High-Protein Chicken Bacon Cheese Roll-Ups
High-Protein Chicken Bacon Cheese Roll-Ups
Tender chicken rolled with bacon and cheese, baked until golden — low-carb, sugar-free, and ready in 25 minutes
These high-protein chicken bacon cheese roll-ups are juicy on the inside and golden on the outside. Thin chicken is filled with melted cheese and crispy bacon, then rolled and baked. Every 2 roll-ups deliver 28 g of protein and only 4 g net carbs.
Low-carb, sugar-free, and perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.
Why you’ll love these roll-ups
- 28g protein per 2 roll-ups — a complete high-protein meal
- Only 4g net carbs and fully sugar-free
- Cheesy, bacon-filled chicken that stays juicy
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- Great for meal prep or weeknight dinners
- Looks impressive with minimal effort
Health notes
- High protein: Chicken and cheese deliver the protein.
- Low carb: No breading or tortillas — just chicken, bacon, and cheese.
- Sugar-free: No added sugar in the seasoning or filling.
- Fast: Roll, bake, and serve.
Key element — pound the chicken thin
Even thickness helps the chicken cook evenly and makes rolling easier. Aim for about ¼-inch thick.
Ingredients
Chicken & filling
- 4 thin chicken breast cutlets (or 2 large breasts butterflied and pounded)
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped or left whole
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- 2 oz (55g) cream cheese, softened (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Optional extras
- Toothpicks to secure the rolls
- Extra shredded cheese for topping
- Sugar-free ranch or hot sauce for serving
Swaps
- Turkey: Use thin turkey cutlets instead of chicken.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Air fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Instructions
| 1 | Prep the chicken. If needed, pound the chicken cutlets to an even ¼-inch thickness. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. |
| 2 | Fill and roll. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese (if using) on each cutlet. Add a portion of shredded cheese and bacon. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed. |
| 3 | Sear (optional but recommended). Heat the oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roll-ups 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden. |
| 4 | Bake. Transfer the skillet to a 400°F (200°C) oven (or place roll-ups on a baking sheet). Bake 12–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is melted. Rest 2–3 minutes, remove toothpicks, and garnish with parsley. |
Pro tips
- Pound the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
- Don’t overfill — a moderate amount of cheese and bacon rolls more cleanly.
- Searing first gives better color and flavor.
- These reheat well — store covered and warm gently.
- For meal prep, cook fully, then reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per 2 roll-ups |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Net carbohydrates | 4g |
| Total carbohydrates | 4g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Total fat | 20g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Estimates based on chicken breast, bacon, and mozzarella. Exact numbers vary with cutlet size and cheese amount.
Variations
Jalapeño popper style
Add cream cheese, cheddar, and diced jalapeños inside the roll.
Spinach & cheese
Add a little sautéed spinach with the cheese for extra greens.
BBQ style
Brush with a sugar-free BBQ sauce before the last few minutes of baking.
Air fryer
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Store covered |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze cooked roll-ups; thaw and reheat |
| Reheat | Oven or air fryer | Keeps them crispy and the cheese melted |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about these chicken bacon cheese roll-ups
1. Protein per 2 roll-ups?
2. Net carbs per 2 roll-ups?
3. Why pound the chicken thin?
4. About how long does this take?
5. Best way to reheat leftovers?
