Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

If you are craving a crowd-pleasing snack that combines gooey cheese, tangy BBQ sauce, and tender chicken all wrapped up in soft, golden dough, then you absolutely must try this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe. It’s a fantastic twist on classic pizza flavors, but everything is rolled into perfect bite-sized rolls that are as fun to eat as they are delicious. Whether you’re whipping these up for a casual game night, a family dinner, or a party appetizer, these pizza rolls deliver big on flavor and comfort with every cheesy, saucy bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients list is simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create that mouthwatering balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, from creating the soft dough to packing in that savory filling that will have everyone asking for seconds.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for our dough, essential for that fluffy, tender bite.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Just a touch to help activate the yeast and give the dough a subtle sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the dough perfectly seasoned.
• 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons): The magical ingredient that helps the dough rise beautifully.
• ¾ cup warm water: Helps activate the yeast and brings the dough together smoothly.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the dough soft and pliable.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce: The heart of the flavor, tangy and smoky for that signature BBQ zip.
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Tender and savory, making each roll hearty and satisfying.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Plenty of melty, gooey cheese to tie everything deliciously together.
• ½ cup diced red onion (optional): Adds a pop of color and a mild crunch that balances the richness.

How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast—in a large bowl. Then pour in the warm water and olive oil, stirring gently until the dough begins to come together. This step is the foundation, and getting a smooth dough will ensure your rolls have that perfect chewy texture.

Step 2: Knead and Rest

Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead it for about five minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading helps develop gluten, giving the dough structure. After that, let it rest for 10 minutes so it can relax, making it easier to roll out and shape in the next step.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Grab your rolling pin and roll the dough into a 14 by 9-inch rectangle on a floured surface. This shape will make it super easy to layer on the BBQ goodness and roll up neatly.

Step 4: Add the BBQ Sauce

Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border free around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out. This sauce is the flavor star, so don’t be shy—use that whole cup for a perfectly saucy roll.

Step 5: Layer the Filling

Now sprinkle the shredded chicken, mozzarella, and red onion evenly over the BBQ sauce. Each one adds a unique texture and flavor, creating a balanced and irresistible filling.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Starting from the long side of your rectangle, roll the dough up tightly into a log. This tight rolling traps all those delicious layers inside. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal pieces, each one a bite-sized bundle of cheesy BBQ joy.

Step 7: Let the Rolls Rise

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise for 30 minutes. This step lets the dough become fluffy and soft, resulting in tender, pillowy rolls after baking.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and bubbling with melty cheese. Your kitchen is going to smell incredible!

Step 9: Serve Warm

Take the rolls from the oven and serve them warm, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. The melty cheese, smoky BBQ, and tender chicken come together perfectly in every mouthful.

How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a bit of fresh garnish can elevate your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe to the next level. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a vibrant burst of color and a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These pizza rolls pair wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a crunchy coleslaw, a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or even some roasted vegetables. These sides balance the richness of the pizza rolls and add a nice variety of textures to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange your pizza rolls on a large wooden board or a colorful platter and surround them with small bowls of different dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or even a smoky chipotle sauce. It makes for a fun, interactive eating experience everyone will enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can easily enjoy them again without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe also freezes beautifully. Arrange the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight, let rise, then bake as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the rolls in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the dough from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken from a rotisserie?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time when making these pizza rolls. Just shred it before layering.

Can I substitute BBQ sauce with another sauce?

You can experiment with different sauces like buffalo sauce or marinara, but keep in mind it will change the overall flavor profile of the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe.

Is the red onion necessary?

Red onion is optional but recommended for its slight crunch and mild sweetness, which balances the rich BBQ and cheese. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit it.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it, just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling the rolls.

What cheese works best besides mozzarella?

Mozzarella is ideal for meltiness and mild flavor, but you could also try Monterey Jack or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper taste.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe. It’s one of those feel-good recipes that effortlessly combines familiar flavors with a fun presentation. Perfect for sharing, easy to customize, and utterly delicious. Go ahead, make a batch, and watch these rolls disappear fast—your family and friends will thank you!

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