Embrace the comforting flavors of autumn and winter with these irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll-Ups. Each bite offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory, with a satisfying crunch that makes them a perfect snack, appetizer, or light meal. Best of all, they’re designed to be low-carb, making healthy eating both delicious and convenient, with each roll-up containing just 3 grams of net carbohydrates.
Are Dried Cranberries Keto-Friendly? Navigating Carbs in Your Roll-Ups
Dried cranberries often pose a challenge for those following a ketogenic diet due to their naturally high sugar content. While fresh cranberries are considerably lower in carbs, the drying process concentrates their sugars, making them a dense source of carbohydrates. For instance, a mere quarter cup of standard dried cranberries can shockingly contain up to 31 grams of net carbs! This is a significant amount that can quickly exceed daily carb limits on a strict keto regimen.
This is precisely why we use dried cranberries very sparingly in this recipe. A small quantity is carefully measured to infuse a burst of color and a tart-sweet flavor that beautifully complements the other ingredients, without derailing your low-carb goals. Despite their inclusion, each roll-up maintains a lean 3 grams of net carbs. We specifically recommend using unsweetened dried cranberries to minimize added sugars. These can sometimes be harder to find but are crucial for keeping the carb count in check. Health-wise, cranberries are packed with antioxidants, offering benefits for urinary tract health, among others. However, if you are particularly sensitive to sugar, aiming for even lower carbs, or simply wish to enjoy more than one roll-up, feel free to omit the cranberries entirely. The roll-ups will still deliver a wonderfully savory and satisfying experience, retaining all their other delicious qualities.
The Perfect Harmony: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Filling
These roll-ups achieve a remarkable balance of flavors, marrying the natural sweetness and tartness of cranberries with the earthy, salty crunch of pecans and the creamy richness of cream cheese. It’s a combination that truly sings, appealing to anyone who appreciates complex yet comforting tastes. If you’re a fan of savory-sweet combinations and love the convenience of roll-ups, prepare to make these a new staple in your meal rotation.
Beyond being incredibly tasty, these roll-ups are a fantastic choice for lunch or a substantial snack because they are loaded with high-quality protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the pecans and cream cheese. This powerful nutritional combination helps keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, preventing those mid-afternoon energy crashes and cravings. It’s a smart way to indulge your sweet tooth while still adhering to a healthy, balanced diet.
The pecans are far more than just a garnish; they are an integral component of the flavor and texture profile, offering a delightful counterpoint to the mildness of the shredded chicken. Their buttery, slightly bitter notes elevate the entire dish. To ensure they integrate seamlessly into the creamy chicken mixture and provide an even crunch in every bite, it’s essential to chop them finely. You can achieve this quickly and efficiently using a food processor, or for those who prefer a more hands-on approach, a sharp knife and a cutting board will do the trick. Aim for pieces that are small enough to blend in but large enough to retain their characteristic texture.
Mastering Chicken Roll-Ups: Tips for Success
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility and efficiency, especially as a clever way to utilize leftover chicken. We often find ourselves with extra cooked chicken from a Sunday roast or a weeknight meal, and these roll-ups provide a delicious solution to prevent food waste. Making a larger batch of roasted or grilled chicken breast at the beginning of the week and reserving some specifically for recipes like this one can be a smart strategy for effortless meal prepping.
Should you not have any pre-cooked chicken on hand, there’s no need to start from scratch. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver, offering perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken ready for shredding. Alternatively, quality canned chicken, drained well, can also work in a pinch. The key is to have finely shredded chicken to ensure the filling has a cohesive and pleasant texture.
While many types of cheese can be used for roll-ups, mozzarella stands out as the ideal choice for this recipe. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor profile harmonizes beautifully with the tart cranberries and the rich, buttery pecans, creating a balanced and cohesive taste experience. Mozzarella also melts wonderfully, forming a pliable and crispy wrap that holds the filling together without overpowering the delicate flavors. For an unparalleled taste and texture, we highly recommend shredding your mozzarella cheese at home from a block. Pre-shredded cheese, while convenient, often contains anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can affect its melting properties and mute its natural flavor. Freshly shredded mozzarella will melt more smoothly, brown more evenly, and deliver a superior, authentic cheese taste to your roll-ups.
Serving Suggestions for Your Low-Carb Cranberry Chicken Roll-Ups
These delightful and filling chicken roll-ups are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect addition to a variety of keto-friendly meals. Their balanced flavor profile allows them to pair well with both light and more robust side dishes. Consider serving them alongside a vibrant green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast, or with a cup of clear, savory broth for a light and comforting meal.
For those looking to expand their low-carb lunch repertoire, these roll-ups would be fantastic alongside some Keto Cottage Cheese Pizza Muffins, adding another layer of cheesy goodness. If you’re in the mood for a seafood pairing, a light and flavorful Keto Shrimp Egg Salad would create a well-rounded and protein-rich meal. When snack cravings hit, these roll-ups can be wonderfully complemented by crunchy Keto Zero Net Carb Chips, especially when dipped into a creamy Keto Cucumber Crack Dip. For an extra punch of bold flavor, consider pairing them with some tangy Keto Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters – the zesty pickles offer an exciting contrast to the sweetness of the cranberries.
Storing and Reheating Your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll-Ups
While these roll-ups are undeniably at their peak when served hot and fresh from the oven, with their cheese wraps perfectly crispy and the filling warm and fragrant, they can certainly be made ahead or stored for later enjoyment. It’s important to note that the crispy texture of the cheese wraps will gradually soften the longer they sit in the refrigerator due to moisture absorption. However, their delicious flavor will remain intact.
To store any leftover roll-ups, allow them to cool completely to prevent condensation buildup, then transfer them to an airtight food storage container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results when reheating, we recommend using an oven or a toaster oven set at a moderate temperature (around 300-350°F or 150-175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese wraps begin to crisp up again. Microwaving is possible for speed, but it will likely result in a softer texture rather than a crispy one. These roll-ups are also a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weekdays; simply prepare them, store, and reheat when you’re ready for a quick and satisfying low-carb meal.
Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll-Ups: The Full Recipe
Get ready to create these incredible low-carb cranberry pecan chicken roll-ups with our detailed recipe below. We’ve included step-by-step instructions and a list of all the necessary ingredients to guide you through the process. Exact measurements and clear directions are provided to ensure your roll-ups turn out perfectly every time. This recipe yields 8 delicious servings, each with approximately 3 grams of net carbs, making it a fantastic addition to your low-carb or keto meal plan.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 8
Net Carbs: 3 net carbs per serving
Calories: Approximately 340 kcal per serving (This is an approximate nutritional value and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken (cooked)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 3 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach
- 1/3 cup Chopped Pecans
- 1/3 cup Chopped Unsweetened Dried Cranberries
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (preferably freshly shredded from a block)
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and minced garlic. Continue to sauté for another 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted completely, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the softened cream cheese to the mixture. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly incorporated into the chicken and spinach.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped unsweetened dried cranberries and the finely chopped pecans until everything is well combined. Season the filling with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.
On the parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the shredded mozzarella cheese into 8 evenly sized, flattened circles. Ensure there is some space between each cheese circle to prevent them from melting into each other.- Bake the mozzarella circles for 8-10 minutes, or until their edges turn golden brown and become crispy. Watch them carefully, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and cheese thickness.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cheese circles cool for just one minute. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle without breaking.
Carefully place a layer of the prepared cranberry pecan chicken filling down the center of each warm cheese circle. Do not overfill.
Allow the cheese wraps to cool for an additional 1-2 minutes. This is a critical step to ensure the cheese is pliable enough to fold without tearing but firm enough to hold its shape. Then, carefully fold the cheese circles up and over the filling to create a roll-up. Be cautious as the cheese will still be quite hot.- Let the finished roll-ups cool for a few more minutes on the baking sheet to allow the cheese to crisp up further and set around the filling before serving.
Recipe Notes
The nutritional information provided (Calories: 340, Net Carbs: 3 Net Carbs Per Serving) is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate value only. We cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site, as it can vary based on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
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More Delicious Keto Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you thoroughly enjoyed the crispy, flavorful experience of these low-carb cranberry pecan chicken roll-ups, you’ll be thrilled to discover more exciting ways to incorporate chicken into your ketogenic lifestyle. Chicken is a versatile protein that serves as a fantastic base for countless low-carb dishes, perfect for dinner, lunch, or even your weekly meal prep. Explore these other fantastic keto chicken recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and keep your carb count in check:
- Keto BBQ Chicken Ranch Sheet Pan: An easy, one-pan meal bursting with smoky BBQ flavor and creamy ranch.
- Low-Carb Creamy Chicken and Summer Squash: A comforting and rich dish featuring tender chicken and seasonal squash in a decadent cream sauce.
- Low Carb Tropical Island Chicken: A vibrant and exotic dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table, without the added sugars.
- Keto Olive Garden Dressing Chicken: Recreate the popular restaurant flavors with this simple yet incredibly flavorful chicken dish.
- Keto Chicken Lazone: A creamy, spicy, and satisfying chicken recipe inspired by classic New Orleans cuisine.
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