If you’re looking for a party snack that brings together all the flavors of your favorite pizza with the fun of bite-sized finger food, these BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are a total game changer! They’re saucy, cheesy, delightfully crisp, and guaranteed to vanish in seconds—at family movie night, tailgates, or any casual get-together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser: With melty cheese, smoky BBQ sauce, and juicy chicken tucked in a soft roll, everyone fights for the last one!
- Quick and fuss-free: Using refrigerated crescent dough means you’ll have piping hot BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls in under 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Totally customizable: Adapt the filling, sauce, or cheese based on your cravings or what’s in your fridge.
- Perfect for dunking: Serve with ranch or extra BBQ sauce for that irresistible, gooey, dippable bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls is how you probably have almost everything you need already. Every ingredient shines—giving you melty, savory, and zesty notes inside every golden bite.
- Refrigerated crescent dough (11 oz can): This shortcut dough bakes up perfectly soft and flaky, creating an effortless “pizza roll” base.
- BBQ sauce (¼ cup): Adds smoky-sweet flavor—go spicy or mild depending on your mood!
- Shredded cheddar-jack cheese (¾ cup): The blend of sharp cheddar and melty Monterey jack makes every roll gooey and flavorful.
- Shredded cooked chicken (1 cup): Rotisserie chicken is perfect, but any leftover cooked chicken works for hearty protein.
- Diced red onion (¼ cup): A pop of tang and crunch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce.
- Minced cilantro (2 teaspoons): Brightens everything up with fresh, herby color and flavor—totally worth it!
- Ranch dressing or extra BBQ sauce (for dipping): You haven’t lived until you dip one of these rolls—trust me!
Variations
These BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are as flexible as they are tasty! Don’t hesitate to tweak them for picky eaters, dietary needs, or just to use up what you already have—the possibilities are endless and so delicious.
- Buffalo Chicken Twist: Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and drizzle with blue cheese dressing for a tangy, fiery version.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and load up with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or roasted corn for satisfying meat-free rolls.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper before rolling for some extra heat.
- Cheese Swap: Try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or even mozzarella if you want to mix up the gooey goodness.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Work Surface
Preheat your oven to 350℉ and get your baking sheet ready—either line with foil and spray it lightly, or use parchment paper for easy cleanup. Dust a large wooden board with flour so your dough won’t stick when rolling.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Gently unroll the crescent dough onto your floured surface. Press and smooth out the seams with your fingers to create a single, even sheet—this ensures your BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls bake up nice and tidy.
Step 3: Layer on the Flavor
Spread the BBQ sauce all over the dough, right up to the edges. Sprinkle evenly with cheddar-jack cheese, then scatter the cooked chicken, diced red onion, and cilantro. This is what gives each bite that perfect punch of smoky, cheesy, and zippy flavor!
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Time for the fun part: starting along the longer edge for smaller rolls (or shorter for big, bakery-style pinwheels), roll the dough up tightly into a log, keeping the filling inside as best you can. Pinch the edge to seal, then use a serrated knife to gently slice into 1-inch pieces.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the pizza rolls cut-side up, spaced out on your prepared pan. Slide into the oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let them cool a few minutes—then get dunking!
Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls
- Super Seams: Make sure to really pinch together the dough seams and roll tightly—this keeps all that gooey filling in place as your rolls bake.
- Serrated Knife Success: Use a gentle sawing motion with a serrated knife when cutting the log to avoid squishing (and losing!) your fixings.
- Bold Cheese Choices: If you want your rolls extra gooey, pile on the cheese—but leave a small border around the edge so nothing oozes out during baking.
- Perfect Bake: Keep an eye on your first batch—bake times can vary, and the “just golden brown” marker is your sign they’re ready for dipping and devouring.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls
Garnishes
For a burst of color (and a nod to those classic BBQ chicken pizza vibes), sprinkle your BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls with extra minced cilantro or sliced green scallions right before serving. If you love a little heat, a few pickled jalapeño rings look—and taste—fabulous on top!
Side Dishes
These irresistible rolls were born to party alongside crunchy celery and carrot sticks, a leafy garden salad, or crispy fries. For something more substantial, platter them with sweet potato fries or a bright, tangy slaw.
Creative Ways to Present
Thread several BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls onto skewers for a playful party platter, or serve them in parchment cones for a picnic or backyard BBQ. They also make a perfect DIY pizza roll board—pile them with multiple dipping sauces surrounded by fresh veggies and crunchy chips!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool to room temperature first so they don’t get soggy.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these rolls. Pop cooled, baked pizza rolls into a sealed freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls in a 350℉ oven for 5–8 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. In a pinch, the microwave works for a softer finish, but the oven is your friend for best results!
FAQs
-
Can I use pizza dough instead of crescent dough?
Absolutely! Pizza dough gives a chewier texture and is just as delicious—just roll it out thin and you may need to add a minute or two to the bake time, depending on thickness.
-
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
I like to use rotisserie chicken for convenience—just pull it apart with two forks. If you’re prepping from scratch, poach boneless thighs or breasts and shred while still warm for extra juicy results.
-
Can I make BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Roll and slice the unbaked rolls, arrange them on a tray, and cover tightly. Store in the fridge up to 24 hours ahead—just bake fresh when you’re ready to serve.
-
How do I keep the rolls from falling apart on the pan?
Roll the log tightly and make sure to pinch the edge firmly to seal. Placing the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet also helps them stay intact as they bake.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeding a group or just want a special treat to spice up a weeknight, BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls bring that perfect fusion of comfort, flavor, and fun. Try them out, share a platter, and watch everyone’s faces light up—they’re seriously impossible to resist!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional pizza flavors, rolled up into a convenient and tasty handheld treat. These rolls are perfect for snacks, appetizers, or even a fun meal option!
Ingredients
Crescent Dough:
- 1 (11-ounce) can refrigerated crescent dough
BBQ Chicken Filling:
- 1/4 cup bbq sauce
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar-jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 teaspoons minced cilantro
For Serving:
- Ranch dressing or additional BBQ sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray, or use parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour a large wooden cutting board. Roll out the crescent dough on the floured surface, pressing the seams together gently.
- Add the Fillings: Spread barbecue sauce over the dough, then layer with cheese, chicken, onions, and cilantro.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly, keeping the fillings in place, and seal the edges. Cut the log into 1-inch pieces using a serrated knife.
- Bake: Arrange the pinwheels on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 9-11 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving with ranch dressing and additional BBQ sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 181 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 382mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 19mg
