Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls

These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls combine soft, golden pizza dough with sweet barbecue sauce, melty mozzarella, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and red onion for a bold, flavor-packed twist on traditional pizza.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A fun, bite-sized spin on BBQ chicken pizza.

• Easy to prepare with store-bought or homemade pizza dough.

• Great for appetizers, game day, or casual dinners.

• Customizable with your favorite meats, cheeses, or veggies.

• Deliciously cheesy, tangy, and savory in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound pizza dough (fresh, frozen, or refrigerated; thawed if needed)

• ½ cup sweet BBQ sauce, plus extra for serving

• 1 ¼ cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided

• 1 cup cooked chicken, finely chopped (rotisserie or poached)

• 3 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 3 slices bacon, cooked crisp and finely chopped (optional)

• Fresh parsley leaves, chopped for garnish

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (for greasing the pan, plus more for oiling the bowl)

directions

1. If using refrigerated dough, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let come to room temperature for 1–2 hours.

2. Lightly oil a 9 or 10-inch round skillet or baking pan. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

3. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into an 18×10-inch rectangle. If the dough resists, let it rest 5 more minutes and try again.

4. Spread the BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.

5. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella evenly, then layer on the chopped chicken, red onion, red pepper flakes, and bacon if using.

6. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.

7. Cut the roll into 8 equal slices. Place them cut-side down in the prepared pan.

8. Bake for 25 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of mozzarella on top. Bake for another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with additional BBQ sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 8 rolls

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Swap the sauce: Use pizza sauce or buffalo sauce instead of BBQ for a new twist.

• Add veggies: Try sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Cheese options: Mix in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda for a different cheese pull.

• Protein swaps: Use shredded beef, turkey, or Italian sausage.

• Spice level: Increase the heat with jalapeños or chipotle BBQ sauce.

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze baked and cooled rolls in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months.

• Reheat from fridge: Microwave for 30–60 seconds, or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

• Reheat from frozen: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make these pizza rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully bake them ahead and reheat before serving, or prepare the rolls, refrigerate, and bake later the same day.

Do I have to use BBQ sauce?

No—feel free to use pizza sauce, ranch, buffalo, or any sauce you prefer.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely. Fresh or frozen pizza dough, once thawed and at room temperature, works perfectly.

How do I keep the rolls from unrolling while baking?

Make sure to pinch the seam well and place each roll seam-side down in the pan.

What kind of chicken should I use?

Rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works great. Just make sure it’s finely chopped for even distribution.

Can I use other meats besides chicken?

Yes—bacon, sausage, ground beef, or turkey are all tasty alternatives.

Can these be made vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the meat and load up on cheese and pre-cooked veggies like mushrooms or peppers.

What’s the best way to cut the rolled dough?

Dental floss works surprisingly well to cleanly slice the roll without squishing it.

Are these good for kids?

Very! They’re cheesy, slightly sweet, and easy to hold—perfect for little hands.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. You can double the dough and filling, then bake in two pans or a larger casserole dish.

Conclusion

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are a crowd-pleasing twist on classic pizza—oozing with cheese, bold in flavor, and irresistibly soft and savory. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, serving up appetizers at a party, or looking for a fun meal idea, these rolls are guaranteed to satisfy. Make them your own with endless variations and enjoy the cheesy goodness in every bite.