Smoky Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Rolls

If you’re in the mood for something bold, cheesy, and with just the right amount of heat, then Smoky Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Rolls will become your new favorite dinner. These golden, crispy rolls are stuffed with juicy, tender chicken, smoky cheese, and a little kick from fresh jalapeños. Imagine taking a bite and getting that burst of cheesy goodness, followed by a subtle smoky flavor and the satisfying heat from the peppers. It’s a meal that’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something totally crave-worthy. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Smoky Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Rolls

Here’s why this recipe is a total winner:

Flavor Explosion

The combination of smoky cheese, tender chicken, and spicy jalapeños is pure magic. The flavors meld together perfectly for a bite that’s both comforting and exciting at the same time. The jalapeños give just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish, while the smoky cheese adds depth and richness.

Easy to Make

Despite how impressive these rolls look, they’re surprisingly easy to make! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these flavorful rolls on your table in no time.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re hosting a party, cooking for family dinner, or just treating yourself, these rolls are bound to be a hit. They’re easy to serve, fun to eat, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Great for Meal Prep

These rolls are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prep them in advance and bake them later, making them a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these irresistible smoky, cheesy, spicy rolls:

For the Chicken Rolls:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great for this!)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for that smooth, creamy texture)
• 1 cup shredded smoked mozzarella cheese (the smoky flavor really takes these rolls to the next level)
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for a nice sharp kick)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh jalapeños (adjust based on how spicy you want it)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (for a little crunch and fresh flavor)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (this adds even more of that smoky depth)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 pack crescent roll dough (8 rolls in the pack, or use dough sheets for easier assembly)

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these delicious rolls? Let’s get started:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, smoked mozzarella, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Unroll the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into the individual triangles. If you’re using dough sheets, cut them into squares large enough to fit the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each crescent dough triangle. Carefully roll up each triangle, starting from the wider end, to enclose the filling. Pinch the sides to seal the rolls and make sure they don’t leak out the cheesy goodness during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once they’re out of the oven, let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, with the cheese oozing out and the flavors fully melded. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or as part of a delicious dinner.

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 rolls
Calories per serving: 300 kcal
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 18g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 22-25 minutes

How to Serve Smoky Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Rolls

These chicken rolls are so versatile and can be served in so many delicious ways:

As an Appetizer

Serve these rolls as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next get-together. They’re perfect for parties, game day, or any casual gathering. You can even add a side of ranch or a creamy dipping sauce to complement the heat from the jalapeños.

With a Side Salad

Pair these rolls with a fresh side salad to balance the richness of the cheesy filling. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette would be perfect to cut through the creamy texture of the rolls.

With a Dip

These rolls also pair wonderfully with a variety of dips. Serve them with sour cream, guacamole, or a spicy salsa to bring out the flavors of the jalapeños and the smoky cheese.

As a Main Course

These rolls are hearty enough to be the star of your meal. Serve them with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a side of rice to make it a complete dinner.

Additional Tips

• Spicy Level: If you love spice, feel free to add more jalapeños or even a dash of cayenne pepper. If you want to tone it down, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before adding them to the filling.
• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella and cheddar work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack, gouda, or even cream cheese with a bit of blue cheese could add new layers of flavor.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them with plastic wrap or foil to keep the dough fresh.
• Frozen Option: These rolls can be frozen before baking. Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make these rolls with a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! You can try using pepper jack for a spicier kick, or gouda for a smoother, slightly sweeter flavor. Get creative with your cheese choices!

Q2: Can I use a different kind of dough?
A2: If you don’t have crescent dough, you can use puff pastry or even homemade pizza dough, though the texture might be slightly different.

Q3: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them the next day. They’re also great for freezing—just bake them directly from frozen!

Q4: How can I make these rolls spicier?
A4: Add more jalapeños, or include some sliced serrano peppers for extra heat. You could also stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the filling.

Q5: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own chicken?
A5: Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor to the rolls. Just shred it and mix it with the other ingredients.

Q6: Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
A6: You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives to make these rolls dairy-free. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to keep them crispy.

Q8: Can I freeze these rolls?
A8: Yes! Freeze the rolls before baking, and bake them directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q9: What can I serve with these rolls?
A9: These rolls pair well with a light side salad, fresh veggies, or even a dip like sour cream or guacamole.

Q10: Can I make these rolls vegetarian?
A10: Sure! You can substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even a plant-based chicken substitute.

Conclusion

Smoky Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Rolls are the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy, with that smoky flavor that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer or a hearty dinner, these rolls are sure to satisfy. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and always a hit. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

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