Tired of the same boring holiday appetizers that require hours of prep and leave you stressed before guests even arrive? These Christmas cranberry roll ups are about to become your secret weapon for effortless entertaining. Hi there, I’m Simon, and I still remember the afternoon Megan Carter walked into our test kitchen with this brilliant idea. She’d been experimenting with festive flavors and discovered that tender chicken rolled around a sweet-tart cranberry filling, then baked to golden perfection, creates an appetizer so impressive that guests assume you spent all day on it.
These Christmas cranberry roll ups deliver the perfect balance of savory chicken, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese in elegant little packages that look like they came from a catering company. As someone who’s spent years creating recipes that bring people together without overwhelming the cook, I can promise you this: these roll-ups are foolproof, make-ahead friendly, and absolutely delicious.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything from selecting the perfect chicken cut to achieving that gorgeous golden exterior. I’ll share my team’s insider tips for keeping the rolls moist and flavorful, reveal time-saving shortcuts for busy hosts, and answer all your burning questions about preparation and serving.
Why This Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe Works
These Christmas cranberry roll ups have earned their place as a holiday favorite in kitchens across the country, and the reasons extend far beyond just convenience.
- Budget-friendly protein – Uses affordable chicken breast that’s available everywhere
- Quick assembly – Pound, fill, roll, and bake in under 45 minutes total
- Make-ahead perfection – Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready
- Impressive presentation – Spiral slices reveal beautiful layers that wow every guest
- Crowd-pleasing flavor – Sweet and savory combination appeals to all ages
- Versatile serving – Works as an appetizer, main course, or party finger food
- Minimal ingredients – Simple pantry staples create complex, festive flavors
- Freezer-friendly – Make a double batch and freeze for future entertaining
Choosing the Right Meat for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Selecting the proper chicken is absolutely crucial for tender, juicy Christmas cranberry roll ups. Not all cuts work equally well for this rolling technique.
Best Cuts for This Recipe
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: This is the ideal choice and what I recommend for these Christmas cranberry roll ups. Look for medium sized breasts (6-8 oz each) that are relatively uniform in thickness. Avoid the enormous breasts that weigh 12+ ounces – they’re difficult to pound evenly and roll properly. The lean meat provides a neutral canvas for the cranberry filling while maintaining moisture when cooked correctly.
Chicken Tenders (Tenderloins): These can work in a pinch, though they create smaller roll-ups. Use 2-3 tenders per roll-up, slightly overlapping them before pounding. The result is more delicate and cooks faster (reduce baking time by 5 minutes). This option is perfect for cocktail party portions.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: For those who prefer dark meat, thighs create incredibly moist roll-ups with richer flavor. They’re more forgiving if slightly overcooked. However, they require more careful trimming of excess fat and connective tissue. Jackson discovered that thigh roll-ups need about 5 minutes longer in the oven to ensure thorough cooking.
Turkey Cutlets: During Thanksgiving season or if you prefer turkey, thin-sliced turkey breast cutlets work beautifully. They’re often pre-pounded to the right thickness at the store, saving you a step. Use the exact same preparation method with identical cooking times.
Buying Tips
Color and Texture: Look for chicken with a pale pink color – not gray or yellowed. The meat should look moist but not slimy or wet. Avoid packages with excessive liquid pooling at the bottom, which indicates the chicken has been frozen and thawed, potentially multiple times.
Thickness Matters: Choose breasts that are relatively uniform in thickness. If one end is significantly thicker than the other, you’ll struggle to pound it evenly. Ideally, look for breasts that are about 1 inch thick at the thickest point before pounding.
Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh chicken is ideal for this recipe since you’ll be pounding it thin. However, if using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator (24 hours) and pat very dry before pounding. Never use partially frozen chicken it won’t pound properly.
Organic and Free-Range: While not necessary, organic or free-range chicken often has better texture and flavor. The meat tends to be firmer, making it easier to pound without tearing. If budget allows, it’s worth the upgrade for special occasions.
Ask Your Butcher: Many butcher counters will butterfly and pound chicken breasts for you at no charge if you ask nicely. This saves time and effort. Simply tell them you need breasts pounded to about ¼-inch thickness for roll-ups.
Meat Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: While this recipe avoids certain ingredients per your requirements, those who can use it would find that thin-sliced tenderloin works. For this version, we’ll focus on poultry options only.
Duck Breast: For an upscale twist, boneless duck breast creates luxurious roll-ups with deeper flavor. Score the skin, remove it entirely (save for another use), then pound and proceed as directed. The richness pairs exceptionally well with cranberry.
Veal Cutlets: Thin veal cutlets are naturally tender and require minimal pounding. They create an elegant, refined version perfect for formal dinners. Reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes as veal cooks faster than chicken.
Plant-Based Chicken: Products like Impossible or Beyond chicken-style cutlets can substitute 1:1 for traditional chicken. Pound gently as they’re more delicate. These work surprisingly well for vegetarian guests.
Ingredients & Prep for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Proper preparation is the secret to flawless Christmas cranberry roll ups that slice beautifully and stay together perfectly.
Meat Prep Essentials
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cranberry Filling:
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
For Assembly:
- 8-10 toothpicks or kitchen twine
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Additional cranberry sauce (for serving)
Essential Preparation Steps
Pounding the Chicken: Place one chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or heavy skillet, pound from the center outward until the breast is uniformly ¼-inch thick. The key is even thickness thick spots will be undercooked while thin spots dry out. Be gentle but firm, using smooth, controlled strikes rather than aggressive pounding that tears the meat.
Megan’s Pro Tip: Slightly dampen the plastic wrap before pounding. This prevents it from sliding around and creates better control. Also, pound on a cutting board placed on top of a folded kitchen towel – this absorbs impact and prevents your counter from taking a beating.
Preparing the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mozzarella, cranberry sauce (reserving some for topping), chopped dried cranberries, parsley, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until well combined but not over-mixed. The mixture should be spreadable but not runny. If it’s too loose, refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
Room Temperature Is Key: Remove cream cheese from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before starting. Cold cream cheese is difficult to mix and creates lumps in your filling. If you forget, microwave for 10 seconds at a time until just softened.
Pantry Staples
Olive Oil: Used for both cooking and moisture. Extra-virgin isn’t necessary here since we’re cooking at higher temperatures. Regular olive oil or avocado oil works perfectly.
Cranberry Sauce: Both whole berry and jellied work, though whole berry provides better texture and visual appeal. Homemade cranberry sauce takes this to the next level if you have time (simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice for 15 minutes).
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is essential for proper texture and richness. Low-fat versions make the filling watery and don’t provide the luxurious mouthfeel that makes these special.
Orange Zest: This brightens the cranberry flavor and adds complexity. Use a microplane or the small holes of a box grater, taking only the colored part of the peel, not the bitter white pith underneath.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Follow these detailed steps for picture-perfect Christmas cranberry roll ups every single time.
Pre-Cooking Prep for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. If you have a wire rack that fits in your baking sheet, place it on top – this allows air circulation and prevents soggy bottoms.
Pat each chicken breast completely dry with paper towels. Moisture prevents proper browning and makes the meat slippery during rolling. Place breasts between plastic wrap and pound to uniform ¼-inch thickness as described above. Repeat with all four breasts.
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Season both sides of each pounded chicken breast with this mixture, using about ¼ of the blend per breast. Don’t skip seasoning – it’s essential for flavor since the filling is sweet.
Prepare your filling by mixing all filling ingredients thoroughly. Taste and adjust if it’s too sweet, add a pinch more salt. If it needs brightness, add more orange zest or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Cooking Method for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Assembly: Lay one pounded chicken breast on a clean cutting board with the smooth side (the side that had skin) facing down. Spread about 3-4 tablespoons of the cranberry-cheese mixture evenly over the chicken, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides. Don’t overfill too much filling oozes out during cooking and makes rolling difficult.
Starting from the short end (the width, not the length), roll the chicken tightly but gently into a spiral, keeping the filling enclosed. Think of rolling a sleeping bag or a yoga mat – steady, even pressure from one end to the other. Once rolled, secure with 2-3 toothpicks inserted perpendicular to the roll, or tie with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals.
Searing (Optional but Recommended): Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place roll-ups seam-side down in the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, turning to brown all surfaces. This creates a golden crust and locks in juices. Jackson insists this step makes all the difference between good and great roll-ups.
Baking: Transfer roll-ups to your prepared baking sheet (or leave in the oven-safe skillet if you seared them). Brush tops lightly with melted butter this promotes browning and adds richness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the exterior is golden brown.
For extra festive presentation, spoon a little extra cranberry sauce over each roll-up during the last 5 minutes of baking. This creates a glossy, jewel-toned finish that’s absolutely stunning.
Doneness Check for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the roll (the center). It should read 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked, safe chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest roll the meat should be opaque white throughout with no pink remaining, and juices should run clear, not pink.
Important: Check multiple roll-ups if they vary in size. Smaller rolls may finish faster and can be removed early while larger ones continue cooking. The beauty of roll-ups is that slight variations in doneness aren’t as noticeable as with whole breasts.
Resting for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Transfer the Christmas cranberry roll ups to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This brief rest allows juices to redistribute, preventing them from flooding out when you slice. The filling also firms up slightly, making cleaner, prettier slices.
Remove toothpicks or twine carefully – they can stick to the filling. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each roll-up into ¾-inch thick rounds. The spiral of white chicken, creamy filling, and ruby cranberry is absolutely gorgeous. Arrange slices on a serving platter, slightly overlapping for visual drama.
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
These insider techniques from years of testing will transform your Christmas cranberry roll ups from good to absolutely exceptional.
Avoiding Tough or Dry Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Don’t Over-Pound: The goal is ¼-inch thickness, not paper-thin chicken. Over-pounded chicken tears easily and dries out during cooking. If you pound too thin, the meat becomes stringy and tough. Check thickness with your fingers as you work it should feel like a thin steak, not a chicken cutlet.
Brine for Extra Moisture: For the juiciest results, brine chicken breasts for 30 minutes before pounding. Dissolve ¼ cup salt in 4 cups cold water, submerge chicken, refrigerate for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. This adds moisture and seasons from within. Jackson uses this technique for all special occasion chicken.
Don’t Overcook: Chicken breast goes from perfectly done to dry in just a few minutes. Start checking temperature at 22 minutes. Pull roll-ups at exactly 165°F carryover cooking will bring them to a perfect final temperature during resting.
Cover if Browning Too Fast: If the tops are getting too dark before the chicken is cooked through, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining cooking time. This prevents burning while allowing the interior to reach temperature.
Tool Recommendations for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Meat Mallet: A flat-surfaced mallet (not tenderizing side with spikes) creates even thickness without tearing. If you don’t have one, a heavy skillet or rolling pin works. Olivia even uses a small saucepan in a pinch.
Instant-Read Thermometer: Essential for perfect doneness without guessing. The ThermoWorks ThermoPop is affordable and accurate. Insert from the side into the center of the roll for the most accurate reading.
Sharp Serrated Knife: For clean, beautiful slices that showcase the spiral. A dull knife crushes the roll-ups and makes messy, ragged cuts. If your knife isn’t sharp, use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down.
Kitchen Twine: If making these for a formal dinner, twine creates a more polished look than toothpicks. Remove it before slicing for the cleanest presentation. Cotton twine is oven-safe and available at any grocery store.
Storage & Reheating for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Refrigerator Storage: Store unsliced roll-ups wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store sliced roll-ups in a single layer with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Make-Ahead Assembly: Roll and secure the chicken up to 24 hours before cooking. Place on a plate, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking. This is a massive time-saver for holiday entertaining.
Freezing: Freeze assembled but uncooked roll-ups for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place all in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 5 minutes to cooking time. You can also freeze cooked roll-ups, though they lose a bit of texture.
Reheating: Place leftover roll-ups in a baking dish with 2 tablespoons of chicken broth or water. Cover with foil and reheat at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Or microwave individual portions for 60-90 seconds, though this creates less appealing texture.
Flavor Variations for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Transform these Christmas cranberry roll ups with creative flavor combinations that maintain the festive spirit while adding your personal touch.
Spicy Cranberry-Jalapeño Version
Add 1-2 finely minced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) to the filling mixture along with ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. The heat contrasts beautifully with the sweet cranberry, creating a sophisticated sweet-spicy balance. For more heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or use serrano peppers instead.
Herb-Enhanced Variation
Mix 2 tablespoons of fresh sage (finely chopped) and 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary into the filling. These traditional holiday herbs amplify the festive character and add aromatic complexity. Megan loves this version for Thanksgiving when sage is abundant in her herb garden.
Nutty Cranberry Roll Ups
Fold ¼ cup of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling. The crunch provides textural contrast against the creamy filling and tender chicken. Toast nuts in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until fragrant this intensifies their flavor dramatically.
Brie and Cranberry Elegance
Replace cream cheese with 4 oz of brie cheese (rind removed, chopped into small pieces). The brie melts into a luxurious, creamy filling with slightly earthy notes that pair divinely with cranberry. This upscale version is perfect for formal dinner parties.
Flavor Variation Comparison Table
| Variation | Key Addition | Flavor Profile | Best For | Prep Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups | Cream cheese, mozzarella | Sweet-savory, balanced | Traditional holiday meals | Standard recipe |
| Spicy Cranberry-Jalapeño | Jalapeños, cayenne | Sweet-spicy, bold | Adventurous eaters | Add peppers to filling |
| Herb-Enhanced | Fresh sage, rosemary | Aromatic, earthy | Thanksgiving dinner | Mix herbs into filling |
| Nutty Cranberry | Toasted pecans/walnuts | Crunchy, nutty-sweet | Texture lovers | Toast nuts first |
| Brie and Cranberry | Brie cheese | Rich, creamy, elegant | Formal occasions | Replace cream cheese |
| Spinach Cranberry | Wilted spinach, feta | Lighter, Mediterranean | Health-conscious guests | Add ½ cup spinach |
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Presentation and pairing elevate your Christmas cranberry roll ups from delicious main course to an unforgettable dining experience.
Elegant Appetizer Service: Arrange sliced roll-ups on a large white serving platter in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping. Drizzle with additional warmed cranberry sauce and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and whole cranberries. The red, white, and green color scheme is quintessentially Christmas.
Main Course Presentation: Serve 1-2 whole (unsliced) roll-ups per person alongside complementary sides. This approach is less fussy and keeps the chicken moister. Slice tableside for a dramatic presentation.
Perfect Side Pairings: These Christmas cranberry roll ups pair beautifully with classic holiday sides. Consider creamy mashed potatoes or garlic herb mashed potatoes, wild rice pilaf with pecans and dried cranberries, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, honey-glazed carrots, or green bean almondine. For a starch, try buttery dinner rolls or herbed stuffing.
Salad Companions: Balance the richness with a light salad. Mixed greens with candied pecans, dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, and vinaigrette creates harmony with the roll-ups’ flavors. Or serve spinach salad with goat cheese, sliced pears, and poppy seed dressing.
Gravy or Sauce: While delicious on their own, a simple pan sauce takes these to restaurant quality. Deglaze the roasting pan with 1 cup chicken stock, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until reduced by half, swirl in 1 tablespoon butter, season with salt and pepper. This light jus adds moisture without overwhelming the cranberry filling.
Holiday Brunch Option: Slice the roll ups and serve them as part of a festive brunch spread alongside quiche, fresh fruit, and pastries. The make-ahead nature makes them perfect for Christmas morning entertaining.
Beverage Pairings: Serve with sparkling cranberry juice, apple cider (hot or cold), or pomegranate lemonade for family-friendly options. The acidity and fruitiness of these drinks complement the sweet-savory roll-ups perfectly.
FAQs About Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Here are answers to the most common questions about making perfect Christmas cranberry roll ups every time.
Can I use frozen chicken for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups? Yes, but thaw it completely first. Place frozen chicken in the refrigerator for 24 hours until fully thawed. Never pound partially frozen chicken – it won’t flatten evenly and can tear. Once thawed, pat very dry with paper towels before pounding. Frozen chicken often releases more liquid, so extra drying is essential.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out of my Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups? Leave a ½-inch border around all edges when spreading filling. Don’t overfill – less is more. Roll tightly but gently, and secure well with toothpicks or twine. Starting the roll seam-side down during baking helps seal it closed. If filling still leaks, reduce the amount by 1 tablespoon per roll-up.
Can I make Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups ahead of time? Absolutely! This is one of their best features. Assemble completely, secure with toothpicks or twine, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before going into the oven. This make-ahead capability is a lifesaver for holiday entertaining.
Is this recipe safe for pregnant women? Yes, as long as the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and the cream cheese is pasteurized (which commercial cream cheese always is). Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer. Properly cooked chicken is perfectly safe during pregnancy.
Why is my chicken tough and rubbery? Overcooking is the most common cause. Pull chicken at exactly 165°F – even 170°F makes a difference. Over-pounding can also create toughness. Finally, old chicken breast can have a rubbery texture; always use fresh, high-quality chicken for best results.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce? You need the cranberry sauce as it provides moisture and structure to the filling. However, you can add more dried cranberries (up to ½ cup total) for extra texture and concentrated cranberry flavor. Just make sure you still include the sauce.
What if I don’t have a meat mallet? Use a rolling pin, heavy skillet, small saucepan, or even a wine bottle. Place chicken between plastic wrap and use the flat bottom of your chosen tool to pound evenly. It’s more about technique than the specific tool.
Can I grill Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups instead of baking? Yes! Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Sear roll-ups on all sides (2-3 minutes per side), then move to indirect heat. Close lid and cook for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. This adds a smoky flavor that Jackson absolutely loves.
Conclusion
There you have it everything you need to create show-stopping Christmas cranberry roll ups that’ll make you the star of every holiday gathering! These elegant spirals of tender chicken and festive cranberry filling deliver maximum impact with minimal stress, which is exactly what holiday cooking should be.
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Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups 5 Secrets to Perfect Holiday Appetizers
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 4 roll-ups (8-12 servings as appetizer, 4 as main course) 1x
Description
These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups feature tender chicken breasts pounded thin, filled with a sweet-tart cranberry and cream cheese mixture, then rolled and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday entertaining, these elegant spirals slice beautifully and can be made ahead for stress-free hosting!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
1 teaspoon orange zest
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
8–10 toothpicks or kitchen twine
1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Additional cranberry sauce (for serving)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
2. Place one chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound from center outward until uniformly ¼-inch thick. Repeat with remaining breasts.
3. Pat each pounded chicken breast completely dry with paper towels.
4. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Season both sides of each chicken breast with this mixture.
5. In a medium bowl, combine cranberry sauce, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, chopped dried cranberries, parsley, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
6. Lay one pounded chicken breast smooth-side down on a cutting board. Spread 3-4 tablespoons of filling evenly over chicken, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides.
7. Starting from the short end, roll chicken tightly into a spiral. Secure with 2-3 toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals. Repeat with remaining breasts.
8. Optional: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear roll-ups seam-side down for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
9. Transfer roll-ups to prepared baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with melted butter.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior is golden brown.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes on cutting board before slicing.
12. Remove toothpicks or twine carefully. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each roll-up into ¾-inch thick rounds.
13. Arrange slices on serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary and serve with additional cranberry sauce.
Notes
Pound chicken to uniform ¼-inch thickness for even cooking. Don’t over-pound or chicken will tear.
Room temperature cream cheese is essential for smooth filling. Remove from fridge 30-45 minutes before starting.
Don’t overfill the chicken or filling will leak during cooking.
Use an instant-read thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
These can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Let assembled roll-ups sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking if made ahead.
For make-ahead freezing: Freeze uncooked roll-ups for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking.
Brining chicken for 30 minutes before pounding adds extra moisture and flavor.
If tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil for remaining cooking time.
Store leftover unsliced roll-ups wrapped tightly for up to 3 days in refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ roll-up (or 2-3 slices)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 485mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Christmas cranberry roll ups, cranberry chicken roll ups, holiday appetizers, stuffed chicken rolls, festive chicken recipe, make-ahead appetizer
