If you’re craving the savory-sweet goodness of barbecue chicken and the comfort of ooey-gooey pizza cheese all wrapped up into a bite-sized snack, you are going to fall hard for these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls. They’re the ultimate appetizer or party snack—think of soft pizza dough hugged around smoky BBQ chicken, melty mozzarella and cheddar, with pops of tangy red onion and fresh cilantro. Whether you’re hosting a game day bash or just want a fun twist for family movie night, these rolls deliver incredible flavor in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is quick and easy, and each one brings something special to the table. From the soft dough to the punchy BBQ sauce, every element of Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls contributes to their irresistible flavor and texture.
- Pizza Dough: The foundation for these rolls, offering a pillowy base that gets beautifully golden when baked.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Opt for leftover rotisserie or any cooked chicken—soaks up the BBQ sauce and keeps things juicy.
- Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite style for a sweet, smoky, or spicy kick that defines the rolls’ personality.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty mozzarella creates that classic pizza stretch and balances the tang of BBQ.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, vibrant counterpoint that melts perfectly and amps up the cheesy factor.
- Red Onion (thinly sliced): Adds a welcome bite and pop of color, brightening every swirl.
- Fresh Cilantro (chopped): Sprinkled inside and on top for fresh, herby flavor that ties everything together.
- Olive Oil: Brushed on top before baking, it adds flavor and encourages that golden finish.
- Garlic Powder: A dusting on top for a subtle kick of savory depth that pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend to add aromatic hints reminiscent of your favorite pizzeria.
- Ranch or Extra Barbecue Sauce (for dipping): Don’t skip the dunk—these sauces take the rolls over the top!
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This helps guarantee the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls won’t stick and gives them the perfect base to bake on. Getting everything hot and ready ensures a crispy, bubbly finish that’s just divine.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Sprinkle a bit of flour on your work surface to keep things from sticking, then roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle—aim for about 12×15 inches. This size gives you the perfect canvas for layering on all those delicious fillings, guaranteeing that every roll is generously stuffed.
Step 3: Toss and Spread the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce, mixing until the chicken is thoroughly coated in that sweet and smoky barbecue goodness. Spread the mixture evenly over your stretched dough, leaving a one-inch border around the sides to prevent any accidental spills during the rolling stage.
Step 4: Layer the Cheeses, Onion, and Cilantro
Now comes the layer of pure comfort: scatter the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the saucy chicken. Top it off with thinly sliced red onion for zip, and sprinkle on half of the fresh chopped cilantro. Every bite will showcase melted cheeses, a hit of oniony crunch, and harbory brightness!
Step 5: Roll It Up and Slice
Starting from the long side of the dough, roll everything up tightly into a log—like making cinnamon rolls, but way more savory. Take your time to keep things neat and snug. Once you’ve got a lovely log, slice it into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
Step 6: Arrange, Oil, and Season
Place each roll cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, making sure there’s a little space between them for even baking. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This step adds a golden shine and layers of flavor that take your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls to the next level.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the rolls are puffed, golden around the edges, and the cheese is bubbling away. The kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible at this point!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove your rolls from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before garnishing with the remaining cilantro. Serve the rolls warm with plenty of ranch or extra barbecue sauce for dipping—perfect for pulling apart and sharing.
How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls
Garnishes
Cilantro is the classic finishing touch for Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls, but you can add a touch of thinly sliced green onions, finely diced jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a pop of color and extra flair. These small touches take your presentation (and flavor) up a notch!
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside crisp celery sticks, a simple coleslaw, or a green salad to keep things fresh and balanced. Chips and corn salsa also make fun and festive companions—perfect for a party spread or family game night. And don’t forget plenty of dipping sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the rolls on a rustic wooden board for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or arrange them on individual plates with a swirl of sauce for a playful dinner party starter. For something extra cute, try skewering mini rolls onto cocktail sticks for easy grab-and-go bites at potlucks or tailgates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which rarely happens!), pop the cooled Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They’re fantastic reheated or even cold, straight from the fridge for a snack on the go.
Freezing
To freeze, let the rolls cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up in the freezer. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the edges. You can microwave for a few seconds if you’re in a rush, but the oven keeps the texture at its best!
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the fridge up to one day before baking. Simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve—so convenient for hosting or meal prepping.
What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
Use your favorite! A classic smoky-sweet sauce works beautifully, but you can go with spicy, honey-based, or even a tangy mustard BBQ for a unique twist. Let your taste buds guide you!
Can I make these rolls spicy?
Totally! Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack, sprinkle sliced jalapeños inside the rolls, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the filling for an extra kick. The base recipe is super adaptable.
Is it possible to use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, and it’s a brilliant shortcut! Store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe incredibly quick, but if you love baking from scratch, homemade dough is always a win for a slightly chewier bite.
Are Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls kid-friendly?
Kiddos usually love them! The sweet BBQ sauce, melty cheese, and soft dough are all big hits—just go easy on the onion or spice if your little ones prefer simple flavors.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are pure joy in every bite—cheesy, hearty, and packed with that unbeatable barbecue flavor. Whether you make them for a party, game night, or a simple family treat, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if you start making excuses just to bake another batch!
Print
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are a delicious twist on classic pizza flavors, perfect for a party or game day snacking. Rolled up with shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and gooey cheeses, these savory rolls are a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough
Chicken Filling:
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Cheese and Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Ranch or extra barbecue sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Prepare Chicken: Toss shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and spread over the dough.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, red onion, and cilantro over the chicken.
- Roll and Bake: Roll the dough, slice into rolls, place on baking sheet, brush with oil, sprinkle with seasonings, and bake until golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can prepare these rolls ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- Swap cheddar with pepper jack for a spicier version.
- Perfect as a party appetizer or game day snack.
