Miniketo
ES

Keto Dinner

San Antonio Chicken Roll Ups

There’s something about grilled chicken stuffed with cheese and jalapeños that just works, especially when wrapped in smoky bacon. These San Antonio Chicken Roll Ups bring a little Texas heat to your dinner table while keeping carbs practically out of the picture. I’ve been making versions of this for years, and it always feels like a treat without the fuss.

20 min Prep time 20 min Cook time 40 min Total time 4 Servings 450 Calories
San Antonio Chicken Roll Ups

Ingredients

  • skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • /2 pound Monterey Jack cheese
  • jalapeno peppers
  • slices bacon
  • salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • pinch garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    I start by pounding the chicken breasts between plastic wrap until they’re about a quarter inch thick, then slice each in half lengthwise. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. For the filling, I cut the Monterey Jack into strips that fit nicely along the center of each piece. Lay a strip of cheese and a slice of jalapeño on the chicken, then roll it up from the bottom, making sure the seam sits underneath to hold everything in place. Wrap a slice of bacon around each roll, covering the ends to keep the cheese from oozing out as it cooks. Thread the rolls onto soaked wooden skewers—this not only prevents burning but makes them easy to flip on the grill. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crisp, about 15–20 minutes. Let them rest a moment before serving, and the cheese will be perfectly melty inside.

Chef's Tip

I’ve found that partially freezing the cheese for 10 minutes makes it way easier to cut into neat strips without crumbling. Also, if you can’t find fresh jalapeños, pickled ones work in a pinch, but pat them dry so the roll stays tight.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rolls on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to keep the bacon crisp—just avoid the microwave if you can, as it makes the chicken rubbery.

Variation Tips

Swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese to double the heat, or use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result. Serve alongside a cool avocado salad or some grilled zucchini to round out the meal. For an even smokier flavor, try cooking these on a cedar plank!

Frequently Asked Questions