Crispy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

Tangy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe: Bite-sized Party Hits

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with these mouthwatering BBQ chicken pizza rolls that combine two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible bite.

Crispy golden edges and a tangy sauce make these rolls pop with incredible flavor.

Tender chicken mingles with melted cheese and zesty barbecue sauce, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears faster than you can plate them.

Each roll packs a punch of smoky, savory goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

The simple ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe a total game-changer for busy cooks.

These pizza rolls work perfectly as a quick snack, game day treat, or casual dinner option that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to become the kitchen hero with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Serving Suggestions to Impress with Pizza Rolls

  • Pizza Party Platter: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging the pizza rolls on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of extra BBQ sauce, fresh herbs, and ranch dressing.
  • Weekend Game Night Munchies: Serve these rolls during sports events or movie marathons as a crowd-pleasing finger food that's easy to grab and enjoy between cheers and commercial breaks.
  • Family Dinner Delight: Pair the pizza rolls with a crisp green salad or coleslaw to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add a fresh crunch to the meal. Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for extra zest.
  • Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these rolls in a cooler for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or park lunches – they're portable, delicious when served at room temperature, and sure to impress fellow picnickers.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Pizza Rolls

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare rolls up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate before final baking for convenient meal planning.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual rolls in foil, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
  • Reheating Smart Tip: Crisp rolls in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or warm in oven to restore original texture and prevent sogginess, ensuring maximum flavor and crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 13

Building Flavor with Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls

For Flavor Base:
  • BBQ Sauce: Tangy and sweet sauce that infuses rich smoky flavor, choose a high-quality brand with balanced sweetness and acidity.
  • Red Onion: Adds sharp, crisp bite and vibrant color, select firm onions with smooth, papery skin for maximum crunch.
For Protein:
  • Cooked Chicken: Shredded meat provides hearty protein and absorbs BBQ sauce perfectly, use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
For Melty Goodness:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, stretchy cheese that creates irresistible gooey texture, opt for freshly shredded for best melting quality and smoothest consistency.

Kitchen Tools for Rolling Out BBQ Pizza Goodness

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and kneading dough.
  • Rolling pin: Essential for creating the rectangular pizza roll base.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for rolling and slicing dough.
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter: Helps slice the rolled dough into even pieces.
  • Baking dish: Greased and used to hold and bake the pizza rolls.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Kitchen towel: Covers dough during rising to prevent drying out.

How to Get That Cheesy BBQ Pizza Roll Just Right

  • Dough Foundation

Craft a soft, pillowy base by combining flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Warm water and olive oil transform these simple ingredients into a magical pizza roll canvas. Knead with love until smooth, then let the dough rest and develop flavor.

  • Flavor Landscape

Stretch the dough into a generous rectangle, creating a delicious playground for toppings. Brush a layer of smoky BBQ sauce, leaving a small border for that perfect seal.

  • Topping Celebration

Scatter tender chicken pieces, melty cheese, and zesty red onion across the sauce-covered surface. These ingredients will dance together in delicious harmony.

  • Roll and Shape

Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a tight, spiraled log. Slice into bite-sized rounds that promise pure comfort and excitement.

  • Rise and Shine

Nestle the rolls in a welcoming, greased baking dish. Allow them to puff up and become irresistibly puffy, signaling their readiness for the oven.

  • Golden Transformation

Bake until the rolls turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce for dipping and watch faces light up with joy.

Flavor Hacks for Chicken Pizza Roll

  • Cover your pizza roll dough with a warm, damp kitchen towel to help it rise faster and create a softer texture during proofing.
  • Swap chicken with pulled pork, shredded beef, or crispy bacon for extra protein and exciting flavor variations that keep the meal interesting.
  • Mix multiple cheese types like mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack to create a more complex and rich cheese profile in your pizza rolls.
  • Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who love extra heat, while keeping the base recipe mild and family-friendly for everyone's taste preferences.
  • These pizza rolls can be assembled, rolled, and refrigerated overnight, allowing you to pop them in the oven fresh in the morning or for a quick weeknight dinner without extensive prep time.
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Crispy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

Crispy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Quick and zesty BBQ chicken pizza rolls deliver a flavor-packed handheld meal perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Crispy edges, tangy sauce, and melted cheese make this portable snack irresistible for you to enjoy with friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cup cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
  • 0.5 cup diced red onion (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dough Preparation: Blend flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Create a central well, incorporating warm water and olive oil to form a cohesive, soft dough.
  2. Kneading and Resting: Transfer dough to a floured surface, knead vigorously until smooth and elastic. Let the dough relax, covered, for 10-12 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Dough Shaping: Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, maintaining an even thickness across the surface.
  4. Sauce and Filling: Spread barbecue sauce across the dough, leaving a small border. Layer shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and red onion evenly over the sauce.
  5. Rolling and Cutting: Tightly roll the dough from the longer edge into a compact log. Slice the log into 12 uniform rolls using a sharp serrated knife.
  6. Proofing: Place rolls in a greased baking dish with slight spacing. Cover and allow to rise in a warm area for 25-30 minutes.
  7. Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 22-27 minutes until golden brown and cheese becomes bubbly and crisp.
  8. Serving: Remove from oven, cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Dough Temperature Matters: Ensure water is precisely 110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it, guaranteeing soft, fluffy pizza rolls.
  • Kneading Technique: Apply consistent pressure while kneading to develop gluten, creating a stretchy, tender dough texture that holds filling seamlessly.
  • Rolling Precision: Use even pressure when rolling to maintain uniform thickness, preventing uneven cooking and ensuring consistent golden-brown results.
  • Resting is Crucial: Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free space to help rolls expand and develop rich, complex flavors before baking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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