These Garlic Chicken Cheese Rolls are a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for dinner or a hearty snack. The soft and fluffy bread dough, combined with seasoned chicken and melted cheese, creates a satisfying and flavorful meal. Whether you’re looking for something new for dinner or a fun family recipe, these rolls will be a hit!
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 25 minutes (excluding dough rising time)
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Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including dough rising time)
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Cuisine: Comfort Food
Full List of Ingredients
For the Bread Dough:
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2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
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1 cup (240 ml) warm water
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1 tablespoon sugar
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3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/2 cup (120 ml) milk, warm
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1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Filling:
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2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Salt to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Bread Dough
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In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the olive oil and warm milk to the flour mixture, then pour in the yeast mixture. Stir to combine until a dough forms.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
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Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
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While the dough is rising, cook the chicken breasts. You can either bake, grill, or pan-fry the chicken. Once cooked, shred the chicken into small pieces.
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In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined. You can also add fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
3. Assemble the Rolls
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
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Spread the chicken and cheese filling evenly across the dough, leaving about an inch of space at the edges.
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Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Once rolled, pinch the edges to seal the dough and cut the roll into 8 even slices.
4. Bake the Rolls
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Place the rolls into the greased baking dish or on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out slightly.
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In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of the rolls for a golden, glossy finish.
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Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve
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Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed as a delicious dinner, snack, or appetizer. Serve with a side salad or dipping sauce of your choice.
Nutritional Information (Per Roll)
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Calories: 300
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Fat: 14g
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Protein: 15g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugars: 3g
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Sodium: 480mg
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Rolls like these have been a beloved staple in many homes, especially in Western and Mediterranean cuisines. Combining bread, cheese, and savory fillings like chicken or beef has been a tradition for centuries. These Garlic Chicken Cheese Rolls take a popular concept—stuffed rolls—and elevate it with garlic and cheese, adding extra flavor and making it a comforting, all-in-one dish. Their popularity has grown due to their versatility and ease of preparation, making them perfect for busy families or special occasions.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Quick and Satisfying: This recipe is quick to make and fills you up with its hearty and cheesy goodness.
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Versatile: The filling can be adjusted to your taste by adding vegetables, different spices, or changing the protein.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: These rolls are easy to make ahead and can be frozen for later use, making them a great option for meal prep.
Health Benefits
While this dish is indulgent, it has its health benefits. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, and the mozzarella cheese is a good source of calcium. If you opt for whole wheat flour or add more vegetables to the filling, you can boost the nutritional value further.
Serving Suggestions
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Side Salad: Serve these rolls with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the cheese and chicken.
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Dipping Sauce: Try serving with marinara sauce, ranch, or a garlic butter dipping sauce for added flavor.
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Soup: These rolls are perfect for pairing with a bowl of soup, such as tomato soup or a creamy vegetable soup.
Cooking Tips
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Let the Dough Rise: Don’t rush the dough rising process. It helps make the rolls soft and fluffy.
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Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even bacon for added flavor.
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Brush with Butter: For extra flavor, brush the rolls with melted butter and garlic after baking.
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
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Add Spices: Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes, paprika, or cumin to the filling.
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Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone for a new twist on flavor.
Conclusion
These Garlic Chicken Cheese Rolls are a perfect combination of soft, fluffy bread, savory chicken, and melted cheese. Whether you serve them for dinner, as a snack, or at a party, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought dough. Just be sure to follow the instructions for rising and shaping.
2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
3. Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, these rolls freeze well. Just freeze them before baking, then bake them from frozen at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes.
4. Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peppers would be a great way to enhance the flavor and add more nutrition.
5. How can I make these rolls spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of chili powder to the filling for an extra kick.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella cheese with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a cheese blend for a unique flavor.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.
8. Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded?
Yes, ground chicken can be used. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the filling.
9. Can I make these rolls without the egg wash?
Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the egg wash or use a milk wash for a lighter finish.
10. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the rolls might be slightly denser.