Get ready to fall in love with an irresistible treat that combines the smoky tang of barbecue with melty cheese and tender chicken wrapped in soft, homemade dough. This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family or as a satisfying snack that never disappoints. Whether you’re hosting a game day, craving some comfort food, or just want to impress with something homemade, these pizza rolls deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet crucial to achieving the perfect texture and rich flavor in your pizza rolls. Each component plays a special role, from the fluffy dough to the tangy BBQ sauce and gooey cheese that brings it all together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing just the right chewiness and structure, with extra for dusting.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the tang of the barbecue sauce and activate the yeast.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the sweetness and richness.
- 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons): The key to a soft, risen dough that’s light but sturdy enough to hold all the filling.
- ¾ cup warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for an ideal texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the dough tender.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: The star of the filling with smoky, sweet, and tangy notes that bring everything to life, plus extra for dipping.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Tender, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up that barbecue flavor.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Gooey, melty, and stringy—essential for that amazing cheesy pull.
- ½ cup diced red onion (optional): Adds a crisp bite and subtle sharpness to balance the richness.
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing together your flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, and stir until a rough dough begins to form. This combination ensures a soft and elastic base that’s just right for rolling out. Once combined, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it well for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and springy, which will give your pizza rolls a beautiful texture.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rest
Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. This short pause allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll and work with in the next steps while kickstarting the yeast to create a light, airy crust later.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once rested, roll the dough into a 14 by 9 inch rectangle on your floured surface. This shape gives you the perfect canvas for layering in all the mouthwatering fillings that make the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe so special.
Step 4: Add the BBQ Sauce
Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This sauce serves as the flavor base that ties the chicken and cheese together with a smoky, tangy punch.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Now scatter your shredded chicken, shredded mozzarella, and diced red onions across the sauce. Distributing the filling evenly ensures every bite is bursting with cheesy, saucy, and tender chicken goodness that makes this recipe a standout.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log shape, which traps all the filling inside. Then slice the roll into 12 even pieces to create perfectly portioned pizza rolls that will bake beautifully.
Step 7: Let the Rolls Rise
Place your pizza rolls into a greased baking dish side by side. Cover them and allow them to rise for 30 minutes; this step lets the dough puff up wonderfully for a soft, fluffy bite that melts in your mouth.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for approximately 25 minutes until they turn a golden brown. The smell of baking dough mingled with melted cheese and BBQ sauce will have everyone eager to dig in.
Step 9: Serve Warm
Enjoy your warm, fresh pizza rolls with an extra side of BBQ sauce for dipping, delivering an extra layer of flavor that makes every bite pure joy.
How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro or sliced green onions add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that pairs beautifully with the smoky BBQ flavors. Sprinkle a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a little kick!
Side Dishes
Pairing these pizza rolls with a crisp side salad or some crunchy coleslaw balances the richness and adds refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, roasted veggies or baked beans work wonderfully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe on a rustic wooden board or festive platter surrounded by small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and ranch dressing for dipping variety. You can also stack them in a layered tower for a fun, casual party-chic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their tender texture and flavors but are best enjoyed within a couple of days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
These pizza rolls freeze beautifully! Before baking, place them on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your pizza rolls into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is delightfully gooey again. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain the crisp edges of the crust.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough can save time and still yield delicious rolls, though making your own dough gives you that extra fresh, homemade magic.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?
Choose a BBQ sauce that you love—whether sweet, smoky, or spicy. A balanced flavor enhances the rolls, but feel free to customize the heat level to your taste.
Can I add other toppings or ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in bell peppers, jalapeños, mushrooms, or different cheeses like cheddar or gouda to make the recipe your own.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids typically love the cheesy, saucy goodness of these pizza rolls. Just omit the onion or any spicy add-ins if you want to keep it mild.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative and double-check your BBQ sauce is free from dairy ingredients. The rest of the recipe remains the same!
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your loved ones to the warm, comforting delight of this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to bring everyone together over a dish that’s bursting with flavor and made with love. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for gatherings, snacks, and anytime you want a bite of happiness wrapped in dough.
Print
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with flavorful BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and optional red onion. These rolls are perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, snack, or party food baked to golden perfection.
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, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil, and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Then, let it rest for 10 minutes to allow some initial rising.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 14×9 inch rectangle, ensuring an even thickness.
- Add the Filling: Spread 1 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.
- Distribute the Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and diced red onion (if using) over the BBQ sauce layer.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape to enclose the filling completely.
- Slice into Rolls: Cut the rolled log into 12 equal pieces, ensuring uniform size for even baking.
- Let Rolls Rise: Place the rolls cut-side up into a greased baking dish, cover loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let them rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pizza rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the rolls warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping to enhance the smoky, cheesy flavors.
Notes
- Allow the dough sufficient time to rest and rise for a soft, fluffy texture.
- Use warm water to activate the yeast properly for better dough rise.
- Optional red onion adds a nice sharpness; omit if preferred.
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped cilantro or green onions on top before baking.
- Make sure to cut rolls evenly for consistent baking results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
