad is another great choice. Something light and crisp, like a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette, helps cut through the richness of the chicken and cheese.
For a more comforting meal, serve these with mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower for a hearty, keto-friendly meal. And if you’re not concerned about carbs, classic sides like pasta, rice, or garlic bread work well too.
Ultimately, the goal is balance. Pairing something fresh or light alongside the rich, cheesy chicken.
Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep Tips
This recipe works incredibly well for meal prep, and leftovers hold up great when stored properly. With a little planning, you can enjoy these chicken pesto roll-ups throughout the week without sacrificing their quality.
Place cooled roll-ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keeping them in a sealed container helps maintain moisture and prevents them from drying out.
When it comes to reheating, the oven is your best option. It helps restore the crispy coating, which evenly warms the inside. Reheat at 350ºF until heated through. The air fryer is also a great option for reheating. While the microwave is faster, it can make the coating soft and less appealing.
If you’re meal prepping, you can assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to a day. This makes it easy to make them fresh when you’re ready to eat.
These tips make the recipe not just delicious, but practical for real-life schedules!
Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups FAQs
For common reader questions, you’ll find all the answers below. For more questions or comment, write to us below!
What’s the Best Cheese to Use?
Cheddar is a favorite because it melts well and has a slightly sharp flavor, but you can use other cheeses if you prefer. Just make sure it’s something that melts smoothly. Mozzarella, provolone, and Swiss are other great options for this recipe.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
You can use chicken thighs, but they may require slight adjustments in cooking time. Thighs are naturally juicier but can be harder to roll. Make sure to buy boneless, skinless thighs and be gentle when pounding them thinner. When cooking, be sure the rolls reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.
How Do I Keep Them From Falling Apart?
A great way to keep these rolls from falling apart is to secure them with toothpicks and avoid overfilling them. Rolling them tightly also helps maintain their shape. Before putting the chicken in the oven, place a toothpick vertically into the center of each roll-up. This will help to hold it all together as it cooks.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and assemble these roll-ups and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours in advance. This will save lots of time at dinner the next day! You can also store cooked, cooled chicken pesto roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture and flavor.
Dinner with Flavor
At the end of the day, great meals don’t have to be complicated; they just have to work. And these chicken pesto roll-ups do just that.
They take simple ingredients and turn them into something that feels a little more special and tastes a lot more special. The kind of meal that you’ll be adding to the regular rotation after the first bite. Once you’ve made it a couple of times, you’ll know exactly how thin to pound the chicken, how much filling to use, and how to get that perfect balance of crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
So whether you’re making these for a quick weeknight dinner, prepping meals ahead of time for a busy week, or serving them up for friends and family, you can feel confident knowing they’ll deliver every time.
More Juicy Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed these chicken pesto roll-ups, there’s a whole world of flavorful chicken recipes to explore. Get started with some of these delicious recipes!
Connect with Cooking
Did you try this recipe? Did you keep it classic with pesto and cheese or switch it up with one of the variations suggested above? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to save this recipe for the next time you want to take chicken night up a notch!
