These pesto chicken roll-ups start with thin chicken breast that are stuffed with pesto and sharp cheddar, rolled up and finished with a crunch coating. A low carb dinner recipe that the whole family will love!
Pesto Chicken Roll-ups combine tender chicken with flavorful pesto, creating a delicious and healthy meal. We have chicken for dinner a couple of times a week, so I'm always experimenting with new recipes.
These roll-ups have become a regular favorite since I first made them while on a pesto kick.
They're a great low-carb option thanks to the keto crumb coating. I've even served them to guests, and no one realizes they're eating something healthy—they taste indulgent and delightful!
Low Carb Crumb Coating
For my crumb coating, I use Moon Cheese that I pulse through my mini food processor until I have coarse crumbs.
If you've never heard of or tasted Moon Cheese, you're in for a treat! They're great to just eat plain as a snack or to incorporate into your recipes.
They're little bite-size snacks that are 100% cheese but they've had all the moisture removed so they're crunchy little bites of goodness. Plus, they're really low in carbs and gluten-free.
If you don't have access to Moon Cheese, you can use your favorite low carb cracker or pork rinds instead. Just crush until you have coarse crumbs.
Also, if you aren't worried about counting carbs, just use any type of cracker or even panko breadcrumbs.
How to Make Chicken Roll-ups
Ingredients:
- thin chicken breast cutlets
- jarred pesto
- cheese
- an egg
- cracker crumbs
The most important part of this healthy chicken roll ups recipe is the thickness (or thin-ness??) of your boneless chicken breast.
I buy my chicken already cut into thin cutlets because of the convenience factor. They're readily available at the grocery store and they aren't that much more expensive than regular chicken breast.
If you do have a regular, thick chicken breast, you need to do a little bit more work. You really do need thin cutlets for this chicken recipe otherwise you won't be able to roll them up correctly and they won't cook the whole way through (at least not without the outside drying out first).
If you're starting with a regular, thick boneless skinless chicken breast, use kitchen shears to cut it into 2-3 pieces. You'll want to cut it horizontally so you end up with 2-3 flat pieces of chicken. Then place each piece between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound thin.
Once you have your chicken breast strips ready, lay a piece out on your work surface and spread generously with pesto sauce. Then layer cheese slices on top of the pesto.
Starting at one of the short ends of the chicken, roll up making sure you're rolling tightly and keeping the cheese in place as you're rolling.
Secure the end with a tooth pick so that they stay tightly rolled even while cooking.
Carefully dip each piece of rolled chicken in the egg wash and then roll in the cracker crumbs until evenly coated.
I kept the toothpick in for this step because it was easier for me, but you can remove the toothpick for this step if you prefer.
Once the chicken is coated, place seam side down on a greased baking sheet.
Then bake at 425 degrees for about 25-30 minutes. You want the inside of your chicken to reach a minimum of 165 degrees to make sure it's cooked the whole way through.
Sides to Serve with Chicken Dinner
- Scalloped Corn
- Onion and Mushroom Crumble
- Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
- Low Carb Brussels Sprouts au Gratin
Pesto Chicken Roll-ups
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Thin Chicken Cutlets
- ⅔ cup Pesto
- 6 oz Cheddar Cheese sliced
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup Low Carb crackers crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a baking sheet and set aside.
- Break egg into a small bowl and beat with a fork. Place cracker crumbs in a second bowl. Set aside.
- Lay pieces of chicken out on work surface.
- Spread pesto evenly on top of pieces of chicken.
- Layer cheese slices on top of 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 crumbs to coat.
- Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Notes
FAQs
How to Make Chicken Roll Ups?
To make chicken roll ups, start with thin sliced chicken breast roll-ups. Spread a layer of pesto on each piece of chicken, then add a slice of mozzarella cheese. Roll up the chicken and secure with toothpicks.
For extra flavor, you can also stuff with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
How Long to Bake Chicken Roll Ups?
Bake chicken roll ups in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
For evenly cooked and juicy roll-ups, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. These baked chicken roll ups are perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
What to Serve with Chicken Roll Ups?
Chicken roll ups pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic mashed potatoes.
For a Mediterranean twist, serve with a side of quinoa or couscous. These sides complement the flavors of pesto chicken rolls and make for a balanced meal.
How to Cook Chicken Thighs on the Grill?
To cook chicken thighs on the grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra flavor, brush with barbecue sauce or a marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.
How to Make Pesto?
To make pesto, combine 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup of olive oil, ⅓ cup of pine nuts, and 2 garlic cloves in a food processor.
Blend until smooth, adding salt and pepper to taste. This versatile sauce is perfect for chicken pesto roll ups and other dishes like pasta and sandwiches.
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