Oh my goodness, you guys—have you ever had a hankering for pizza but also wanted something a bit more fun and finger-friendly? Enter my Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls! These little bundles of joy are not just delicious; they evoke memories of gathering around the living room with friends and family, laughing over the latest binge-worthy TV show while indulging in something that feels like an irresistible treat. Honestly, it’s hard to resist that gooey cheese and savory BBQ goodness all rolled up in a soft pizza dough. You could say these rolls are my culinary hug for any occasion!
What I love about these rolls is their versatility. You can serve them up for game day, as a quick weeknight meal, or even as a fancy appetizer at a gathering (I won’t tell if you don’t!). Plus, they are unbelievably easy to make. I can already hear you asking, “Where do I sign up?” So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get right into this tasty adventure!
What’s in Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls?
- Pizza dough: You can use store-bought or make your own. I’m all for convenience, so my go-to is the store brand, but homemade is great too if you’re feeling ambitious!
- Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders here. It’s already flavorful and saves precious time!
- BBQ sauce: Sweet, tangy, and smoky—pick your favorite brand! I can’t resist a good classic like Sweet Baby Ray’s.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooier, the better! This cheese is the backbone of any pizza delight.
- Diced red onion: Adds a slight crunch and sharpness to balance out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- Olive oil: A light brushing over the tops of the rolls helps them achieve that beautiful golden color in the oven.
- Fresh parsley: Not just for looks, but it also gives a pop of flavor! You can use other fresh herbs like cilantro if that’s more your style.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken mixture and really tying everything together.
Are Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Good for You?
Well, let’s be real—these rolls are more indulgent than health-conscious, but hey, life’s all about balance, right? The shredded chicken adds a good amount of protein, making these pizza rolls more filling. However, the BBQ sauce can be high in sugar, and the mozzarella cheese gives a hefty dose of calories. If you want to make them a tad lighter, go for a reduced-fat cheese, or use less sauce. You can also bulk them up with veggies like bell peppers or spinach, making them more nutritious while adding a pop of color!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls?
- Preheat the Oven: Get that oven ready by preheating it to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, patience is key!
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a mixing bowl, toss together shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and diced red onion. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! Mix it all up until the chicken is nicely coated.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your surface and roll the pizza dough into a rectangle, about 12×10 inches. Make it pretty, folks, this is about to get delicious!
- Spread the Filling: Spoon that BBQ chicken mixture all over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border on the edges. This is where all the magic happens! Top it off with the shredded mozzarella cheese—yes, please!
- Roll the Dough: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Pinch those edges together to ensure none of that scrumptious filling escapes.
- Slice the Rolls: With a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. They should look like little pinwheels of joy!
- Arrange in Skillet: Grab your trusty cast-iron skillet or baking dish and arrange the pizza rolls in a circular formation. Brush those tops with olive oil to get that golden finish.
- Bake the Rolls: Slide the skillet into the oven and let them bake for 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden and bubbly. You’ll know it’s time when your kitchen smells like heaven!
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, let them cool for a few moments. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and get ready to dig in!
Tips and Tricks to Roll Up the Fun!
- If you want to kick the flavor up a notch, try adding jalapeños or chopped bell peppers to your chicken mixture!
- For those who love a little extra crunch, consider topping your rolls with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before they go in the oven.
- Serve these rolls with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. You may find yourself going back for seconds—no shame!
I genuinely cannot wait for you to try these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls! They’re easy to make, incredibly tasty, and perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your experience with me; I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Happy cooking, my friends!
