The beauty of these Chicken Cheese Dinner Rolls lies in their versatility and the harmony of flavors. The warm, fluffy bread encases a savory filling of tender chicken, melted mozzarella, and aromatic spices like garlic and paprika. Each bite delivers a perfect balance between the buttery softness of the dough and the creamy, cheesy goodness of the filling. The optional addition of mayonnaise adds an extra layer of creaminess, while the fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. These rolls are perfect for a family dinner, snack, or even a party platter that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 egg (lightly beaten for egg wash)
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (boiled or roasted)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and warm milk. Knead until you form a soft and elastic dough. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- While the dough rises, prepare the chicken filling. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, parsley, and mayonnaise (if using). Mix well to combine. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Shaping the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a ball and flatten into a small circle. Place a generous spoonful of the chicken-cheese filling in the center.
- Fold the dough around the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Shape it into a round or log shape, depending on preference. Repeat for all the rolls.
- Second Rise:
- Place the filled rolls on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between them. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Egg Wash & Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, with the gooey cheese melting in your mouth.
