Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese

Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese served warm and stuffed with seasoned chicken and melted cheese.

Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese – Soft, Stuffed & Flavor-Packed

Soft homemade dough wrapped around juicy chicken, spices, sweet chili sauce, spring onions, and melted cheese—these Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese are irresistible.

There’s a funny thing about comfort food: it always seems to find you when you’re absolutely not looking for it. My version of Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese came to life on one of those chaotic kitchen evenings where nothing went according to plan—flour on the counter, dough that was pretending not to rise, and a hungry household staring at me like I was hosting a live cooking show I never signed up for. I had leftover chicken thighs, some cheese begging to be used, and that familiar “let’s hope this works” energy.

Somewhere between mixing the dough and sneaking a few taste-tests of the chicken filling (for “quality control,” of course), magic happened. Those soft, golden rolls came out of the oven looking like little pillows of joy. I knew instantly this recipe was going straight into the “must-make-again” category. Every time I prepare these Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese now, they remind me that sometimes the best recipes come from improvisation, a sprinkle of courage, and a whole lot of melted cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese :

There’s something incredibly charming about recipes that balance soft bread, flavorful chicken, and molten cheese in one warm bite. These Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese aren’t just delicious—they’re the kind of food that makes people fall silent as soon as they take the first bite. And honestly, that’s the highest compliment a cook could ever receive. Below are the reasons this recipe stands out in the world of savory snacks and homemade bakes.

• Soft, Fluffy Dough That Never Fails

The dough in this recipe is reliably tender and pillowy every single time thanks to milk, butter, and just the right amount of yeast. It rises beautifully, behaves patiently, and wraps perfectly around the filling like it was born to be a cozy blanket for chicken and cheese.

• A Filling That’s Sweet, Spicy, and Utterly Addictive

Between the cayenne, garlic powder, soy sauce, sweet chili, and ketjap manis, this chicken filling is a little sweet, a little spicy, and a lot delicious. It’s the kind of mixture you’ll want to eat with a spoon while pretending you’re “just checking the seasoning.”

• Cheesy Goodness in Every Bite

There isn’t just one cheese moment—oh no, this recipe is committed to decadence. Grated cheese goes inside, melty slices top the rolls, and you can even sprinkle extra cheddar afterward. It’s practically a cheese festival disguised as a snack.

• Flexible Enough for Parties, Snacks, or Full Meals

Whether you make them large and hearty or tiny and cute, these Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese adapt to any situation. Game night? Check. Lunchbox? Check. Midnight snack you pretend you didn’t eat? Absolutely check.

Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese served warm and stuffed with seasoned chicken and melted cheese.

Ingredient Notes for Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese

Before diving into the recipe, here’s a gentle stroll through the key ingredients. Understanding what each one brings to the table makes your cooking easier, smarter, and—dare I say—more fun.

• Milk & Water

The warm liquid helps activate the yeast and creates a soft, supple dough. If the milk is too hot, the yeast throws a tantrum, so keep it pleasantly warm.

Honey

More than a sweetener—honey helps the dough stay moist and supports a beautiful golden color as the rolls bake.

• Butter

Adds richness and tenderness. Butter in dough is like a hug for your carbs.

• Chicken Thighs

Juicy, flavorful, and forgiving—they stay moist even after cooking and reheating, making them ideal for stuffed rolls.

• Spices & Seasonings

Cayenne, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder create layers of flavor that turn a simple chicken filling into something worthy of applause.

• Ketjap Manis & Sweet Chili Sauce

These two are the secret superheroes. They add sweetness, depth, and just enough sticky glaze to make the filling irresistible.

• Grated Cheese

Cheese inside, cheese outside, cheese everywhere. Choose one that melts beautifully.

• Spring Onion

Adds freshness and a light crunch that keeps the filling bright despite all that cheesy richness.

Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese served warm and stuffed with seasoned chicken and melted cheese.

How To Make Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese Step-by-step:

Making Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese is a calming (and slightly therapeutic) process once you get into the rhythm. Here’s a step-by-step guide that walks you through every fold, stir, and delicious moment.

Prepare the Dough:

Start by warming your milk and water, then whisk in the yeast and honey until they’re fully dissolved. This mixture needs a few minutes to wake up the yeast—think of it like the dough’s morning coffee. When bubbles start to form, mix in the flour, salt, and softened butter. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, then let it rise somewhere cozy. The dough should double in size like it just gained a new level of confidence.

Cook the Chicken Filling:

Heat olive oil in a pan and toss in your diced chicken thighs. Once they begin to brown, sprinkle in the spices and let the aroma fill your kitchen. Add water, soy sauce, ketjap manis, and sweet chili sauce. When everything simmers happily together, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Let the filling cool completely—warm filling equals dough disaster. Trust me.

Shape and Fill the Rolls:

Punch down the risen dough like you’re letting out all the stress from your day. Divide it into even pieces, flatten each one, and spoon in the chicken and cheese mixture. Tuck the edges neatly like you’re wrapping a tiny, edible gift. Place the rolls on a baking tray and let them rise again until puffy.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake the rolls until they turn a warm, golden color that’ll make you proud. While still warm, top with cheese slices or grate cheddar over them so the heat turns it into gooey goodness.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve these beauties fresh from the oven with yogurt sauce, garlic dip, or chili sauce. Watch them disappear faster than you expect.

Storage Options

These Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese store surprisingly well for something so soft and tender. You can refrigerate them for up to three days in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them in the oven so they regain their crispness and gentle warmth. They also freeze beautifully—just wrap individually, freeze, and reheat when cravings strike. They taste just as fantastic the second time around, which is always a win.

Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese served warm and stuffed with seasoned chicken and melted cheese.

Variations & Substitutions for Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese

This recipe is a playground for creativity, so feel free to make it your own.

• Beef or Turkey Instead of Chicken

Ground beef or turkey works wonderfully as long as you adjust the seasoning to keep the flavor bold and balanced.

• Add Cream Cheese or Mozzarella

If you want a creamier, gooier filling, mix in cream cheese or mozzarella while the filling is cooling.

• Make Them Vegetarian

Swap the chicken for mushrooms, spinach, or a seasoned bean mixture. The dough and cheese do the rest.

• Air Fry Instead of Bake

Great for a crispier exterior. Just brush the rolls lightly with oil before air frying.

• Spice Level Upgrades

Love heat? Add more cayenne, chili flakes, or even sriracha for an extra kick.

Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese served warm and stuffed with seasoned chicken and melted cheese.
Print Recipe

Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese | Cooking Hats

Soft, golden rolls filled with tender, spiced chicken and melted cheese, wrapped in a fluffy homemade dough and baked to perfection. Ideal for meals, snacks, or parties.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
First & Second Rise1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: International
Keyword: Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese, Chicken Bread Rolls
Servings: 14
Calories: 210kcal

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 150 ml warm milk
  • 70 ml warm water
  • 7 g instant yeast
  • 12 g honey
  • 400 g all-purpose flour
  • 7 g salt
  • 30 g softened butter

For the Chicken Filling

  • 25 ml olive oil
  • 425 g chicken thighs diced
  • 2 g cayenne pepper
  • 2 g black pepper
  • 3 g onion powder
  • 2 g garlic powder
  • 75 ml water
  • 5 g cornstarch
  • 10 g soy sauce
  • 15 g ketjap manis sweet Indonesian soy sauce
  • 25 g sweet chili sauce
  • 125 g grated cheese
  • 100 g chopped spring onion

To Serve

  • Beemster cheese slices
  • Cheddar cheese grated

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough: Combine the warm milk, warm water, instant yeast, and honey in a bowl and allow the mixture to activate. Add the flour, salt, and softened butter, then knead until a smooth and elastic dough forms. Place the dough in a warm area and allow it to rise until doubled in size.
  • Cook the Chicken Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the diced chicken until lightly browned. Add cayenne pepper, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, followed by water, soy sauce, ketjap manis, and sweet chili sauce. Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water, stir it into the pan, and cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool completely before assembling.
  • Assemble the Rolls: Deflate the risen dough gently and divide it into equal portions. Flatten each portion, spoon a generous amount of the cooled chicken mixture into the center, and add grated cheese and spring onion. Seal each roll carefully and place them onto a prepared baking tray. Allow them to rise again until puffy.
  • Bake the Rolls: Bake the filled rolls in a preheated oven until the dough becomes golden brown and fully cooked through. Once removed from the oven, top immediately with cheese slices or a sprinkle of grated cheddar to melt over the warm rolls.

Notes

These Baked Chicken Rolls with Cheese turn out best when the dough is given enough time to rest and rise properly, so be sure to keep it in a warm, draft-free spot. Allowing the chicken filling to cool completely before shaping the rolls is essential because warm filling can soften the dough, making it harder to seal and shape. If you prefer a creamier interior, feel free to add a spoonful of cream cheese or mozzarella while the filling cools — the texture becomes even more indulgent. For gatherings or snacks, you can shape the dough into mini versions, which look adorable and bake more quickly. After baking, adding a sprinkle of cheddar or a slice of Beemster cheese makes the rolls irresistibly gooey and aromatic. These rolls pair well with yogurt sauce, garlic dip, or chili sauce depending on your preferred flavor profile.

🍽 Nutrition (Per Roll — Approximate)

(Values will vary depending on cheese quantity and roll size.)
  • Calories: ~210
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sodium: 310 mg
  • Sugar: 4 g

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