I absolutely love sharing this Easy Chicken Roll Ups Recipe because it feels like such a fresh and satisfying option whenever I want something quick, tasty, and a bit different from the usual sandwich. It combines the creamy tanginess of cream cheese and honey mustard with tender chicken and a burst of fresh veggies, all wrapped up neatly in whole wheat tortillas. This recipe is not only delicious but incredibly straightforward, making it one of my go-to dishes when I want something that looks like I spent more time on it than I actually did.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
What really makes this recipe special to me is the balance of flavors and textures. The smooth cream cheese paired with the sweet tang of honey mustard, the tender, juicy chicken, and the crunchy freshness of broccoli slaw and cherry tomatoes all come together in every bite for a really lovely taste experience. It’s simple, yet the combination feels so thoughtful and fresh—I honestly can’t get enough of it.
Another thing I adore about this Easy Chicken Roll Ups Recipe is how quick and easy it is to make. I appreciate recipes that don’t require me to be in the kitchen all day, and this one fits the bill perfectly. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, easy lunchboxes, or even casual get-togethers where you want to serve something impressive without tons of effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to what you have on hand or what you’re craving, which always makes me happy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, fresh, and bring exactly the right balance of creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures to the dish. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the signature flavor and easy assembly of this recipe.
- Dijon or yellow mustard: This forms the base of the honey mustard, adding a delightful tang and a bit of spice.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness that balances the tang of the mustard beautifully.
- Whole wheat tortillas: They hold everything together and add a nutty, wholesome flavor.
- Cream cheese: I prefer the 1/3 less fat version for creaminess without being too heavy.
- Cooked chicken breasts: Thinly sliced, they offer tender protein to make this more sustaining.
- Broccoli slaw: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture and a subtle veggie sweetness—feel free to substitute with coleslaw mix.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for a juicy pop of color and natural acidity.
Directions
Step 1: I start by making the honey mustard sauce. In a small bowl, I combine the mustard and honey, stirring well until fully blended. I always taste it here to decide if I want it a little sweeter or tangier, and tweak as needed to my liking.
Step 2: Next, I spread about 3 to 4 tablespoons of cream cheese evenly across the middle of each tortilla, making sure there’s enough to give that creamy texture in every bite.
Step 3: On top of the cream cheese, I add about 2 teaspoons of the honey mustard mixture, spreading it gently to build layers of flavor.
Step 4: Now comes the fun part: layering the fillings. I place 4 to 5 thin slices of chicken, then add about 1/4 cup of broccoli slaw, and finally scatter 6 to 8 halved cherry tomatoes towards the bottom third of the tortilla. This helps with rolling later.
Step 5: I carefully fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the filling, then roll tightly all the way to the end. I like to place each roll seam side down in a container to keep it sealed, or slice them into 1-inch pinwheel rolls if I’m serving for a crowd.
Step 6: After rolling all six tortillas, I store them in the refrigerator and make sure to serve within 12 hours so everything stays fresh and delicious.
Servings and Timing
This Easy Chicken Roll Ups Recipe yields about 8 servings, perfect for a family meal or a small gathering. The prep time is a quick 20 minutes, with no additional cooking required since the chicken is pre-cooked. It’s a total time saver! No resting or cooling time is necessary, although chilling refrigerates really helps the roll ups hold their shape and flavors meld wonderfully.
How to Serve This Easy Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
I personally love serving these chicken roll ups chilled or right at room temperature because the flavors just sing in that state. They’re a fantastic option for a light lunch, picnic, or even as appetizers at a party. To make the presentation pop, I sometimes slice them into pinwheel shapes and arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh green contrast.
For sides, I recommend something crisp and simple like a fresh garden salad or crunchy veggie sticks with a light dip, which complements the creamy and tangy roll ups perfectly. If you want a heartier meal, some roasted sweet potatoes or a quinoa salad works beautifully alongside. A chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling water with a splash of lemon pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and sweetness of the honey mustard. I find this combination perfect for casual dinners or holiday brunches where you want to impress without stress.
When serving as an appetizer or party snack, I suggest cutting each roll up into bite-sized pieces. It’s fun, easy to handle, and encourages people to try different fillings. For family dinners, serving one or two whole roll ups per person alongside a fresh side dish feels just right. Warm or room temperature is ideal, but I recommend avoiding serving these straight from the fridge to allow the flavors to bloom a bit.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, I love swapping out the chicken for turkey or even thinly sliced ham for a different protein twist. For a vegetarian option, grilled or roasted veggies make a fantastic filler, and substituting the honey mustard with a tangy balsamic glaze works surprisingly well. Another great idea is to experiment with different kinds of cheese—goat cheese or feta can add a lovely tang and creaminess.
For those following a gluten-free diet, I recommend using gluten-free tortillas, and most of the ingredient swaps work just as well. Vegan friends can try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and substitute the chicken for a hearty grilled tofu or seasoned chickpeas to keep that protein punch. I’ve also played around with adding spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs like dill into the cream cheese spread to add more depth to the flavor.
In terms of cooking methods, while I prefer this recipe cold or room temperature, you could also lightly warm the roll ups in a skillet after assembling to get a slight crisp on the outside, turning it into a toasted wrap with melty cheese. That variation is perfect for cozy evenings when I want something warm but still quick to put together.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
I always keep leftover Easy Chicken Roll Ups stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 12 hours best, but can last up to 24 hours if wrapped tightly to avoid drying out. I use glass containers with tight lids or wrap each roll up individually in plastic wrap for extra protection and convenience.
Freezing
This recipe isn’t my top pick for freezing because the fresh veggies can get soggy, and the tortillas might lose their texture. However, if you want to freeze it, I suggest freezing the roll ups uncut and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about 1 month. To thaw, refrigerate overnight to minimize moisture loss before serving.
Reheating
If you want to warm your roll ups, I recommend gently heating them in a skillet over medium-low heat, turning often to avoid burning, until warmed through and the outside is slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the tortillas chewy and wilt the veggies. If you heated the roll ups, I like to let them rest for a couple of minutes before slicing or serving to keep the fillings intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tortillas for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I prefer whole wheat tortillas for their flavor and texture, you can use flour tortillas, spinach wraps, or even gluten-free versions to suit your dietary preferences and taste. Just pick ones that are large enough to hold the fillings securely.
What can I substitute for broccoli slaw?
If you don’t have broccoli slaw, a regular coleslaw mix, shredded cabbage, or even finely chopped kale or spinach work very well. The goal is to have that fresh, crunchy vegetable element to balance the creamy cheese and chicken.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! These roll ups are perfect for making in advance. I usually prepare them a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until serving. Just remember to store them well-wrapped to keep the tortillas from drying out, and avoid preparing them more than 12 hours ahead for the best texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken for grilled or roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, replace cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, and use a mustard-honey substitute like mustard and maple syrup for a delicious vegan version.
How can I turn this into a warm meal?
You can gently toast the assembled roll ups in a skillet or oven until the tortillas are slightly crisp and the cheese has softened or melted. This adds a comforting twist especially nice for cooler days, but I still love the fresh version on warmer days.
Conclusion
I hope you’ll love making and sharing this Easy Chicken Roll Ups Recipe as much as I do. It’s so satisfying to enjoy a dish that feels special, is packed with flavor, and comes together with minimal effort. Whether for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or a fun party appetizer, it’s one of those recipes that always gets compliments and keeps people coming back for more. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite go-to!
Print
Easy Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
These Easy Chicken Roll Ups are a quick and delicious lunch or snack option featuring whole wheat tortillas filled with creamy cheese, tender chicken, fresh broccoli slaw, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all brought together by a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. Perfect for meal prepping or a light meal, they are healthy, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/2 cup Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
Roll Ups
- 6 (8- or 9-inch) whole wheat tortillas
- 12 oz. cream cheese (1/3 less fat recommended)
- 2 chicken breasts (cooked and sliced thin)
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli slaw
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
Instructions
- Prepare honey mustard sauce: In a small bowl, combine mustard and honey, stirring until well blended. Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or mustard to taste.
- Spread cream cheese: Evenly spread about 3 to 4 tablespoons of cream cheese across the middle of each whole wheat tortilla, creating a creamy base layer.
- Add honey mustard: Spoon and spread 2 teaspoons of the prepared honey mustard sauce onto the cream cheese layer on each tortilla for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Layer fillings: On the bottom third of each tortilla, place 4 to 5 small slices of cooked chicken breast, then add approximately 1/4 cup of broccoli slaw, and finally 6 to 8 halved cherry tomatoes.
- Roll the tortillas: Fold the bottom edge of each tortilla up and over the fillings, then roll tightly all the way to the top. Place each roll seam side down to secure the shape. You can keep them whole or slice into 1-inch pinwheel rolls.
- Repeat for remaining tortillas: Repeat the spreading, layering, and rolling process for the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.
- Store and serve: Place the roll ups in a container and refrigerate. For best taste and freshness, serve within 12 hours.
Notes
- Broccoli slaw can be store-bought or homemade shreds of broccoli stalks with carrots and cabbage.
- Cook chicken breasts by grilling, baking, or pan-searing until fully cooked, then slice thinly.
- These roll ups are best served chilled and make an excellent meal prep option.
- Adjust honey mustard sweetness or tang to your preference for a customizable flavor.
- Use low-fat or regular cream cheese according to dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for cooking chicken breasts if not pre-cooked)
- Category: Lunch, Snack, Wraps
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
