Chef Mitchell preparing Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups during a summer cooking class focused on Asian appetizers. The refreshing taste and colorful presentation caught my attention immediately. Over the years, I have perfected the recipe to balance flavors and textures, making it a favorite among my friends and family. Now, I love sharing these delightful roll ups with everyone!"

With over a decade of experience in Asian cuisine, Chef Mitchell has mastered a variety of appetizer recipes that highlight fresh ingredients and bold flavors. He is passionate about creating dishes that are both beautiful and delicious, ensuring that every meal is a delightful experience. His expertise is evident in the simplicity and elegance of his recipes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups served on a plate

Why This Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients. The combination of cucumber and chicken provides a satisfying crunch and protein-packed filling, making each bite delightful. The use of cream cheese adds creaminess, which complements the other flavors beautifully, making it a perfect balance of taste and texture.

The technique of rolling the cucumber strips tightly ensures that each roll holds together well, allowing for easy handling and serving. Additionally, chilling the roll ups enhances their refreshing qualities, making them a great option for warm weather gatherings. The sesame oil and soy sauce add an authentic Asian flavor that elevates the dish.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use firm cucumbers to ensure they don’t break while rolling. If you prefer a bit more crunch, consider adding shredded carrots or bell peppers to the filling. Also, chill the roll ups for at least 15 minutes before serving for a more refreshing taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups a few hours in advance. Simply assemble the roll ups and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Just make sure to keep them chilled to maintain their crispness.

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Both will provide a creamy texture while maintaining the flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning slightly to match your taste.

Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups are ready to serve once they are assembled and chilled. The chicken should be fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients. If you make sure to let them chill for at least 15 minutes, they will be perfectly set and ready to enjoy.

It is not recommended to freeze Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups as the cucumbers will lose their crispness upon thawing. However, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it, then assemble the roll ups fresh when you're ready to serve.

Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups pair well with various dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce mixed with a touch of sesame oil, or even a spicy peanut dip. Additionally, serving them with a light salad or on a platter with other appetizers enhances the overall meal experience.

Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. However, for the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to consume them within the first day after preparation.

Yes! These roll ups can be made in advance, making them a convenient appetizer. Just remember to store them in the refrigerator and enjoy them within 1-2 days for the best freshness.

Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups are best served cold and are not typically reheated. If you need to warm them slightly, do so for just a few seconds in the microwave, but be careful not to cook them further as this will affect the texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your roll ups turn out too dry, it may be due to overcooking the chicken or using lean chicken breast without enough moisture.

Solution: To fix this, ensure you use chicken that is juicy and well-seasoned. Adding more cream cheese or a drizzle of sesame oil in the filling can also help enhance moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the cucumbers are not crispy, they may have been too ripe or stored improperly.

Solution: Use firm, fresh cucumbers, and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them. Cutting them just before assembly will also help maintain their crunch.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the chicken is overcooked, it can become dry and tough.

Prevention: To prevent this, cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and remove it from heat promptly. Consider using a meat thermometer for accuracy.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the roll ups have an undercooked center, it may be because the chicken was not cooked thoroughly before being mixed.

Recovery: Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and shredded before mixing with other ingredients. You can also quickly pan-sear the rolled up cucumbers for a minute to ensure warmth throughout.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the exterior of the roll ups is burnt, it could be from cooking them too long or at too high a temperature.

Prevention: To prevent burning, cook at a moderate temperature and keep a close eye on them while cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the roll ups are too sweet, reduce the amount of soy sauce in the filling and add a bit of lime juice for acidity.

Too Salty: If the roll ups taste too salty, you can balance it out by adding more cream cheese to the filling.

Bland: To enhance bland roll ups, add more fresh herbs like cilantro or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

Fresh ingredients for Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups

Essential Ingredients for Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups

The key ingredients in Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups are fresh cucumbers, cooked chicken, and a creamy filling made from cream cheese. Each ingredient plays a vital role in providing flavor and texture. The cucumbers should be firm and crisp, while the chicken should be cooked to tender perfection. These components work together to create a delicious and satisfying appetizer.

Quality matters when selecting your ingredients. Choose organic cucumbers if possible, as they have fewer pesticides and better flavor. For the chicken, opt for free-range or antibiotic-free options for a healthier choice. The cream cheese should be fresh and kept at room temperature for easy mixing with the other ingredients.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Cucumber: Always select firm cucumbers for the best crunch in your roll ups. Look for ones that are evenly colored and without blemishes. If you can, choose organic cucumbers for the best flavor and freshness.
  • Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for a lean and flavorful option. Shredding the chicken will help it mix well with the other ingredients, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture. Let it soften to room temperature before mixing with other ingredients for smooth incorporation. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese.
Cooking process for Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups is a straightforward process that involves minimal cooking. First, prepare the cucumbers by slicing them thinly, then mix the filling. Assembling the roll ups is simple; just layer the chicken mixture on the cucumber strips and roll them up tightly. The most important part is to chill them before serving, which enhances the flavors.

To achieve perfect roll ups, ensure that your cucumbers are cold and crisp. This will not only make them easier to roll but also provide that desired crunch when you bite into them. Chilling the roll ups allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making them even more enjoyable.

Key Technique for Perfect Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups

The key technique for perfect Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups is in the rolling process. Make sure to roll the cucumbers tightly while not applying too much pressure, as this can cause them to break. Chilling the roll ups after assembly allows the cream cheese to firm up, which helps them keep their shape when served.

Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup soy sauce
    For dipping
  • 1/4 cup sesame oil
    For extra flavor
  • 1 tbsp honey
    To balance the flavors
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
    For added taste
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
    For a kick

For the Sauce

  • 2 large cucumbers
    Sliced into strips
  • 1 lb cooked chicken breast
    Shredded
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
    Softened
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
    Chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
    For flavor
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
    For richness
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For seasoning
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
    For extra flavor
  • 1/4 cup scallions
    Sliced
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
    Toasted

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cucumbers

    Wash the cucumbers, then slice them lengthwise into thin strips using a mandoline or sharp knife.

  2. Mix Filling

    In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, cilantro, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and mix well.

  3. Assemble Roll Ups

    Place a strip of cucumber on a flat surface, add a spoonful of the chicken mixture, top with scallions, and roll tightly.

  4. Secure Rolls

    Secure the rolls with a toothpick if necessary, and repeat until all ingredients are used.

  5. Chill Roll Ups

    Place the cucumber roll ups on a platter and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to firm up.

  6. Serve

    Serve the roll ups on a plate with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and optional chili sauce for dipping.

  7. Garnish

    Garnish with additional cilantro and serve cold.

  8. Enjoy

    Enjoy your refreshing Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups as a delightful appetizer!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within two days for optimal freshness. Make sure to keep them chilled to maintain their crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cucumber Chicken Roll Ups are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with dipping sauces. Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce or a light soy dipping sauce. Pair with additional fresh vegetables or a fruit platter for a colorful spread.

Recipe Variations

For a twist on the recipe, try adding different proteins such as shrimp or tofu. You can also incorporate other fresh herbs like mint or basil for added flavor. Experiment with different sauces to find your perfect combination.