BBQ chicken stromboli is a delicious twist on classic stromboli, combining smoky barbecue chicken, melty cheese, and tender dough in a golden-baked roll. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for game day, casual dinners, or anytime you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at gatherings, parties, or family dinners.
- Quick and Easy: Made with simple ingredients and ready in no time.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite BBQ sauce and toppings.
- Portable Meal: Great for lunchboxes or picnics.
- Comfort Food Delight: Warm, cheesy, and bursting with BBQ flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- BBQ sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and sliced red onion over the chicken.
- Roll and Seal: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams and tuck the ends to seal.
- Egg Wash: Transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Slice: Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Stromboli: Add jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetable Option: Include bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Buffalo Chicken Twist: Swap BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce and add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Meaty Mix: Combine BBQ chicken with bacon bits or smoked sausage for a meat lover’s version.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-friendly option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked stromboli wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.
2. What type of BBQ sauce is best?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, or spicy—all work great!
3. Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough adds a personal touch and tastes amazing.
4. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Be sure to seal the edges tightly and avoid overfilling the dough.
5. Can I add other cheeses?
Yes, smoked gouda, provolone, or pepper jack are great additions or substitutions.
6. How do I get the crust extra crispy?
Bake the stromboli on a preheated pizza stone or use convection mode if your oven has it.
7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the stromboli and refrigerate until ready to bake, up to 24 hours in advance.
8. What can I serve with BBQ chicken stromboli?
Pair it with a fresh salad, coleslaw, or a side of ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.
9. Can I use a different meat?
Yes, pulled pork or shredded beef can be substituted for the chicken.
10. How do I keep the stromboli from getting soggy?
Avoid overloading with sauce and ensure the filling isn’t too wet.
Conclusion
BBQ chicken stromboli is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smoky chicken filling, gooey cheese, and golden crust, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and enjoy the comforting flavors of this baked delight!
PrintBBQ Chicken Stromboli
This BBQ Chicken Stromboli is a deliciously cheesy and savory dish packed with shredded BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and a hint of smoky flavor, all wrapped in golden-brown pizza dough. Perfect as a weeknight dinner or party appetizer, it’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or Italian seasoning (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×15 inches.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Stromboli:
- Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly down the center of the dough, leaving about 2 inches of space on the edges.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar cheese, red onion, and cilantro over the chicken.
- Fold and Seal:
- Fold the long sides of the dough over the filling, overlapping slightly in the middle.
- Pinch the seams and tuck in the ends to seal the stromboli completely.
- Place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Egg Wash and Topping:
- Brush the top of the stromboli with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or Italian seasoning if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve:
- Slice into portions and serve warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add bacon bits or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.