Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

If you love the irresistible combination of tangy BBQ chicken and melty cheese wrapped up in a soft, freshly baked roll, you are going to adore this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser that brings together the best flavors of pizza and BBQ into one handheld, comforting treat. Whether for a cozy gathering or a fun family dinner, these rolls promise ooey-gooey goodness with each bite, making them an instant favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe lies in its simple yet vital ingredients. Each one plays an important role—from the fluffy dough to the smoky, cheesy filling. Together, they create a harmony of flavors and textures that make this dish so special and utterly satisfying.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, chewy dough with just the right amount of structure.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that helps activate the yeast and balances the BBQ sauce tanginess.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and keeps the dough balanced.
• 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons): Responsible for that wonderful fluffiness and light rise in the dough.
• ¾ cup warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for the perfect texture.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender dough crumb.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce: The star sauce pairing all the other ingredients with smoky, tangy flavor.
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Provides protein and a hearty base for the filling.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to add gooey, cheesy decadence with every bite.
• ½ cup diced red onion (optional): Adds a slight crunch and sharpness that perfectly contrasts the sweet BBQ sauce.

How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining your flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. These dry ingredients create the perfect foundation for your dough. Slowly add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until the mixture starts to pull together into a rough dough. This step is crucial for activating the yeast and getting your dough on the path to fluffy perfection.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Once combined, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about five minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic, which means the gluten is developing nicely. After kneading, let the dough rest for 10 minutes—this brief rise gives it a head start on becoming light and airy.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Roll your rested dough into a rectangle that measures roughly 14 by 9 inches. This shape will make it easy to spread your filling evenly and roll it up tightly for those perfect pizza rolls.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Now comes the fun part: spreading a generous layer of BBQ sauce all across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to help prevent the sauce from leaking out when rolling. The BBQ sauce brings that delicious tang and sweetness that defines this recipe.

Step 5: Layer the Chicken, Cheese, and Onion

Evenly scatter the shredded chicken over the BBQ sauce, followed by the mozzarella cheese. If you’re using diced red onions, sprinkle them on top for that sharp, slightly sweet crunch that adds a lovely contrast.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. This step seals all that yummy filling inside each layer. Once rolled, cut the log into 12 equal slices—these will become your individual pizza rolls.

Step 7: Let the Rolls Rise

Place the slices into a greased baking dish, ensuring they have some room but are close enough to rise upward and support each other. Cover and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes. This second rise boosts their fluffiness and height.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then bake the rolls for 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and smell absolutely irresistible. Baking unlocks that perfect combination of a slightly crisp crust with a tender, cheesy interior.

Step 9: Serve Warm with Extra BBQ Sauce

Serve these scrumptious pizza rolls warm, ideally with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. The warm cheese and BBQ flavors come alive, making each bite an absolute delight.

How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor that complements the smoky BBQ beautifully. A light dusting of grated Parmesan over warm rolls can also add a savory, nutty dimension.

Side Dishes

Pair these pizza rolls with a crisp garden salad or some crunchy coleslaw to balance their richness. A side of baked sweet potato fries or roasted veggies also makes for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pizza rolls in a rustic wooden board or a cast-iron skillet straight from the oven to keep them warm longer and create a cozy presentation. You could also arrange them into a pull-apart bread—perfect for sharing among friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep them moist and cheesy without drying out the dough.

Freezing

These rolls freeze wonderfully. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can pull out as many as you want for a quick snack or meal.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make the dough a bit chewy rather than delightfully soft.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe. Just make sure it’s shredded evenly for the best filling texture.

Is it possible to prepare the dough in advance?

You sure can! Prepare the dough the day before and store it covered in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and filling to make shaping easier.

Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese with another type?

Yes, feel free to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind the melting qualities to ensure your rolls stay gooey and delicious.

What if I don’t like onions? Can I leave them out?

Definitely. The diced red onions are optional and provide a nice crunch and bite, but omitting them won’t take away from the overall flavor of the rolls.

How spicy is the recipe? Can I add heat?

The recipe itself is mild, focusing on the sweet and smoky notes of BBQ sauce. You can easily spice it up by adding sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce to the chicken, or using a spicy BBQ sauce variety.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe is truly a crowd-pleasing marvel that combines all your favorite flavors into one irresistible bite. Whether you’re making it for a casual get-together or just craving some cheesy comfort food, these rolls never disappoint. Give this recipe a try—you might just find a new go-to that everyone will ask for again and again!

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