BBQ Chicken Stromboli recipe

Let’s be honest, pizza night can get a little… predictable. We love pizza in our house, don’t get me wrong. But sometimes, you crave that same comforting doughy goodness, that melty cheese pull, but with a twist. That’s where BBQ Chicken Stromboli came into our lives, and pizza night hasn’t been the same since – in the best possible way!

I stumbled upon the idea of BBQ Chicken Stromboli almost by accident. We had leftover BBQ chicken from a weekend cookout, pizza dough ready to go for our usual Friday night tradition, and a fridge full of cheese just begging to be used. A lightbulb went off. Why not combine these elements into something new and exciting? And thus, our BBQ Chicken Stromboli adventure began.

The first time I baked it, the aroma alone was intoxicating – smoky BBQ, warm dough, and bubbling cheese filling the kitchen. My family, initially skeptical about deviating from our standard pepperoni, were instantly intrigued. When I sliced into that golden brown, crispy crust and revealed the saucy, cheesy, chicken-filled interior, their eyes widened. The first bite was met with unanimous approval. “This is amazing, Mom!” “Can we have this every week?” “Better than pizza!” – these were just some of the enthusiastic reviews.

What I love most about BBQ Chicken Stromboli is its versatility and ease. It’s surprisingly simple to make, especially if you use store-bought pizza dough (though homemade is definitely worth the effort!). It’s infinitely customizable – you can adjust the BBQ sauce, cheese, and even add extra veggies to your liking. And it’s a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, game days, parties, or just a fun weekend meal.

If you’re looking to break free from the pizza night routine and inject some serious flavor and fun into your meals, you absolutely must try BBQ Chicken Stromboli. It’s a guaranteed hit, a comforting and delicious dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Get ready to experience the irresistible combination of BBQ chicken, gooey cheese, and perfectly baked dough – your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Stromboli: The Perfect Assembly

Creating a truly sensational BBQ Chicken Stromboli hinges on using quality ingredients and getting the balance just right. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need for each component, with options for customization:

For the Dough (Choose One):

• 1 pound Pizza Dough (Store-Bought or Homemade): This is the foundation of your stromboli.
  • Store-Bought: For convenience, store-bought pizza dough (fresh or refrigerated) works wonderfully. Look for a good quality dough from the refrigerated section of your grocery store or your local pizzeria. Let it come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
  • Homemade: For the ultimate flavor and texture, homemade pizza dough is highly recommended. You’ll need:
    • 1 ½ cups Warm Water (105-115°F)
    • 1 teaspoon Sugar
    • 2 ¼ teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (1 packet)
    • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, plus more for greasing

For the BBQ Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded or diced: This is where your BBQ flavor comes in!
  • Leftover BBQ Chicken: Perfect for using up leftovers! Shred or dice cooked BBQ chicken (grilled, roasted, or smoked). Remove skin and bones.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: A quick and easy option. Shred or dice rotisserie chicken and toss with your favorite BBQ sauce.
  • Poached or Baked Chicken: If starting from scratch, you can poach or bake chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through. Shred or dice and then toss with BBQ sauce. About 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken will yield approximately 2 cups shredded.
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce (Your Favorite Kind): The star flavor element!
  • Store-Bought BBQ Sauce: Use your go-to BBQ sauce. Choose from sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy varieties to match your preference.
  • Homemade BBQ Sauce: For a truly custom flavor, make your own BBQ sauce. There are countless recipes online, from classic tomato-based sauces to vinegar-based or mustard-based options.
• 1 Red Onion, thinly sliced: Adds a savory sweetness and a bit of bite. You can also use yellow onion if preferred.
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, thinly sliced: Provides a fresh, slightly sweet and grassy flavor. You can substitute with other colors of bell pepper or use a mix.
• 1 ½ cups Shredded Cheese (Combination Recommended): The gooey, cheesy goodness!
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Essential for that classic cheese pull and melty texture. Low-moisture mozzarella is best for baking.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, savory flavor that complements BBQ chicken perfectly. Sharp or mild cheddar works well.
  • Provolone Cheese: Offers a mild, slightly nutty flavor and melts beautifully.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Provides a mild, creamy flavor and excellent melting properties.
  • Pepper Jack Cheese: For a spicy kick, add some pepper jack cheese.

For Egg Wash and Garnish (Optional but Recommended):

• 1 Egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash): Gives the crust a beautiful golden brown color and a slight sheen.
• Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds, or Dried Parsley (for garnish): Adds a visual appeal and a subtle flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your BBQ Chicken Stromboli Masterpiece

Making BBQ Chicken Stromboli is easier than you might think! Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and impressive dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough (If Making Homemade)

• Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
• Knead the Dough: Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 4-5 minutes.
• First Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling

• Combine Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine shredded or diced cooked chicken with BBQ sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
• Prepare Vegetables: Thinly slice red onion and green bell pepper. Set aside.
• Shred Cheese: If using block cheese, shred your desired combination of cheeses. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Stromboli

• Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Roll Out Dough: If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes for easier rolling. If using homemade dough, punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches. Aim for a relatively thin but even thickness.
• Layer the Filling:
  • Cheese Layer: Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  • BBQ Chicken Layer: Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
  • Vegetable Layer: Scatter the sliced red onion and green bell pepper over the chicken layer.
  • Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the vegetables.

Step 4: Roll and Seal the Stromboli

• Start Rolling: Starting from one long side of the rectangle, gently roll up the dough tightly, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam closed as you roll.
• Seal the Ends: Pinch and tuck in the ends of the stromboli to seal them.
• Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the rolled stromboli seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently curve it into a crescent shape if desired.

Step 5: Prepare and Bake

• Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the entire surface of the stromboli with the egg wash.
• Score the Top (Optional but Recommended): Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, make 3-4 diagonal slits across the top of the stromboli. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the stromboli from bursting.
• Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or dried parsley over the top for garnish.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Cool Slightly: Remove stromboli from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes slicing easier.
• Slice and Serve: Slice the stromboli into 1-2 inch thick slices. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce or your favorite dipping sauces on the side.

BBQ Chicken Stromboli Nutrition Facts (Estimated)

Please note that these are estimated nutritional values and can vary significantly based on the type of dough, BBQ sauce, cheese, and chicken used, as well as portion sizes. This is an approximate breakdown per serving (assuming the recipe serves approximately 8-10 slices):

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 slice of BBQ Chicken Stromboli
• Calories per Serving: 350-450 calories (can vary greatly based on ingredients)
• Total Fat: 15-25g (depending on cheese and dough)
• Saturated Fat: 8-15g (depending on cheese and dough)
• Cholesterol: 70-100mg (primarily from cheese and egg wash)
• Sodium: 500-800mg (depending on BBQ sauce, cheese, and dough)
• Total Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugars: 5-10g (depending on BBQ sauce and dough)
• Protein: 20-25g

Nutritional Highlights:

• Protein-Rich: Provides a good source of protein from chicken and cheese, essential for muscle building and satiety.
• Carbohydrate Source: Provides carbohydrates for energy from the dough.
• Calcium: Cheese is a good source of calcium, important for bone health.
• Iron: Chicken contributes iron to the diet.

Important Considerations:

• Sodium Content: Can be high in sodium, especially due to BBQ sauce, cheese, and processed dough. Choose lower-sodium options where possible and be mindful of portion sizes if you are watching your sodium intake.
• Fat Content: Moderate to high in fat, depending on ingredients. Use leaner chicken and lower-fat cheese options to reduce fat content if desired.
• Calorie Dense: Relatively calorie-dense due to the combination of dough, cheese, and filling. Be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you are watching your calorie intake.

Disclaimer: This nutritional information is an estimate. For accurate nutritional values, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and measurements of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time for BBQ Chicken Stromboli

The preparation time for BBQ Chicken Stromboli varies depending on whether you are making homemade dough and using pre-cooked chicken. Here’s a breakdown:

• Homemade Dough (Optional):
  • Yeast Activation: 5-10 minutes
  • Kneading: 5-7 minutes
  • First Rise: 1- 1 ½ hours (passive)
  • Total Homemade Dough Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes (mostly passive rising time)
• Filling Preparation (Chicken, Veggies, Cheese): 15-20 minutes (active)
• Assembly (Rolling, Filling, Sealing): 15-20 minutes (active)
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes (passive)
• Cooling Time: 5-10 minutes (passive)

Total Time (with homemade dough): Approximately 2 hours – 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time (with store-bought dough): Approximately 50 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes

Hands-on Time (with homemade dough): Approximately 40-55 minutes (kneading, filling prep, assembly)
Hands-on Time (with store-bought dough): Approximately 30-40 minutes (filling prep, assembly)

Tips for Time Management:

• Use Store-Bought Dough: Significantly reduces preparation time.
• Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Leftover BBQ chicken or rotisserie chicken saves cooking time.
• Prepare Filling Ahead: You can prepare the BBQ chicken filling and slice the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
• Make Dough Ahead: Homemade pizza dough can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Stromboli: Delicious Serving Ideas

BBQ Chicken Stromboli is incredibly versatile and can be served as a hearty appetizer, a satisfying main course, or perfect party food. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

• Classic Serving:
  • Sliced Warm: Serve stromboli sliced into 1-2 inch thick pieces while it’s still warm. This is the most common and satisfying way to enjoy it.
  • Extra BBQ Sauce: Always offer extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. This enhances the BBQ flavor and provides extra moisture.
  • Dipping Sauces: Provide a variety of dipping sauces alongside BBQ sauce, such as:
    • Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing with BBQ flavors.
    • Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds a tangy and creamy contrast.
    • Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, complements the BBQ sauce.
    • Spicy Ranch: For those who like a kick.
• As an Appetizer:
  • Smaller Slices: Cut stromboli into smaller, bite-sized slices for easy appetizer portions.
  • Party Platters: Arrange stromboli slices on a platter with dipping sauces for parties and gatherings.
  • Mini Stromboli: For a fun appetizer option, make mini strombolis by dividing the dough into smaller portions and filling them individually.
• As a Main Course:
  • Hearty Meal: Serve 2-3 slices per person as a satisfying main course.
  • Side Salad: Pair with a fresh side salad to balance the richness of the stromboli. A simple green salad, Caesar salad, or coleslaw works well.
  • Vegetable Sides: Serve with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
  • Soup Pairing: A light soup, such as tomato soup or vegetable soup, can be a nice accompaniment.
• Serving Temperature:
  • Warm is Best: BBQ Chicken Stromboli is best served warm, when the cheese is melty and the crust is crispy.
  • Room Temperature: Can also be enjoyed at room temperature, especially for picnics or potlucks.
• Presentation Ideas:
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the sliced stromboli for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Arrange on a Platter: Arrange slices attractively on a serving platter.
  • Wooden Cutting Board: Serve on a rustic wooden cutting board for a casual and appealing presentation.

Additional Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Stromboli

Here are five extra tips to help you make the best BBQ Chicken Stromboli:

1. Don’t Overfill the Stromboli: Resist the urge to overfill the stromboli with too much filling. Overfilling can make it difficult to roll and seal, and may cause the stromboli to burst during baking. A moderate layer of filling is ideal for even cooking and easy rolling.
2. Roll Dough Thinly and Evenly: Rolling the dough to a relatively thin and even thickness is important for proper cooking. Dough that is too thick may not cook through completely in the center, while dough that is uneven can result in some parts being overcooked and others undercooked. Aim for a consistent thickness across the rectangle.
3. Seal the Seam and Ends Tightly: Properly sealing the seam and ends of the stromboli is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Pinch the seam firmly as you roll and tuck in the ends securely. This will ensure a neat and well-contained stromboli.
4. Score the Top for Steam Release: Scoring the top of the stromboli with diagonal slits is not just for aesthetics; it’s functional. These slits allow steam to escape during baking, preventing pressure buildup that could cause the stromboli to burst or crack unevenly.
5. Adjust Baking Time Based on Dough and Oven: Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your dough. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes and adjust baking time as needed. The stromboli is done when it’s golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About BBQ Chicken Stromboli

Here are five frequently asked questions about BBQ Chicken Stromboli to help you troubleshoot and perfect your recipe:

Q1: Can I use different types of dough for stromboli?

A: Yes, while pizza dough is the most common and classic choice, you can experiment with other types of dough. Puff pastry can be used for a flakier stromboli, but it will be less chewy than pizza dough. You can also use bread dough, but it will result in a softer, breadier texture. Pizza dough provides the ideal balance of chewiness and structure for stromboli.

Q2: Can I customize the filling with different ingredients?

A: Absolutely! BBQ Chicken Stromboli is highly customizable. You can add or substitute various ingredients in the filling to suit your taste. Some popular additions or substitutions include:

• Different Cheeses: Try using different cheese blends or individual cheeses like provolone, pepper jack, or Gouda.
• Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or spinach.
• Meats: Substitute chicken with pulled pork, shredded beef, or Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled).
• Spicy Elements: Add sliced jalapeños, banana peppers, or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
• Pineapple: For a sweet and savory twist, add diced pineapple to the BBQ chicken filling.

Q3: Can I make BBQ Chicken Stromboli ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare BBQ Chicken Stromboli ahead of time in several ways:

• Prepare Dough Ahead: Homemade pizza dough can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage.
• Assemble Ahead (Unbaked): You can assemble the stromboli completely, up to the baking step, and store it unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 hours. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from cold.
• Bake and Reheat: You can bake the stromboli completely and reheat it later. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving can make the crust soggy.

Q4: How do I prevent the bottom of the stromboli from getting soggy?

A: To prevent a soggy bottom:

• Bake on Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: This helps lift the stromboli slightly off the baking sheet and promotes better air circulation.
• Don’t Overfill: Excess moisture from overfilling can contribute to a soggy bottom.
• Ensure Oven is Properly Preheated: A hot oven helps the crust cook quickly and prevents sogginess.
• Use a Baking Stone or Pizza Stone: Baking on a preheated baking stone or pizza stone can help create a crispier crust.

Q5: How should I store leftover BBQ Chicken Stromboli? How long does it last?

A: Store leftover BBQ Chicken Stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results to maintain the crust’s crispiness. You can also microwave it, but the crust may become softer.

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