If you love the irresistible flavors of barbecue chicken and the comforting, melty goodness of pizza, then you are going to adore this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe. These delightful rolls bring together tender shredded chicken smothered in smoky BBQ sauce, stringy mozzarella cheese, and soft, pillowy dough rolled into perfect individual bites. They bake up golden brown and ready to dip, making them an ideal crowd-pleaser for game day, family dinners, or anytime you want a handheld meal that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these pizza rolls will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe is straightforward but packs an amazing punch of taste and texture. Each component plays an essential role—from the tender chicken to the tangy BBQ sauce and the stretchy mozzarella—all wrapped in a soft, chewy dough that soaks up all those delicious flavors.

All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and help the dough rise beautifully.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Instant yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together.
Olive oil: Adds tenderness to the dough and helps it brown in the oven.
BBQ sauce: The star of the show, bringing smoky, tangy flavor.
Cooked and shredded chicken: Protein-packed filling that soaks up all the BBQ deliciousness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey, melty goodness in every bite.
Diced red onion (optional): Adds a fresh crunch and slight bite that complements the cheese and BBQ.

How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Mix in the warm water and olive oil until a rough dough forms. This simple dough is so easy to make, and once kneaded, it becomes wonderfully elastic and soft—the perfect base for your pizza rolls.

Step 2: Knead and Rest the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. This process develops the gluten that gives the dough its delightful texture. After kneading, cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax and become even easier to roll out.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Using a rolling pin, spread the dough into a 14 by 9 inch rectangle on a floured surface. This rectangular shape is essential for rolling your filling inside and ensures even portions when you cut the rolls.

Step 4: Add the Delicious Filling

Spread the BBQ sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leakage during rolling. The sauce is what makes these rolls so vibrant and full of flavor, so you want a good layer to coat every bite.

Step 5: Layer the Chicken, Cheese, and Onion

Sprinkle the cooked shredded chicken evenly over the BBQ sauce, then add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. If you love a bit of zest and crunch, scatter the diced red onion on top. This combination is what brings the perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and fresh flavors inside each roll.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Beginning at the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. This keeps the filling snug inside and creates those beautiful spirals when sliced. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal-sized pieces—each one a mini pizza roll packed with flavor.

Step 7: Let the Rolls Rise

Place the individual rolls into a greased baking dish and cover them loosely. Allow the rolls to rise for about 30 minutes, giving them time to puff up and become soft and fluffy before baking. This step is key for that irresistible texture everyone will love.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pizza rolls for 25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. The aroma of baking bread mixed with BBQ and melted cheese will have you counting down the minutes!

Step 9: Serve Warm with Extra BBQ Sauce

Once out of the oven, allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, and a side of additional BBQ sauce makes for perfect dipping. These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are guaranteed to disappear quickly.

How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a few garnishes can elevate your pizza rolls from delicious to unforgettable. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness that complements the smoky BBQ flavors. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing also pairs beautifully for a creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

These pizza rolls are filling on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or some crunchy coleslaw adds a delightful freshness to your meal. Roasted vegetables or even a bowl of tomato soup can round out the meal perfectly, balancing richness with bright, clean flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve these rolls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of various dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy ranch, or classic extra BBQ sauce. You can also thread a few rolls on skewers for a fun appetizer-style presentation that’s great for parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls left after your feast, wrap them well in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to 3 days and make a fantastic next-day snack or quick meal.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully—perfect for prepping in advance. After rolling and slicing, place the uncooked rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before letting them rise and baking.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the rolls in a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a rush, microwaving for 30-45 seconds works, but the oven helps maintain that crisp crust and gooey interior we all adore.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using pre-made pizza dough can save time and still yield delicious results. Just make sure to roll it out to the specified size, and proceed with the filling as directed.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Any good-quality BBQ sauce will work, but a smoky or slightly sweet style enhances the flavor best. If you prefer some heat, try a spicy BBQ sauce to add a nice kick.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for cooked vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even BBQ jackfruit for a vegan-friendly option. The cheese complements veggies beautifully.

How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?

Look for a golden brown top and sides that are slightly firm to the touch. The rolls should sound hollow when tapped, indicating the dough is fully cooked inside.

Is it okay to add other cheeses?

Definitely! Feel free to mix mozzarella with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even smoked cheese to customize the flavor to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe is pure comfort food magic, combining beloved flavors with a fun, hand-held format that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or craving a delicious snack, these rolls deliver satisfaction in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them a staple in your recipe rotation—you’re going to love every cheesy, saucy moment!