4 Irresistible Low Carb Pesto Chicken Roll Ups

Picture this: It’s 6 PM, you’re starving, and takeout is calling your name. But then you remember those chicken breasts in the fridge and that jar of pesto in the pantry. My low carb pesto chicken roll ups became my go-to lifesaver during those crazy weeknights when I needed something fast, healthy, and packed with flavor. The best part? It feels fancy but takes less time than waiting for delivery. Just a few simple ingredients transform into these gorgeous little bundles of cheesy, herby goodness that even my picky kids devour. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them weekly like I do!

Why You’ll Love These Low Carb Pesto Chicken Roll Ups

Listen, I don’t mess around when it comes to quick dinners—these roll ups check every box:

• Weeknight warrior – Ready in under 40 minutes (oven to table!) with barely any cleanup
• Flavor bomb – That garlicky pesto and melty cheese combo? Absolute magic
• No carb crash – Under 5g net carbs per serving but still crazy satisfying
• Foolproof assembly – Even my 10-year-old can help roll ’em up (toothpicks do the hard work)
• Meal prep hero – Tastes even better next day sliced over salads

Seriously, they’re like little green-wrapped presents your taste buds get to unwrap. And your waistline will thank you too!

Ingredients for Low Carb Pesto Chicken Roll Ups

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I mean the good stuff. No mystery items here, just simple, fresh components that turn into something spectacular. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each – go for the plump ones!)
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade if you’re fancy, but my go-to jarred brand works in a pinch)
• 1/2 cup packed shredded mozzarella (the pre-shredded stuff is fine, but block cheese melts better if you’ve got the time)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (the real deal, not the powdery stuff in the green can)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (just enough for that golden sheen)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp – we’re seasoning the whole package!)

That’s it! Six simple ingredients that you probably have on hand already. The chicken is your blank canvas, the pesto is your flavor bomb, and the cheeses? Well, they’re just pure happiness rolled up inside. Ready to make some magic?

How to Make Low Carb Pesto Chicken Roll Ups

Alright, let’s get rolling – literally! These chicken bundles come together faster than you’d think, but there are a few key steps that make all the difference. Follow along and you’ll have restaurant-worthy roll ups with minimal effort.

Preparing the Chicken

First things first – we need to transform those chicken breasts into perfect roll-up canvases. Grab your sharpest knife and let’s butterfly them: slice horizontally through the thickest part of each breast, stopping about 1/2 inch from the edge so it opens like a book. Now the fun part – grab your meat mallet (or a heavy pan if you’re improvising) and pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness between plastic wrap. Don’t skip this step! Uneven chicken means some rolls will cook faster than others. Pro tip: work from the center outward in gentle strokes – we want tenderized, not pulverized.

Assembling the Roll Ups

Here’s where the magic happens! Lay your chicken cutlets flat and spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto over each one, leaving a 1/2-inch border (trust me, it’ll ooze otherwise). Sprinkle that glorious cheese combo evenly across – I like to go heavier in the center where it’ll melt into maximum gooeyness. Now roll them up snugly from the short end, tucking in any loose bits as you go. Secure with 2-3 toothpicks spaced evenly – this prevents the dreaded unrolling disaster in the oven. Lightly brush each bundle with olive oil and season generously. They should look like little green-striped burritos ready for their spa day in the oven!

Baking and Serving

Pop those beauties into your preheated 375°F oven on a parchment-lined tray (easy cleanup win!). Bake for 25-30 minutes until they’re golden and the internal temp hits 165°F – I swear by my instant-read thermometer here. Let them rest for 5 crucial minutes before removing toothpicks and slicing – this keeps all that cheesy goodness inside where it belongs. The aroma will have everyone hovering around the kitchen, but resist the urge to cut immediately! That resting time lets the juices redistribute for the most tender, flavorful bites. Slice diagonally for fancy presentation or serve whole for maximum cheese-pull drama.

Tips for Perfect Low Carb Pesto Chicken Roll Ups

After making these roll ups more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks that take them from good to “can I get this recipe?” good. Here’s my best advice:

• Pesto power – Homemade pesto makes a huge difference, but if using jarred, stir in 1 tsp lemon juice to brighten it up
• Cheese swap – Ricotta mixed with the mozzarella creates an extra creamy center (just drain it well first!)
• Flavor boost – Tuck in a few sun-dried tomatoes before rolling for sweet-tart surprises in every bite
• Secure it right – Angle toothpicks diagonally through rolls rather than straight across – they hold better
• Brown it up – For extra color, broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch closely though!)

Little tweaks make all the difference – have fun playing with flavors!

Variations for Low Carb Pesto Chicken Roll Ups

Oh, the fun begins when you start playing with flavors! Swap the basil pesto for spinach pesto if you want something milder, or go bold with sun-dried tomato pesto. Feta cheese gives a nice salty kick instead of mozzarella – just crumble it finely. Feeling fancy? Wrap each roll in prosciutto before baking for extra crispiness (just reduce oven time by 5 minutes). The possibilities are endless once you nail the basic technique!

Serving Suggestions for Low Carb Pesto Chicken Roll Ups

These roll ups play well with so many sides! My go-to is simple roasted asparagus or zucchini – the crisp-tender veggies balance that rich pesto perfectly. For heartier meals, pile slices over cauliflower rice (sautéed with garlic, of course). Dinner salads? Just slice and toss them in warm – the pesto becomes instant dressing! And if you’re feeling fancy, a quick arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.

Storing and Reheating Low Carb Pesto Chicken Roll Ups

These roll ups are almost better as leftovers – that pesto flavor really settles in! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap each roll individually in foil before freezing (they’ll keep beautifully for a month). When reheating, skip the microwave – pop them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. The cheese gets melty again and the chicken stays juicy – just like fresh!

Nutritional Information for Low Carb Pesto Chicken Roll Ups

Let’s talk numbers – because knowing what’s fueling your body matters! Each delicious roll up packs serious nutrition without weighing you down. Now listen, exact numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients (especially the pesto and cheese brands you choose), but here’s the sweet spot you’re aiming for:

• Calories: Around 320 per serving
• Fat: 18g (mostly the good kind from olive oil and nuts in pesto!)
• Protein: A whopping 35g – that’s more than half your daily needs in one meal
• Carbs: Just 4g net carbs – basically keto gold
• Fiber: 1g from all those herbs and cheese

What I love is how these macros balance out – you get plenty of protein to keep you full, healthy fats for energy, and minimal carbs that won’t spike your blood sugar. It’s the kind of meal that powers you through evening soccer games or late-night work sessions without making you feel sluggish. And hey, if you need to track closely, just plug your exact ingredients into a calculator – but these ballpark figures tell you you’re eating clean!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about these pesto chicken roll ups all the time – here are the burning questions I hear most, with my hard-earned answers from making them weekly for years!

Can I use jarred pesto instead of homemade?
Absolutely! While homemade pesto tastes amazing, a good-quality jarred version works great in a pinch (I always keep one in my fridge for emergencies). Just give it a stir first – the oil tends to separate. Want to jazz it up? Add a squeeze of lemon juice or extra grated garlic to make it pop.

Help! My roll ups keep unrolling in the oven – what am I doing wrong?
First, make sure you’re not overfilling them (that 1/2-inch border is crucial). Second, angle your toothpicks diagonally through the rolls rather than straight across – it creates better tension. And don’t skimp on the toothpicks! I use 2-3 per roll, spaced evenly. If all else fails, you can tie them with kitchen twine like a mini roast.

Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
You bet! Assemble them completely (toothpicks and all), then store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. They might need an extra 5 minutes in the oven since they’re starting cold. Leftovers keep beautifully for 3 days – the flavors actually improve!

Now get rolling and tag me in your creations! I love seeing your twist on this family favorite.

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