Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls

There’s something truly delightful about the combination of chicken, pesto, and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a delicious pizza roll. The first time I made Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls, it was one of those cozy evenings where the smell of dinner wafts through the house, inviting everyone to gather. As soon as I pulled them out of the oven, that golden crust and the melted cheese peeking out from the sides had my family rushing to the table. It became an instant favorite, and I often make these rolls for game nights or casual family dinners.

What I love most about Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls is how versatile they are. You can serve them as a quick snack, a fun appetizer, or even as a main dish with a side salad. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying during a cozy movie night. The beauty of these rolls is that they are not only fun to eat but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious dish ready in no time. Plus, kids love helping out with the assembly, making it a perfect family cooking project.

So, if you’re looking for a recipe that impresses without too much effort, Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls is the way to go. The crispy exterior, combined with the rich and flavorful filling, will have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a regular on your dinner table.

What You Need for Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls

When it comes to making Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls, the ingredients are simple yet impactful. Each component plays an essential role in the final flavor and texture of the dish. The star ingredients like pesto and chicken provide the richness, while the pizza dough creates that perfect crispy outer layer. Let’s dive into what you need!

• Pillsbury Classic Crust Pizza Dough: This convenient dough provides a flaky, buttery base that envelops the filling perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, olive oil adds a hint of richness and helps enhance flavors.
• Medium Onion: Sliced and sautéed, it provides a sweet and savory component to the filling.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and a mild sweetness, making the rolls even more appealing.
• Refrigerated Pesto: This is the flavor powerhouse of the dish, offering aromatic basil and garlic notes.
• Chopped Cooked Chicken: A great use for leftovers, the chicken adds protein and heartiness.
• Shredded Mozzarella: Melty and cheesy, it’s essential for that gooey texture we all love.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharpness that complements the other cheeses beautifully.
• Marinara Sauce: Served on the side, it adds a zesty dip for rolling enjoyment.

How to Prepare Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls

Making Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying this delicious dish. From preheating the oven to savoring the final product, I’ll guide you through each step!

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. This ensures your rolls bake evenly and become golden brown.
2. In a medium pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them until they are crisp-tender, which takes about 5 minutes. Set them aside to cool slightly.
3. On a lightly floured surface, unroll the Pillsbury Classic Crust Pizza Dough. Gently roll it out with a rolling pin to flatten it slightly. This creates a better surface for your filling.
4. Spread the refrigerated pesto evenly over the dough, ensuring every corner is covered with that aromatic flavor.
5. Sprinkle the sautéed onion, red bell pepper, chopped cooked chicken, and both cheeses over the pesto. Make sure to distribute evenly for the best flavor in each bite.
6. Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough up jelly-roll style. This creates a nice, even log of filling.
7. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Each slice should be about an inch thick, which allows them to bake evenly.
8. Place the sliced rolls cut side down in a lightly greased 12-inch cast iron pan or on a greased baking sheet. Be sure to leave some space between them as they will puff up while baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
10. Once done, remove from the oven and serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks about Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls

To ensure your Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are some valuable tips and tricks. From storage advice to pairing suggestions, you’ll find everything you need to enhance your cooking experience.

• Storage: Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but uncooked rolls. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: These rolls are great with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Variations: Try adding different proteins or vegetables to the filling based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Presentation: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for added color and flavor on the finished rolls.

Accompaniments for Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls

Serving Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls opens up a world of delicious possibilities. Here are some lovely ideas to consider:

• Fresh Salad: Pairing the rolls with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic dressing complements their richness.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus make for a colorful and nutritious side.
• Appetizer: You can serve these rolls as an appetizer at parties, ensuring your guests get to enjoy that cheesy goodness.
• Game Day Treat: Perfect for game day, make a platter of these rolls alongside some dips and drinks for a fun gathering.
• Dipping Sauce: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch or garlic aioli, to enhance the flavor experience.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for easy reheating and enjoyment the next day.

FAQ

Conclusion

The beauty of Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls lies in their delicious flavor and ease of preparation. They bring a unique twist to conventional pizza rolls, making them perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try making these scrumptious rolls yourself; they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the comforting blend of flavors and the joy of sharing a homemade meal with your loved ones!

Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls are a crispy delight filled with savory chicken, aromatic pesto, and gooey cheese. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these rolls are easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. Try them tonight for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 305

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 package Pillsbury Classic Crust Pizza Dough
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1/2 medium Onion sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper Red Bell Pepper sliced
• 1 7-ounce container Refrigerated Pesto
• 1 cup Chopped Cooked Chicken
• 1 8-ounce package Shredded Mozzarella
• 1/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Marinara Sauce for serving

Equipment

• 12-inch cast iron pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. This ensures your rolls bake evenly and become golden brown.
2. In a medium pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them until they are crisp-tender, which takes about 5 minutes. Set them aside to cool slightly.
3. On a lightly floured surface, unroll the Pillsbury Classic Crust Pizza Dough. Gently roll it out with a rolling pin to flatten it slightly. This creates a better surface for your filling.
4. Spread the refrigerated pesto evenly over the dough, ensuring every corner is covered with that aromatic flavor.
5. Sprinkle the sautéed onion, red bell pepper, chopped cooked chicken, and both cheeses over the pesto. Make sure to distribute evenly for the best flavor in each bite.
6. Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough up jelly-roll style. This creates a nice, even log of filling.
7. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Each slice should be about an inch thick, which allows them to bake evenly.
8. Place the sliced rolls cut side down in a lightly greased 12-inch cast iron pan or on a greased baking sheet. Be sure to leave some space between them as they will puff up while baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
10. Once done, remove from the oven and serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the assembled but uncooked rolls. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Tip 3: These rolls are great with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Tip 4: Try adding different proteins or vegetables to the filling based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Tip 5: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for added color and flavor on the finished rolls.

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Meet Adele Mercer

Every meal deserves a spectacular finish, whether it is a savory main or a sweet treat. I enjoy the entire creative cycle, from kneading dough to editing the final photos. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks while ensuring it delivers the high-quality results you expect.