Indulge in these Chicken Bacon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Pickles, filled with melted processed cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, wrapped in smoky bacon and baked until golden. This easy homemade recipe turns simple chicken thighs into a restaurant-style dinner full of rich, savory flavors and irresistible texture.
Fast and Easy Chicken Bacon Rolls with Cream Cheese
Course: European, Recipes, MainCuisine: EuropeanDifficulty: Easy6
servings35
minutes35
minutes410
kcal1
hour10
minutesThere’s something deeply comforting about bacon-wrapped chicken—the crispy exterior, the tender meat, and that creamy, cheesy filling that melts in every bite. These Chicken Bacon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Pickles combine sweet, salty, and smoky flavors in a single dish. They’re perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and despite their elegant look, they’re surprisingly easy to make. The combination of honey soy marinade, processed cheese, and mozzarella topping makes each roll incredibly flavorful and juicy.
🔪 Kitchen Tools Used
Non-stick baking pan (26 cm)
Cutting board and sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Toothpicks
Oven
Ingredients
1.5 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 10–11 pieces)
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
100 g baby pickles, halved
50 g black olives, halved
20–30 g sun-dried tomatoes, halved
200 g processed cream cheese, diced
200 g smoked bacon slices (1 per roll, or 2 if desired)
200 g grated mozzarella cheese
Salt to taste
A drizzle of olive oil for greasing the pan
Toothpicks for securing rolls
Directions
- Preparation
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and season with salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and olive oil until the honey fully dissolves. Pour this marinade over the chicken and mix thoroughly using your hands, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Let the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. Meanwhile, prepare the fillings—halve the baby pickles, slice the black olives, dice the processed cheese, and cut the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces.
- Cooking
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F), with both upper and lower heating elements on. Lightly grease a 26 cm non-stick baking dish. On a cutting board, lay out a strip of bacon, and place a marinated chicken thigh on one end. Add a few pickle halves, olive slices, bits of cheese, and sun-dried tomato pieces on top. Roll the chicken tightly, pressing gently to keep the filling inside. Wrap the remaining bacon around the roll and secure both ends with toothpicks. Repeat with all pieces until the pan is filled. - Finishing
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the bacon turns golden and slightly crispy. Remove the tray from the oven, sprinkle each roll generously with grated mozzarella, and return to bake for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts beautifully.
- Serving
Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving so the filling can settle. Serve them warm, ideally with a side of mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The combination of creamy cheese and savory bacon makes these rolls satisfying even on their own.
Notes
- ✅ Do:
✔️ Use chicken thighs instead of breast—they stay juicier.
✔️ Let the chicken rest after baking for at least 5 minutes before serving.
✔️ Experiment with fillings—add spinach, roasted peppers, or mushrooms.
❌ Don’t:
❌ Overfill the rolls; the cheese might leak during baking.
❌ Skip the marinade—this step adds deep flavor and tenderness.
❌ Bake at too high a temperature; the bacon may burn before the chicken cooks through. - 💬 FAQ
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful. If using breast, reduce baking time slightly.
2. What can I substitute for processed cheese?
You can use cream cheese or even feta for a saltier taste.
3. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the rolls and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
4. How do I know when the rolls are ready?
When the bacon is golden and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (167°F).
