BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

If you love the flavor combo of barbecue chicken pizza and the fun, snackability of pinwheels, just wait until you try BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls! These irresistible little bites are loaded with melty cheese, tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and a pop of fresh cilantro, all wrapped up in golden crescent dough. They’re the perfect party appetizer, game day treat, or quick weeknight dinner everyone will devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls is how a handful of pantry staples come together to create crave-worthy bites bursting with flavor and color. Each ingredient plays its own delicious role—from the zesty cilantro to the melty cheese and tangy BBQ drizzle.

• Refrigerated crescent dough (11-ounce can): This shortcut dough bakes up buttery and crisp, making roll-ups super easy—no kneading required!
• BBQ sauce (¼ cup): Pick your favorite brand! The sauce sets the smoky-sweet, tangy tone for your pizza rolls—feel free to go spicy or mild.
• Shredded cheddar-jack cheese (¾ cup): This blend melts beautifully with a creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.
• Shredded cooked chicken (1 cup): Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here! Shredded leftovers also work perfectly.
• Diced red onion (¼ cup): Adds a little crunch and a subtle bite that balances the richness of cheese and sauce.
• Minced cilantro (2 teaspoons): Brings a burst of fresh, herby brightness—skip it if you’re not a cilantro fan, but it’s a lovely accent!
• For dipping: Ranch dressing or extra BBQ sauce These classic dips make every roll extra irresistible—perfect for dunking!

Variations

One of the best things about BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls is how easily you can put your own spin on them. Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge, need a quicker version, or want a different flavor profile, these tasty rolls are endlessly adaptable!

• Swap the Cheese: Try mozzarella for a classic pizza flavor, pepper jack for extra heat, or smoked gouda for a fun, smoky note.
• Add Veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, chopped jalapeños, or even a handful of baby spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: Use a spicy BBQ sauce, or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes over the filling before rolling.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary needs (just watch baking times, as dough textures may vary).
• Buffalo-Style: Sub buffalo sauce for BBQ, add blue cheese crumbles, and you’ve got an entirely new flavor adventure.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉, and line a baking sheet with foil, parchment, or a nonstick silicone mat—this keeps cleanup a breeze! Give it a light mist with cooking spray so your pizza rolls will lift off with perfect golden bottoms.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured wooden board, unroll your crescent dough and gently press together the seams. Don’t rush this part—take a minute to pinch or pat the seams closed, so your filling stays put during rolling.

Step 3: Layer on the Good Stuff

Spread the BBQ sauce all over the dough, right up to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. Sprinkle on the cheddar-jack cheese, followed by the shredded chicken, diced red onion, and a scattering of fresh cilantro.

Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Arrange

Roll the dough tightly, width-wise for smaller pizza rolls or length-wise for larger ones. Use a serrated knife to slice the log into 1-inch pieces—go slow to keep all that delicious filling inside! Arrange the rolls about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the sheet into the oven and bake your BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls for 9–11 minutes, until the tops turn golden brown and your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. Let them cool slightly, then serve warm with ranch and extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls

Garnishes

Sprinkle the warm rolls with extra minced cilantro or a pinch of sliced green onions just before serving. A scattering of sesame seeds or a touch of flaky sea salt gives them extra flavor, crunch, and a lovely visual pop!

Side Dishes

Pair BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls with a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or crunchy veggie sticks for balance and freshness. If you’re doing a party spread, they’re fantastic alongside chips and salsa, fruit skewers, or even a warm bowl of soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these pizza rolls stacked on a rustic wooden platter with colorful dipping sauces in small bowls. For parties, stick each roll with a cocktail pick for easy grabbing, or arrange in concentric circles for a wow-worthy centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls keep beautifully! Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—they stay tender and delicious for snacking all week.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked pizza rolls for up to 2 months. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls in a 350℉ oven for about 5–8 minutes to restore their crisp edges and melty cheese. You can microwave for 20–30 seconds in a pinch, but the oven gives the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give these BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls a try, and watch them disappear at your next get-together—or even just on a cozy movie night in! I can’t wait for you to experience this fun twist on classic pizza. They’re everything you crave in a bite-sized, shareable package that brings people together. Happy baking!

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