Easy Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls

Introduction:
These Easy Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are a delightful twist on classic pizza. They feature tender BBQ chicken, gooey melted cheese, and zesty BBQ sauce, all rolled up in pizza dough and baked to perfection. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and simple: Easy to prepare with store-bought pizza dough.
• Family-friendly: A hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and adjust the BBQ sauce to your taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for dipping)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced jalapeños (for extra heat)
• Bacon bits (for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, mix the cooked chicken with BBQ sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Add the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, chopped red onion, and cilantro (if using). Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×9 inches (30×23 cm). Try to keep the thickness even.
4. Add the Filling:
   • Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges.
   • Add any optional toppings like jalapeños or bacon bits.
5. Roll and Slice:
   • Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, just like rolling up a cinnamon roll.
   • Pinch the seam to seal it, then slice the roll into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick pieces using a sharp knife.
6. Bake:
   • Place the rolls, cut side up, onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave a bit of space between each roll.
   • Brush the tops lightly with olive oil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success:

• Pizza dough: For a quicker option, use store-bought dough, but you can also make your own.
• Shredded chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken, or cook and shred chicken breasts.
• Sealing the rolls: Make sure to pinch the dough tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

Recipe Variations:

• Buffalo Chicken Rolls: Substitute the BBQ sauce with buffalo wing sauce for a spicy twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions in place of chicken.
• Ranch Flavor: Drizzle ranch dressing over the rolls before baking for a tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. When ready to bake, thaw and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual rolls for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Special Equipment:

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Rolling pin for rolling out the dough.

FAQ:

• Can I use a different type of cheese?
  Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Gouda.
• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
  Yes, you can assemble the rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them when ready to serve.

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes for preparing the dough and filling.

Cook Time:

• 15-18 minutes for baking the rolls.

Total Time:

• 30-35 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Nutrition Information (per roll, assuming 12 rolls):

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

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Closing Notes:
These Easy Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are perfect for any casual gathering or as a fun weeknight meal. Enjoy the tangy BBQ flavor combined with gooey cheese and tender chicken in every bite!