If you are looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack that combines the irresistible flavors of tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese all wrapped up in soft, golden dough, you simply must try this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of comfort food and finger food that’s great for game days, casual dinners, or even a fun weekend treat with family and friends. Every bite offers a melty, savory experience that keeps you coming back for more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making the perfect Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the right texture, flavor, and appearance, from the pillowy dough to the flavorful filling.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of your dough, ensuring soft but sturdy rolls.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Just enough to feed the yeast and add subtle sweetness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
- Instant yeast (1 packet or about 2 ¼ teaspoons): Makes the dough rise beautifully and fluffily.
- Warm water (¾ cup): Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
- BBQ sauce (1 cup, plus more for serving): The star of the filling bringing tangy, smoky flavor.
- Cooked and shredded chicken (2 cups): Provides savory protein and heartiness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts perfectly to make every bite gooey and satisfying.
- Diced red onion (½ cup, optional): Adds a subtle crunch and sharpness for contrast.
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, then stir everything together until a sticky dough forms. This simple mixture is the base for soft, fluffy rolls that will hold all the delicious fillings perfectly.
Step 2: Knead and Rest the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This develops gluten for structure. Then, cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes to relax and start rising slightly.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once rested, roll the dough out on a floured surface to a 14 by 9 inch rectangle. This shape will allow you to evenly layer your fillings and make rolling up the pizza rolls easier and more uniform.
Step 4: Add the BBQ Sauce
Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the entire dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This saucy base is what gives each roll that smoky, tangy flavor that’s impossible to resist in this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe.
Step 5: Layer the Filling
Sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly over the sauce, then top it with mozzarella cheese and diced red onion if you’re using it. This combination blends creamy cheese with savory chicken and a hint of crunch from the onions.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, encasing all the delicious fillings inside. Then, slice the log into 12 equal pieces to form the individual pizza rolls.
Step 7: Let the Rolls Rise
Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish, allowing a little space between each. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes—this resting time ensures they will be fluffy and light once baked.
Step 8: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then bake the pizza rolls for 25 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The oven heat melts the cheese inside while crisping the outer dough to perfection.
Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once baked, serve your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. This step brings out all the flavors and keeps that irresistible melty texture.
How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that balances the richness of the rolls beautifully.
Side Dishes
These pizza rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or even some roasted veggies to round out the meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a large tray with bowls of different dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or extra BBQ for variety that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh, ready for easy snacks or lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked pizza rolls by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prep or unexpected guest visits.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese turns melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the dough from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves you time while still delivering plenty of flavor and tender meat for the rolls.
Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that is suitable for yeast-based dough, but the texture may vary slightly.
Can I add other toppings inside the rolls?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe with ingredients like jalapeños, bacon bits, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
Look for a golden brown crust on the top and sides, and when the cheese inside is melted and bubbly — this means your pizza rolls are perfectly baked.
Can I prepare the rolls ahead and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls, let them rise once, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking the next day for great results.
Final Thoughts
If you want a warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying snack or meal, you have to try this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe. It brings together the best flavors and textures in one handheld delight, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become one of your go-to dishes when you need comfort and convenience in every bite.
Print
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls (serves 12)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are a delicious and fun twist on traditional pizza, combining tangy BBQ sauce, tender shredded chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese all rolled into soft, golden-baked dough. Perfect for a party appetizer or a satisfying snack, these pizza rolls are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup diced red onion (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest untouched for 10 minutes to relax.
- Roll Out the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the rested dough into a 14×9 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface to prepare for layering.
- Add the Filling: Evenly spread 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leakage during rolling.
- Distribute Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly over the BBQ sauce, followed by the mozzarella cheese and the optional diced red onion for a touch of crunch and flavor.
- Roll and Cut: Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape, ensuring the fillings stay contained.
- Slice Into Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled log into 12 equal pieces to create individual pizza rolls.
- Let the Rolls Rise: Place the rolls evenly spaced into a greased baking dish. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes to develop fluffiness.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls in the oven for 25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove rolls from the oven and serve warm with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add other toppings like bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- The rolls can be made ahead, refrigerated after rising, and baked fresh later.
- Leftovers are great reheated in a toaster oven or microwave.
