California Pizza Kitchen’s Barbecue Chicken Rolls: A Culinary Adventure

The first time I tasted California Pizza Kitchen’s Barbecue Chicken Rolls, it was a revelation. I was a young culinary student, and the explosion of sweet barbecue, savory chicken, and creamy horseradish sauce wrapped in a crispy tortilla was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. It was casual yet sophisticated, playful yet deeply satisfying – a perfect encapsulation of California cuisine. From that moment, I was determined to recreate the magic in my own kitchen. This recipe is a tribute to that initial spark of inspiration and a guide to bringing a little CPK flair to your home.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 rolls
• Dietary Type: Not specified in original recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 ¼ tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ teaspoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pinch cumin
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 4 ounces chicken breasts

For the Onions:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ large red onion, cut into rings
• ½ tablespoon brown sugar

For the Horseradish Cream Sauce:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
• Salt to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste

For the Rolls:

• 6 (8 inch) flour tortillas
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons horseradish cream (prepared above)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup shredded gouda cheese
• 6 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons coarsely-chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Equipment Needed

• Small bowl
• Broiler
• Small frying pan
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, cilantro, honey, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, and red pepper flakes.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the marinade. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.

3. Broil the Chicken: Preheat your broiler. Place the marinated chicken on a broiler-safe pan and broil until cooked through, approximately 8 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

4. Cut the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the broiler and let it cool slightly. Cut the chicken into ½ inch cubes. Set aside.

5. Prepare the Caramelized Onions: In a small frying pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.

6. Caramelize the Onions: Add the red onion rings to the melted butter. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Stir to coat the onions evenly.

7. Cook the Onions: Reduce the heat to low. Allow the onions to wilt thoroughly and turn light brown, about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even caramelization. They should be soft and sweet.

8. Prepare the Horseradish Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and horseradish sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.

9. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). This high heat will ensure the tortillas become crispy and golden brown.

10. Butter the Tortillas: Lightly brush one side of each flour tortilla with softened butter. This will give the rolls a beautiful golden color and adds to the overall richness.

11. Assemble the Rolls: Turn the tortillas over to the unbuttered side. Evenly distribute the following over a 1 to 2-inch strip just below the center of each tortilla: horseradish cream sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, cubed chicken, caramelized onions, shredded gouda cheese, barbecue sauce, and coarsely-chopped fresh cilantro. Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, as this will make them difficult to roll.

12. Roll the Tortillas: Roll each tortilla tightly, jelly-roll style. Ensure the filling is securely enclosed within the tortilla.

13. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down on a baking sheet.

14. Sprinkle with Parmesan: Sprinkle the tops of the rolls with grated parmesan cheese.

15. Bake the Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven until slightly browned and heated through, about 5 minutes. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly at this high temperature.

16. Cut and Serve: Remove the baked rolls from the oven. Let them cool slightly before cutting each roll diagonally into 3 pieces. Serve immediately with remaining horseradish cream and/or your favorite salsa.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Marinating Time: While the recipe calls for a 10-minute marinade, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor.
• Onion Sweetness: For extra sweetness, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the onions during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends! Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky cheddar would be delicious additions or substitutions.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken, onions, and horseradish cream sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the rolls just before baking.
• Preventing Soggy Rolls: To prevent soggy rolls, avoid adding too much sauce to the tortillas. A thin layer is all you need.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Barbecue Chicken Rolls immediately after baking while they are hot and crispy. Arrange them artfully on a platter with a side of horseradish cream sauce or your favorite salsa for dipping.

Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may lose some of their crispness. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the tortillas and filling.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	363.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	219 g	60%
Total Fat	24.4 g	37%
Saturated Fat	12.7 g	63%
Cholesterol	56.4 mg	18%
Sodium	593.9 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate	27.1 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1.9 g	7%
Sugars	3.6 g	N/A
Protein	9.6 g	19%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the horseradish cream sauce or use a spicy barbecue sauce for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or black beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free option.
• Hawaiian Style: Add pineapple chunks to the filling for a tropical twist.
• Different Cheese: Try using pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Just dice it into ½ inch cubes and add it to the filling.

Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time and freeze them?
A: While not ideal, you can freeze them. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw completely before baking. Be aware that the texture of the tortillas may change slightly.

Q: What if I don’t have Gouda cheese?
A: You can substitute Gouda cheese with another semi-hard cheese like Monterey Jack, Havarti, or even a mild cheddar.

Q: Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?
A: Absolutely! Use your favorite barbecue sauce. A smoky or sweet barbecue sauce would work particularly well.

Q: How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking when I roll them?
A: Make sure the tortillas are at room temperature and not cold from the refrigerator. Warming them slightly in a dry skillet or microwave before rolling can also help.

Final Thoughts

This Barbecue Chicken Roll recipe is more than just a copycat; it’s an invitation to explore flavors, experiment with ingredients, and create something truly delicious in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Share your creations with friends and family, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it. Pair these rolls with a crisp salad and a refreshing iced tea for the perfect casual meal. Happy cooking!