Save These BBQ Chicken Pizza Roll-Ups are my go-to for parties and quick weeknight meals because they combine classic pizza flavors with the fun, handheld twist of a roll-up. They are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and totally irresistible—everyone always asks for the recipe when I bring them out.
I first threw these together for a game night and now they are requested at every family get-together. My kids love to help roll them up and add extra cheese.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: Choose fresh dough from the bakery section or make your own for the best texture
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or chopped Works perfectly with rotisserie chicken for convenience
- Barbecue sauce: Go for smoky or sweet Pick your favorite brand and look for sauces with real ingredients for depth
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for even melting Choose low-moisture for maximum stretch and gooeyness
- Red onion: Thinly sliced Adds a sweet bite and color to every swirl
- Fresh cilantro: Optional but adds brightness and a little zip
- Olive oil: For brushing the dough before baking This helps make the outside golden and crisp
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Allow the pizza dough to rest at room temperature for at least thirty minutes before you start rolling to relax the gluten and make shaping easier. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a large rectangle about a quarter inch thick.
- Layer the Fillings:
- Spread a thin, even layer of barbecue sauce over the rolled out dough Make sure to reach all edges for balanced flavor. Sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly over the sauce, followed by a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Top with thin red onion slices and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if desired.
- Roll and Slice:
- Starting with the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log Use gentle pressure to keep the fillings inside without squeezing out the cheese. When you reach the end, pinch the seam to seal and place the seam side down. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into rolls about one inch thick.
- Arrange and Bake:
- Place each roll cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet Brush the tops and sides with olive oil for an extra golden finish. Bake at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen to eighteen minutes until the rolls are puffed and the cheese is bubbly with crispy edges.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the roll-ups sit for a few minutes after baking so the cheese sets slightly This makes it easier to move them without losing any filling. Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Save I have a deep love for barbecue sauce and once spent a summer taste-testing different brands just to find the perfect smoky-sweet combo. Using freshly shredded mozzarella also reminds me of Saturday afternoons spent cooking with my mom when the kitchen was full of laughter and cheese pulls.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a hot oven for five to eight minutes to restore crispness—avoid the microwave if you can because it can make the dough a little soggy. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, transfer them to a freezer bag once solid, and bake straight from the freezer with a few added minutes to the bake time.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled or roasted turkey for a new twist. Smoked gouda or sharp cheddar can easily stand in for mozzarella if you prefer a different cheesy flavor. If you are out of red onion, thin green onions or finely diced bell peppers both add brightness and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Pile them onto a serving platter with a bowl of extra barbecue sauce or ranch for dipping. These roll-ups are excellent alongside a crisp coleslaw or simple green salad to balance the richness. I love serving them straight from the oven at summer gatherings or cutting them smaller for easy party appetizers.
Cultural Notes
These roll-ups combine two big American favorites barbecue and pizza in one irresistible package. They are a hit at backyard BBQs, Super Bowl parties, and even make a fun lunchbox surprise. There is a certain nostalgia in anything pizza-related but rolling them up brings a playful nod to dinner rolls or stromboli.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer, add grilled corn kernels or swap in smoked chicken for a barbecue twist In the cooler months, stir in a little chipotle from a can for extra warmth Top hot rolls with fresh chopped tomatoes and extra cilantro for a late summer garden touch
Success Stories
After making these for my daughter’s birthday, several parents texted me for the recipe. One reader told me her picky eater loved them so much they became a weekly lunch request. Another friend served them at a tailgate party and said they disappeared before kickoff.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Once you assemble and slice the rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Store in freezer bags for up to two months. Bake directly from frozen at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit, adding a few more minutes to the oven time until they are golden and hot all the way through. This method is a lifesaver when surprise guests pop in.
Save Serve hot with a side of extra barbecue sauce for dipping. These roll-ups never last long—enjoy every cheesy swirl!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use leftover BBQ chicken?
Yes, shredded leftover BBQ chicken works well and saves time during preparation.
- → What kind of cheese fits best?
Mozzarella provides melty texture, while cheddar adds extra flavor. Blend both for a delicious result.
- → Is store-bought pizza dough suitable?
Store-bought dough is convenient and bakes well. Homemade dough offers a personal touch.
- → How can I make them spicy?
Add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or spicy barbecue sauce to elevate the heat.
- → Do these roll-ups freeze well?
Yes, bake and cool them first, then freeze in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven as needed.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Serve with extra barbecue sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for added flavor.