Cheesy BBQ Chicken Rolls

This cheesy BBQ chicken pizza roll recipe transforms regular pizza night into something special with its swirled presentation and delicious filling. My family begs for these on game days, and they disappear faster than I can serve them.

I first made these rolls when looking for creative ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken. Now they've become our Friday night tradition and the first thing my teenagers request when friends come over.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Fresh or store bought dough works beautifully here the key is letting it come to room temperature for easy rolling
• BBQ sauce: Choose a sweet variety for that perfect balance with the savory ingredients
• Mozzarella cheese: Part skim provides the perfect melt without becoming too oily
• Cooked chicken: Finely chopped rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor
• Red onion: The small amount adds just enough bite without overpowering
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat that complements the sweet BBQ sauce
• Bacon: Adds smoky saltiness that balances the sweet sauce perfectly
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich flavors with its fresh color and taste
• Vegetable oil: Ensures nothing sticks to your pan or bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dough:

If using frozen dough follow package instructions for thawing. For refrigerated dough place in a well oiled bowl and let it come to room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. This patience pays off with dough that rolls out easily without springing back.

Prepare the pan:

Lightly oil a 9 or 10 inch round skillet or baking pan. Cast iron works exceptionally well here because it conducts heat evenly creating a crispy bottom crust while the tops stay soft.

Roll and spread:

Preheat oven to 400°F. On a lightly floured surface roll the dough into an 18x10 inch rectangle. The dough might resist at first but giving it a 5 minute rest works wonders. Spread BBQ sauce evenly across the surface leaving a half inch border all around to prevent leaking during baking.

Add toppings:

Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella evenly over the sauce. This first layer of cheese acts as a barrier to keep the sauce from soaking into the dough. Follow with chicken red onion red pepper flakes and bacon distributing everything evenly to ensure each roll has a perfect balance of flavors.

Roll and cut:

Starting on the long side roll the dough away from you forming a tight cylinder. Pull gently as you go to keep things compact. Pinch the seam well to seal completely. Use dental floss to slice the roll into 8 equal portions by sliding the floss under the roll crossing it over the top and pulling tight.

Bake to perfection:

Place rolls cut side down in your prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes then add remaining cheese on top and bake 5 minutes longer. The additional cheese creates that irresistible golden bubbly top that everyone loves.

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BBQ sauce is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered this by accident when I ran out of traditional pizza sauce one night. My son declared it the best pizza creation ever and now I keep several varieties of BBQ sauce in the pantry specifically for these rolls.

Make Ahead Magic

These rolls can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble them through the cutting stage place in your oiled pan cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while your oven preheats. This makes them perfect for entertaining since all the messy prep work happens before guests arrive.

Clever Substitutions

No pizza dough on hand? Refrigerated crescent roll sheets work wonderfully as a quick substitution. If using rotisserie chicken isnt an option leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken in a pinch will work fine. For a vegetarian version replace the chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms bell peppers and corn the earthiness pairs beautifully with BBQ sauce.

Serving Ideas

While these rolls are delicious on their own consider serving them alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness. For dipping options beyond extra BBQ sauce try ranch dressing garlic butter or even a spicy mayo. At parties I place them on a wooden board with small dipping bowls scattered around for an impressive presentation that encourages mingling.

The Freezer Factor

These rolls freeze beautifully both before and after baking. To freeze before baking prepare through the cutting stage place on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to three months. Bake from frozen adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time. Already baked rolls can be frozen and reheated in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought fresh, frozen, or refrigerated pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it's thawed and brought to room temperature before rolling.

→ What can I use instead of BBQ sauce?

You can substitute pizza sauce, marinara, or even pesto for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling?

Lightly flour your work surface before rolling out the dough to prevent sticking. Avoid over-flouring as it can affect texture.

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Allow them to come to room temperature before popping them in the oven.

→ What other meats can I use besides chicken?

Pre-cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, ham, or pepperoni are excellent alternatives for the filling.

→ Can I add vegetables to the rolls?

Yes, but hearty vegetables like peppers and mushrooms should be sautéed first. Finely minced raw onions are fine as-is.