These Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bread Rolls are the perfect combination of juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and aromatic garlic, all wrapped in soft, fluffy bread. They make for an irresistible snack, side dish, or appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a family meal, a gathering, or a movie night, these rolls will become a favorite with their creamy, cheesy filling and golden, crispy exterior.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8 rolls
Ingredients
- For the Bread Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk, warm
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Garlic Butter:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, melted butter, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until the filling is well combined.
Assemble the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
- Flatten each dough ball into a disc shape and place a spoonful of the chicken and cheese mixture in the center of each disc.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a sealed roll. Pinch the edges to ensure the filling stays inside.
- Arrange the filled rolls on a greased baking sheet or in a baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the top of each roll for a golden, shiny finish.
Bake the Rolls
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the garlic butter by combining the melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a small bowl.
- When the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the garlic butter over the top of each roll.
Serve
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. These cheesy garlic chicken rolls are best served warm, either as a main dish, appetizer, or snack.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Course: Serve with a side salad and your favorite dipping sauce for a full meal.
- As an Appetizer: Perfect for a party or game day, these rolls make an impressive appetizer.
- With Soup or Stew: Serve alongside creamy tomato soup or a hearty stew for a comforting meal.
- For Meal Prep: These rolls are great for meal prepping and make an easy, satisfying lunch or dinner.
- As a Snack: Perfect for a quick snack during the day or a light evening treat.
Cooking Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these rolls ahead of time. Assemble them and store them in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Fillings Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings—add spinach, mushrooms, or even bacon for added flavor.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Bread Dough: If you’re in a rush, you can use store-bought pizza dough for a quicker version of this recipe.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: Provides a lean source of protein, which helps in muscle building and repair.
- Mozzarella Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein, which supports strong bones and teeth.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic can help with reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
- Oregano: This herb has antioxidant properties and is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-friendly: No, but you can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Dairy-Free: Can be made dairy-free by substituting the cheese with plant-based cheese and the butter with dairy-free butter.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 8 rolls)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze well. Freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispy exterior.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bread Rolls are irresistibly delicious with their warm, gooey cheese, savory chicken filling, and soft, fluffy bread. The garlic butter topping adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite bursting with flavor. Not only are they a great meal for gatherings, but they also make an easy weeknight dinner or snack. Whether served as a main course or an appetizer, these rolls are sure to impress.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bread Rolls are easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, rich cheeses, and aromatic garlic wrapped in soft, golden bread is something everyone will enjoy. With minimal prep and a quick bake time, they make an ideal dish for busy nights or parties. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon have a new favorite for any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just make sure to follow the same steps for filling and baking. - Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate them until ready to bake. - Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the rolls before baking. Just freeze them individually and bake directly from frozen. - Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! You can add spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers for added flavor. - How do I store leftover rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. - Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs will work just as well. They will provide a juicier filling. - How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cheese and substitute the butter with a plant-based version. - What can I serve these rolls with?
These rolls go great with a side salad, soup, or dipping sauces like marinara or ranch. - Can I add bacon to the filling?
Yes, bacon would add a delicious smoky flavor. Just chop it up and mix it into the filling. - How can I make the rolls extra crispy?
For an extra crispy crust, brush the rolls with some butter and bake them a bit longer until golden brown.