Pickle Ham and Swiss Chicken Roll Ups (Cuban Chicken)
User Reviews
5
Pickle Ham and Swiss Chicken Roll Ups (Cuban Chicken)
Description
Pickle Ham and Swiss Chicken Roll Ups start by marinating thin chicken cutlets in pickle juice, which helps both tenderize and infuse the chicken with a mild tang. Once marinated, the chicken is layered with deli ham, shredded Swiss cheese, and thin dill pickle slices, then rolled tightly and coated in an egg wash and seasoned breadcrumbs, including panko for added crunch. Baking the roll ups creates a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
The interplay of flavors—savory ham, nutty Swiss cheese, and bright, acidic pickles—provides a classic taste reminiscent of a Cuban sandwich served in a convenient, hand-held format. The breadcrumb crust adds texture contrast to the tender rolled filling.
This dish can be served as a main course paired with a green salad or roasted vegetables. Marinating the chicken for eight hours ahead saves time on the day of cooking, and baking until golden ensures the chicken is cooked through and the coatings crisped. The recipe uses both wheat and gluten-free breadcrumb options, allowing some dietary flexibility.
Marinate the chicken in pickle juice for at least eight hours and make sure to dry thoroughly before assembly to avoid soggy breading. Spray the breaded roll ups with oil before baking to promote even browning on the crust.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken cutlets 1 lb, thin, boneless
- 1 egg beaten, large
- 1 1/4 cups pickle juice (enough to cover chicken)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs seasoned; wheat or gluten-free
- 4 teaspoons mustard deli style
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs seasoned; wheat or gluten-free
- 2 oz ham thin sliced, reduced sodium, deli
- cooking spray
- 2 oz swiss cheese shredded
- 1-2 dill pickles (sliced very thin lengthwise, dried on paper towel (I used a mandolin))
- olive oil spray form
Instructions
- Place chicken in a shallow bowl and cover with pickle juice (enough to cover completely). Marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours.
- Follow steps 1-5.
- After 8 hours, drain and dry the chicken completely on paper towels; discard marinade.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F. Transfer to the air fryer basket in two batches until golden outside and cooked through in the center, about 12 minutes, turning half way.
- Preheat oven to 425F. Spray a baking sheet with oil.
- Spread 1 teaspoon of mustard over each piece of chicken. Layer the ham on top, then the Swiss cheese and pickles along the center and roll.
- Place egg in a medium bowl. In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs and panko. Dip chicken in the egg wash, then into the breadcrumb mixture and shake off excess.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and spray the top generously with oil. Bake 25 minutes, until golden outside and cooked through.
Notes
- Only one-quarter cup of seasoned breadcrumbs and panko are actually used for breading; adjust seasoning amounts accordingly.
- Marinate chicken cutlets in pickle juice for 8 hours to achieve tender, flavorful meat.
- Dry chicken thoroughly after marinating to ensure a crispy breadcrumb coating after baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 280 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1roll up | |
| Calories | 280kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 12.5g | 4% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 148mg | 49% |
| Sodium | 869.5mg | 36% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.