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Grilled Chicken Roll Ups: A Flavor-Packed Backyard BBQ Staple

There’s this little country store I used to frequent, tucked away on a winding road, that had the most incredible grilled chicken roll-ups. The smoky aroma would hit you the moment you stepped out of your car, a siren song promising deliciousness. I’d always grab a few for lunch, savoring the juicy chicken, salty pastrami, and crispy bacon. Moving away meant losing access to that treasure, but it also sparked a new culinary adventure: recreating those beloved roll-ups in my own backyard. Now, these grilled delights are a family favorite, a guaranteed hit at any gathering, and a delicious reminder of simpler times.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Dietary Type: Varies (see notes)

Ingredients

4-6 slices pastrami or 4-6 slices salami, lunch meat
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Bacon, uncooked
Seasoned steak sauce (such as Dale’s or Moore’s)
Toothpicks

Equipment Needed

Grill
Meat mallet or rolling pin
Small bowl
Plate or container for marinating

Instructions

Prepare the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and makes them easier to roll.
Assemble the roll-ups: Lay a flattened chicken breast on a clean work surface. Place a slice of pastrami (or salami) on top of the chicken.
Roll and secure: Tightly roll the chicken breast around the pastrami. Wrap a slice of bacon around the outside of the roll-up. Secure the bacon with toothpicks, spacing them evenly to hold everything together.
Marinate: Place the assembled roll-ups in a dish. Generously pour seasoned steak sauce over the roll-ups, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. Marinating infuses the chicken with flavor and helps to tenderize it.
Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F). Be sure to clean the grates before placing the roll-ups on the grill.
Grill the roll-ups: Place the roll-ups on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Rest and serve: Remove the roll-ups from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t over-pound the chicken: While you want the chicken thin enough to roll easily, over-pounding can make it tough and dry. Aim for an even thickness without tearing the meat.
Use quality bacon: Thicker-cut bacon holds its shape better during grilling and provides a more satisfying texture.
Marinating is key: Don’t skip the marinating step! It infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it moist. Overnight marinating is ideal, but even an hour will make a difference.
Grill temperature control: Maintaining a consistent medium heat is crucial. Too high, and the bacon will burn before the chicken is cooked through. Too low, and the bacon won’t crisp up properly.
Prevent sticking: Lightly oil the grill grates before placing the roll-ups on the grill to prevent sticking.
Alternative cooking methods: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the roll-ups in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the grilled chicken roll-ups hot off the grill. They are delicious on their own or can be paired with side dishes like grilled vegetables, potato salad, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed. Be careful not to overcook the chicken when reheating. These are best eaten fresh, but reheating will still result in a satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	290.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	15 g	23%
Saturated Fat	4.6 g	23%
Cholesterol	111.8 mg	37%
Sodium	339.1 mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	0.1 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	0 g	0%
Protein	36.3 g	72%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Turkey bacon: For a lower-fat option, substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon.
Cheese: Add a slice of your favorite cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, provolone) on top of the pastrami before rolling up the chicken.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the steak sauce for a spicy kick.
Gluten-free: Ensure the steak sauce is gluten-free.
Vegetarian option: While this recipe is meat-heavy, you could try adapting it with large portobello mushroom caps instead of chicken, stuffed with vegetarian deli slices and wrapped in eggplant strips in place of bacon. It won’t be the same, but could satisfy the roll-up craving!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I prepare these roll-ups ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assembling the roll-ups and letting them marinate overnight is a great way to save time. Just be sure to store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

Q: What if I don’t have seasoned steak sauce?
A: You can use regular soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce mixed with a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper as a substitute.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, and it should register 165°F.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute. They are generally more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts.

Q: The bacon is burning before the chicken is cooked. What should I do?
A: If the bacon is browning too quickly, move the roll-ups to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. You can also tent them loosely with foil to prevent further browning.

Final Thoughts

These grilled chicken roll-ups are a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little creativity, can create something truly special. They’re perfect for casual weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or any occasion where you want to impress your family and friends with a flavorful and satisfying dish. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade goodness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and seasonings to create your own signature version. And most importantly, enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Grilled Chicken Roll Ups Recipe