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Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

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Easy and delicious Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls

A Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Roll on a spatula garnished with parsley

Bring on the party!

We’ve got the BEST recipe for amazing Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls right here 🙂 Everybody (even kids) love pizza and what better way to make your besties happy than with this luscious party food in snack form!

Whether you’re having the girls over for a glass of wine, or the whole gang for the big game, you’ll thrill your guests with these tasty, hearty Pizza Rolls. Not a big fan of BBQ chicken pizza? No worries, change it up and use your favorite pizza toppings instead.

If you’re covered up with teenagers on the weekends, or prone to impromtu slumber parties, this is the recipe for you! Make several pans of pizza rolls, each with different fillings to fit all their cravings.

An overhead view of Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls in a skillet

Grab a rotisserie chicken at the store or poach your own chicken breast for these pizza rolls.

I make poached chicken all the time during the winter months. It’s prefect for salads, sandwiches, soups, casseroles and so many other uses, and it’s great in these pizza rolls too. You only need one cup of finely chopped tender chicken for this recipe.

These are so much easier to make than you’d think and so good. Sink your teeth into the sweet BBQ sauce, tender bites of chicken and all that cheesy goodness! I love the minced red onion scattered throughout the layers and layers of sauciness.

And bacon! Don’t forget to add a little crumbled bacon for a really nice salty bite. I cannot wait to make these again!

a plate of Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls with BBQ sauce on the side

Overview of Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of pizza dough – store-bought or homemade
  • sweet BBQ sauce – store-bought or homemade
  • part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
  • cooked chicken, finely chopped
  • red onion
  • crushed red pepper flakes – optional but highly recomended
  • crisp cooked bacon
  • parsley
  • vegetable oil

Filling Inspiration:

If you’re in the mood for a more traditional pizza roll, switch out the BBQ sauce for pizza sauce. Use traditional toppings and enjoy! Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Try adding Parmesan cheese, well drained crushed pineapple, fresh basil leaves, olives, pesto, spinach and jalapeños.

Since these rolls bake quickly, we recommend pre-cooking or sautéing hearty vegetable before adding to the rolls. Vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms need to be cooked first too. Finely minced onion is fine added raw.

Of course you should pre-cook any meats like ground beef, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, ham and pepperoni.

Serve pizza rolls with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Use your favorite sweet BBQ sauce for a nice, lip smacking, moan worthy bite. During the summer months, when we grill nonstop, I love to make my own Easy Honey BBQ Sauce to have on hand.

However when the grill is covered in snow, I buy all-natural Bone Doctors Original BBQ Sauce. It’s perfect for these homemade pizza rolls with a fresh sweet flavor and plenty of spice.

A plate with two Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls with a cup of BBQ sauce on the side

Overview: how to make homemade pizza rolls

1. Prepare the pizza dough

If making homemade, prepare the dough as directed. If using frozen pizza dough, follow the package instructions for thawing ahead of time. For refrigerated dough place in a well oiled bowl, cover and allow it to come to room temperature, 1 to 2 hours.

Lightly oil a large 9 or 10-inch round skillet or baking pan. Cast iron skillets work well for this recipe. Set aside.

2. Assemble the rolls

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly floured surface and roll out the room temperature pizza dough to a large rectangle 18×10-inch. Spread BBQ sauce over the surface of the dough leaving a 1/2-inch border.

Sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella evenly across the surface of the dough, then top with the chicken, onion, red pepper flakes and bacon.

Starting on the long side, roll the dough away from you into a tight cylinder, tucking and pulling just a bit as you go. Pinch the seams together to seal. Cut into 8 equal slices and place cut side down in the prepared pan.

3. Bake the rolls

Bake for 25 minutes or until puffed with a golden brown crust. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top and continue baking for a few more minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with additional BBQ sauce for dipping.

Tips and shortcuts:

If the pizza dough springs back and won’t hold its shape, let it rest an additional 5 minutes, then roll again.

Use a BBQ sauce that you love. Something with sweet heat is our favorite.

Try using dental floss to cut the rolls. It works amazingly well!

Use fresh, frozen or refrigerated pizza dough – I love options!

Our local grocery store chain sells ready-to-go pizza dough in 2 pound bags; enough for two pans of these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls. To prep, set the fresh dough out for an hour or two so it can come to room temperature, then roll into a rectangle.

If using frozen pizza dough, be sure to allow time to thaw first. That’s pretty much all the prep you needed for the pizza dough. So easy! Homemade Pizza Dough is always great and easy to make. Just read the instructions on your bag, tube or package of dough and get ready to make these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls.

Make ahead BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls

Absolutely! Assemble the pizza rolls, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed. Allow the rolls to come to room temperature 30 minutes before baking.

Thanks for PINNING!

A skillet filled with Pizza Rolls

5 from 3 votes

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 8 rolls
Course: Appetizer, Pizza
Author: Tricia
PRINT RECIPE
Cheesy soft rolls of pizza dough stuffed with tender chunks of chicken, sweet BBQ sauce, chopped red onion and salty bacon bits!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pizza dough fresh, frozen or refrigerated, thawed
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet) plus extra for serving
  • 1 ¼ cups part-skim mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
  • 1 cup cooked chicken finely chopped (rotisserie, poached, etc)
  • 3 tablespoons red onion finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 3 slices bacon cooked crisp, drained and finely chopped (optional)
  • fresh parsley leaves chopped for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil for greasing the pan, plus more for oiling the bowl

Instructions

  • If frozen, follow instructions for thawing your pizza dough. If using refrigerated dough, place in a well oiled bowl, cover and allow to come to room temperature, 1 to 2 hours.
  • Lightly oil a large 9 or 10-inch round skillet or baking pan. Cast iron skillets work well for pizza. Set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the room temperature pizza dough to an 18x10-inch rectangle. If the dough springs back and won’t hold it’s shape, let it rest an additional 5 minutes, then roll again. Spread the BBQ sauce over the surface of the dough leaving a 1/2-inch border all around the edges.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface of the dough, then top with the chicken, onion, red pepper flakes and bacon, if using.
  • Starting on the long side, roll the dough away from you into a tight cylinder, tucking and pulling just a bit as you go. Pinch the seams together to seal. Cut into 8 equal slices and place cut side down in the prepared pan. When cutting try using dental floss instead of a knife. It works amazingly well!
  • Bake for 25 minutes in a preheated 400°F oven. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and continue baking for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with additional BBQ sauce for dipping.

Recipe Notes

  • Substitute pizza sauce for the BBQ and use your favorite traditional toppings instead.
  • Since these bake quickly you’ll need to pre-cook or sauté hearty vegetables before adding to the rolls. Vegetables like peppers and mushrooms need to be cooked first too. Finely minced onion is fine added raw.
  • Pre-cook all meats used in the rolls.
Filling Inspiration: Ground beef, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, ham and pepperoni. Parmesan cheese, well drained crushed pineapple, fresh basil leaves, olives, and jalapeños. Pesto, peppers, onions, mushrooms and spinach
Nutritional information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered as an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 717mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 2mg

Easy to make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls

Use convenience foods like store-bought pizza dough, BBQ sauce, rotisserie chicken and pre-shredded mozzarella cheese. These tasty rolls come together in no time and are always a favorite. Might want to plan on two pans for a hungry crowd!

Pizza lovers might also like our Chicago Deep Dish Pizza recipe and this Skillet Margherita Pizza. For another easy, quick and delicious option, try these French Bread Pizzas, 4-ways!

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32 Comments

  1. Amanda says

    April 18, 2021 at 8:37 pm

    5 stars
    SO SO SO good! I’ve been dreaming about these since we made them and I am cannot wait to incorporate them into our regular meal rotation.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 20, 2021 at 7:49 am

      Thanks so much Amanda! This is a personal favorite of mine. It’s hard to beat BBQ Chicken Pizza!

      reply to this comment >
  2. Daniel Nuval says

    April 7, 2021 at 2:26 am

    5 stars
    I like it

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 7, 2021 at 8:13 am

      Thanks Daniel 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  3. Sarah says

    February 10, 2021 at 12:32 pm

    Hi lovely recipe, definitely wanna try it, but may I know if I could use a mix of whole meal bread flour & all purpose flour for the pizza dough..that’s what I use for a regular pizza & I love the chewy taste of it!!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      February 10, 2021 at 12:50 pm

      Hi Sarah! If you love your pizza dough made with bread and all-purpose flour then you’ll love it here too. I have a very old whole wheat pizza crust recipe on the blog that we love. Hope you enjoy!

      reply to this comment >
  4. patricia harper says

    June 12, 2020 at 6:13 am

    I have never thought using dough – great idea n will try it – i use frozen puff pastry – you don’t need to add the extra cheese as it bubbles up whilst cooking and forms a layer across the top – i made up the recipe accidentally when i got tired of making a batch on sausage rolls one night – they were always “demanded” at husband or son’s office morning teas – i just call them sausage rollups – family over for sunday lunch this weekend – they will be getting these to go with their lasagne – thanks for the recipe

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 12, 2020 at 1:26 pm

      Thank you Patricia! Sounds like you have some fans that are set on getting their way – haha. Enjoy!

      reply to this comment >
  5. John / Kitchen Riffs says

    January 23, 2019 at 10:51 am

    Yup, you’re SO right that I love pizza! Bet I’d love these cute rolls too — nifty idea. And a flavorful one — each one is a little pizza! Very fun and creative — thanks.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      January 23, 2019 at 2:01 pm

      Thanks John – bet you would love them!

      reply to this comment >
  6. Susan says

    January 22, 2019 at 2:30 pm

    Wow, those look delicious, Tricia! I have to make this for my grandsons! Great way to make a football game even more fun, although I’m sad for the Saints.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      January 23, 2019 at 7:45 am

      Thanks Susan – these are a real treat and will be perfect for the big game!

      reply to this comment >
  7. Pam says

    January 22, 2019 at 1:48 pm

    Woo hoo! Cheesy goodness here, Tricia! Sounds delicious to me and I bet they disappear in a flash. Evidently, the options are endless for this dish, a must try. Thanks!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      January 23, 2019 at 7:45 am

      Thanks Pam – make them your own with your favorite fillings! So good 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  8. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    January 22, 2019 at 11:51 am

    These would be a real crowd pleaser, perfect party food.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      January 23, 2019 at 7:45 am

      Thanks Karen!

      reply to this comment >
  9. mimi rippee says

    January 22, 2019 at 9:35 am

    Wow Tricia. I am printing the recipe now. I first thought about how my grand daughter would love making these with me and eating them. But then I saw the BBQ sauce part and thought, “hell, I want these.” I think I’ll make them for super bowl. Spectacular.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      January 23, 2019 at 7:46 am

      Haha – you are so sweet Mimi – thank you so much! Super bowl is the perfect opportunity to enjoy these pizza rolls.

      reply to this comment >
    • Heather says

      December 27, 2019 at 9:08 pm

      If I make a double batch, what size cast iron skillet should I use?

      reply to this comment >
      • Tricia Buice says

        December 28, 2019 at 11:22 am

        Hi Heather. I think a 13×9-inch baking pan will do, but not sure what size skillets you have on hand. I would divide them into two skillets, or cake pans. Good luck!

        reply to this comment >
  10. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    January 22, 2019 at 7:36 am

    Loving this skillet of deliciousness! Such a great grab and eat treat for football watching or anything watching 🙂

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      January 23, 2019 at 7:46 am

      Thanks Jennifer – everybody loves these pizza rolls, and I do too. Great for the big game 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  11. Liz says

    January 21, 2019 at 6:23 pm

    SO gooey and delicious!! Perfect for game day—while everyone else is watching the Superbowl, I’ll be eating more than my fair share of these yummy pizza rolls!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      January 23, 2019 at 7:47 am

      These are fun to make too Liz – hope you get the chance to make them and thanks!

      reply to this comment >
  12. [email protected] is How I Cook says

    January 21, 2019 at 1:11 pm

    Great recipe Tricia! I have no doubt these would disappear in an instant!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      January 23, 2019 at 7:48 am

      They fly out of the pan Abbe – and smell heavenly 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  13. sue | the view from great island says

    January 21, 2019 at 10:34 am

    What a creative idea Tricia, BBQ chicken pizza is my favorite! I think I’ll try this with my 1 hour pizza dough, perfect for a game night 🙂

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      January 21, 2019 at 11:57 am

      Thanks Sue – game night is perfect for these treats – or even a girls night out. Come on over!

      reply to this comment >
  14. angiesrecipes says

    January 21, 2019 at 9:37 am

    Love these pizza rolls! Just as good as pizza :-)) and bacon and cheese are my favourites.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      January 21, 2019 at 9:57 am

      Thanks Angie! Bacon and cheese – so great together.

      reply to this comment >
  15. Chris Scheuer says

    January 21, 2019 at 6:23 am

    I’m thinking of making a pan of these for breakfast! Who needs toast and eggs? These look amazing! What a fun and pretty alternative to pizza!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      January 21, 2019 at 8:28 am

      Haha Chris – my husband did eat these for breakfast one morning, and took them in his lunch. So good!

      reply to this comment >

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327.3K shares