If you are craving a delightful, finger-friendly twist on classic comfort food, then this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe is your new go-to snack or meal. Imagine tender, homemade dough wrapped around tangy BBQ sauce, juicy shredded chicken, and melty mozzarella cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Each bite bursts with smoky, cheesy goodness that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. With a perfect balance of flavors and an inviting crispy crust, these pizza rolls are sure to become a household favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the soft, pillowy dough to the tangy barbecue punch and gooey cheese that stretches with every bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and softness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Just enough sweetness to feed the yeast and add a subtle hint of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the dough’s taste.
- 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons): The magic that makes the dough rise and become airy.
- ¾ cup warm water: Activates the yeast and blends the dough together perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough’s texture.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: The signature tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor that infuses the entire roll.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Tender protein that soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy, bubbly goodness inside each roll.
- ½ cup diced red onion (optional): Delivers a bit of sharpness and crunch if you want to add a little extra bite.
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. Add warm water and olive oil, then stir everything into a soft dough. This simple dough serves as the fluffy base that holds the entire pizza roll together, so treat it gently as you work with it.
Step 2: Knead and Rest the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about five minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten, giving your pizza rolls a perfect chewy texture. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to relax it and make rolling easier.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 14×9 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. This size is ideal for shaping rolls that are thick enough to hold plenty of filling but thin enough to bake through evenly.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Spread a generous cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to keep the filling from spilling out. Next, sprinkle your shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and if you like, diced red onions on top. This step layers your flavors and textures, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape, like a jelly roll. This rolling technique traps all those amazing flavors inside each slice. Then cut the log into 12 equal pieces to form individual pizza rolls — perfect for sharing or meal prep.
Step 6: Let the Rolls Rise
Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish so they’re snug but not squished. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes. This step puffs them up, making them fluffy and soft after baking, while the flavours meld beautifully.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top. This ensures a crispy crust while the cheese inside melts to ooey-gooey goodness.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls warm, accompanied by extra BBQ sauce for dipping. The aroma alone will have everyone eager to dive in!
How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance these pizza rolls with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add an exciting kick to contrast the smoky BBQ flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a crisp green salad to balance out the richness or pair them with some cool ranch dressing or creamy coleslaw for a classic BBQ vibe. Roasted vegetables also work well to round out the meal with added nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the pizza rolls on a large wooden board with small bowls of various dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo. You can even serve them skewered on sticks for a fun handheld treat that’s easy to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They make a fantastic next-day snack or lunch.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these pizza rolls later, freeze them before baking. Place the cut rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Using store-bought dough is a great shortcut and still delivers delicious results. Just roll it out as directed and continue with the filling and rolling steps.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce you love eating on its own. Sweet and smoky sauces pair perfectly, but you can experiment with spicy or tangy varieties to customize the flavor.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the shredded chicken for sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or even plant-based chicken alternatives to keep all the delicious cheesy BBQ goodness without the meat.
How spicy are these pizza rolls?
They are mildly tangy and smoky but not inherently spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy BBQ sauce if you prefer more kick.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to develop. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out to make it easier to handle.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe bring together comforting flavors and fun finger food in one irresistible package. Whether you’re making them for a casual family night or a gathering with friends, they are sure to impress and satisfy. Give this recipe a try and watch your loved ones fall in love bite after cheesy, BBQ-infused bite!
Print
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls featuring a soft homemade dough filled with tangy BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, and optional red onions. Perfect as a savory snack or party appetizer, these pizza rolls are baked to golden perfection and served warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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
- 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, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough into a 14×9 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Add the Filling: Spread the BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and diced red onion over the sauce.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut into Pieces: Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces.
- Let the Rolls Rise: Place the rolls into a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pizza rolls for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the rolls warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute the shredded chicken with cooked pulled pork or beef for a different flavor.
- Adding diced red onion is optional but adds a nice crunch and flavor.
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Use a baking dish that fits the rolls snugly to help them keep their shape during baking.
- Feel free to add some chopped cilantro or green onions on top after baking for extra freshness.
