Why You’ll Love These Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups
Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite low-carb delight! These Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience. Here are four irresistible reasons why they’ll become a staple in your kitchen:
- Unbeatable Flavor Explosion: Imagine a symphony of savory chicken, creamy cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all wrapped up in one perfect bite. It’s a flavor profile that truly satisfies without the carb overload.
- Remarkably Crispy & Low Carb: Say goodbye to sad, soggy low-carb alternatives! The secret to these roll-ups is a genius mozzarella cheese “tortilla” that bakes up delightfully golden and crispy, making them incredibly satisfying and completely grain-free.
- Effortlessly Easy & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up these gourmet-tasting roll-ups even on your busiest days. They’re perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner, a fancy appetizer, or a delicious snack.
- Keto & Diet-Friendly Indulgence: Boasting a mere 3g net carbs per serving, these Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups are a dream come true for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diet. Enjoy deliciousness without the guilt!
Ever dreamed of a dish that combines the cozy flavors of autumn with the satisfying crunch you crave, all while keeping your carb count in check? Well, pinch yourself, because that dream just became a delicious reality! Introducing your new culinary crush: Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups. Forget everything you thought you knew about low-carb eating being bland or boring. These little pockets of joy are bursting with creamy chicken, tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a secret weapon – a golden, crispy mozzarella “shell” that will have you cheering. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a gathering, or just treating yourself to a wholesome, flavorful snack, these roll-ups are a game-changer. Get ready to embark on a flavor journey that’s as fun to make as it is to devour!
Ingredients for Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups
Gather your simple yet mighty ingredients to create these delightful roll-ups:
- 🍗 2 cups Shredded Chicken
- 🫒 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 🌰 1/3 cup Chopped Pecans
- 🧅 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Onion
- 🧄 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
- 🧀 3 ounces Cream Cheese
- 🥬 2 cups Fresh Spinach
- 🍒 1/3 cup Chopped Unsweetened Dried Cranberries
- 🧀 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Detailed Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these easy steps to bring your Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups to life:
- Get Your Oven Ready: Preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). This ensures your cheese shells get perfectly crispy!
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then toss in your finely chopped onions. Sauté them until they become wonderfully soft and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma.
- Infuse the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and minced garlic. Cook for just about 30 seconds more, giving the garlic a chance to release its irresistible flavor without burning.
- Wilt the Spinach: Fold in the fresh spinach and continue to cook until it gently wilts down, adding a touch of vibrant green and earthy goodness to your filling.
- Create the Creamy Base: Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it’s beautifully melted and smooth. This creates a rich, creamy base that holds all the flavors together.
- Mix in the Goodies: Gently mix in the chopped cranberries and pecans. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to your liking. Remove from heat – your filling is ready!
- Form Cheese Circles: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, create 8 equally sized, thin circles using your shredded mozzarella cheese. Think of them as your low-carb “tortillas.”
- Bake to Crispy Perfection: Bake these cheese circles for 8-10 minutes, or until their edges turn golden brown and delightfully crispy. Watch them closely – perfection is just a minute away!
- Cool Slightly: Carefully remove the crispy cheese from the oven and let them cool for just one minute. This makes them easier to handle.
- Fill ‘Em Up: Spoon a delicious layer of your chicken and cranberry filling down the center of each warm cheese circle. Don’t overfill!
- Roll ‘Em Up: Let the cheese cool for another 1-2 minutes. Then, gently fold the cheese circles over the filling to create your roll-ups. Handle with care, as they’ll still be warm and pliable.
- Firm Up and Enjoy: Allow the roll-ups to cool completely so they can firm up and achieve maximum crispiness before you enjoy them. This step is crucial for that satisfying crunch!
Presentation & Serving Suggestions
These Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups are already stars on their own, but a little flair can elevate them even further!
Elegant Presentation Ideas:
- Garnish with Green: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, chives, or even some microgreens can add a pop of color and freshness.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or cranberries over the finished roll-ups for visual appeal and an added texture boost.
- Dipping Delight: Serve them with a side of sugar-free cranberry sauce, a light ranch dressing, or a creamy dill sauce for an extra layer of flavor and dipping fun.
- Artful Arrangement: Arrange the roll-ups artfully on a serving platter, perhaps fanned out or stacked pyramid-style, garnished with a sprig of rosemary or a few whole cranberries for a festive touch.
How to Serve Them:
- Appetizer Extravaganza: They are absolutely perfect as a sophisticated appetizer for any gathering, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers. They’re bite-sized and easy to eat!
- Light Lunch or Dinner: Pair these roll-ups with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, a bowl of clear vegetable soup, or some roasted asparagus for a complete and satisfying low-carb meal.
- Game Day Snack: Forget the greasy wings! These roll-ups make a fantastic, healthier alternative for your next game day spread.
- Wholesome Snack: Grab one or two as a protein-packed, delicious snack whenever hunger strikes.
Storage & Shelf Life
To keep your Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups fresh and delicious, proper storage is key.
- Refrigeration: Once cooled completely, store any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Maintaining Crispiness: While they are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, you can reheat them to revive some of that crunch!
- Oven: Place roll-ups on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese re-crisps.
- Air Fryer: For the ultimate crispiness, an air fryer works wonders! Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Microwave (Not Recommended for Crispiness): While you *can* microwave them, they will lose their crispy texture and become soft. Only use if crispiness is not a priority.
- Freezing: Freezing the assembled roll-ups is generally not recommended as the cheese shell can become soggy and lose its texture upon thawing and reheating. However, you can make the chicken and cranberry filling ahead of time and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the filling overnight in the refrigerator before using to assemble fresh cheese shells and roll-ups.
FAQs About Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups
Here are some frequently asked questions about these delectable Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups:
- What makes these roll-ups low carb?
The main low-carb aspect comes from using a baked mozzarella cheese shell instead of a traditional carb-heavy tortilla or bread. This ingenious swap keeps the net carb count very low. - Can I use a different type of cheese for the roll-up shells?
While mozzarella is ideal for its melting properties and ability to get perfectly crispy, you could experiment with a blend of mozzarella and a harder cheese like provolone. However, pure mozzarella typically yields the best crispy and pliable results. - Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Absolutely! With only 3g net carbs per serving, these Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups are an excellent fit for a ketogenic diet, providing healthy fats and protein. - Can I make these ahead of time for meal prep?
You can definitely prepare the chicken and cranberry filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cheese shells are best made fresh for optimal crispiness, but the assembled roll-ups can be stored and reheated as described in the storage section. - What kind of shredded chicken should I use?
You can use any pre-cooked shredded chicken! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, or you can boil and shred chicken breasts yourself. Leftover roasted chicken works perfectly too. - Can I substitute the cranberries or pecans?
Certainly! For cranberries, you could try chopped unsweetened dried cherries (check carb count) or skip them if you prefer. For pecans, walnuts or almonds would make excellent crunchy substitutes. - How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the parchment paper?
Using good quality parchment paper is key. A very light spray of olive oil on the parchment before placing the cheese can also help, though it’s usually not necessary with good parchment. - Can I bake these roll-ups in an air fryer?
Yes! You can make the cheese shells in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, watching closely. Once assembled, you can also briefly reheat the entire roll-up in the air fryer to re-crisp. - Are these good for packed lunches?
They make a fantastic packed lunch! Pack them cooled in an airtight container. While they might not be as crispy as fresh, they’re still incredibly flavorful cold or gently reheated. - What can I serve with these roll-ups to make a full meal?
Pair them with a simple side salad, a cup of low-carb soup (like a clear broth or cream of mushroom), or some non-starchy roasted vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans.Crispy Low Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Roll Ups 🍁
Delicious and easy low carb chicken roll-ups with cranberries, pecans, and mozzarella. Perfect for a healthy snack or meal!Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/3 cup Chopped Pecans
- 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Onion
- 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
- 3 ounces Cream Cheese
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach
- 1/3 cup Chopped Unsweetened Dried Cranberries
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
- Get your oven ready by preheating it to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, then add a splash of olive oil and your finely chopped onions. Sauté until they become soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and minced garlic, cooking for just about 30 seconds more to infuse the flavors.
- Fold in the fresh spinach and continue to cook until it gently wilts down.
- Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it's beautifully melted and smooth, creating a creamy base.
- Gently mix in the chopped cranberries and pecans. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to your liking. Remove from heat.
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, create 8 equally sized, thin circles using your shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake these cheese circles for 8-10 minutes, or until their edges turn golden brown and delightfully crispy.
- Carefully remove the crispy cheese from the oven and let them cool for just one minute.
- Spoon a delicious layer of your chicken and cranberry filling down the center of each warm cheese circle.
- Let the cheese cool for another 1-2 minutes, then gently fold the cheese circles over the filling to create your roll-ups. Handle with care, as they'll still be warm!
- Allow the roll-ups to cool completely so they can firm up and achieve maximum crispiness before you enjoy them.
Notes
Nutrition Information per serving:- Calories: 340 kcal
- Net Carbs: 3g