BBQ CHICKEN CHEESE STROMBOLI

If you love pizza, cheesy bread, and BBQ chicken, then you’re going to fall in love with BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli. It’s the perfect mix of smoky, cheesy, and savory goodness — all wrapped up in golden, crispy pizza dough. Every bite is filled with tangy BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, and melted cheese that stretches beautifully when you slice it open.

This stromboli is comfort food at its finest — warm, hearty, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner, game-night snack, or party appetizer, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress.

Let’s dive into the full step-by-step guide so you can make this delicious dish perfectly from scratch.

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What is a Stromboli?

Before we start, let’s clarify what stromboli actually is. It’s an Italian-American creation that’s similar to a rolled pizza. Picture this: pizza dough filled with cheese, meats, and sauces — rolled up like a log, baked until golden, then sliced into irresistible rounds.

While calzones are folded pockets filled with ingredients, stromboli is rolled up like a burrito or jelly roll, giving you beautiful swirls of flavor inside.

In this version, we’re swapping traditional pizza sauce for smoky BBQ sauce and adding shredded chicken and gooey cheese. The result is a BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli that’s both comforting and bursting with bold flavor.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to prepare your BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli (serves 4–6):

For the Dough

• 1 pound (450 g) pizza dough – store-bought or homemade
• A little flour for dusting

For the Filling

• 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover works great)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional but adds great flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning

For Serving

• Extra BBQ sauce, ranch, or garlic dip for dunking

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. This helps prevent the dough from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a medium bowl:

1. Combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.

This mixture will be the smoky, tangy, savory heart of your stromboli.

Tip: If you have leftover grilled or roasted chicken, this is the perfect recipe to use it in. The BBQ sauce keeps it juicy and flavorful.

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Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle — about 12 x 14 inches (30 x 35 cm).

Keep the dough thickness even (around ¼ inch). If it’s too thin, it may tear when rolling; too thick, and it’ll be too bready.

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Step 4: Assemble the Stromboli

Now comes the fun part — layering all that deliciousness!

1. Spread the BBQ Chicken:
   Evenly spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the dough, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges.
2. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken. The cheese will melt and bind everything together beautifully.
3. Add Onions (Optional):
   Scatter thin slices of red onion over the top. This adds a subtle crunch and a bit of sweetness that pairs perfectly with BBQ flavor.

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Step 5: Roll It Up

• Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll.
• When you reach the end, pinch the seam to seal.
• Tuck the ends under slightly to keep the filling inside.

Place the roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.

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Step 6: Brush and Season

• Mix olive oil (or melted butter) with garlic powder and parsley.
• Brush this mixture all over the top of the stromboli.
• This not only gives it a golden crust but also infuses the dough with a subtle garlic aroma.

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Step 7: Bake the Stromboli

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and slightly crisp.

If you want extra crispiness, you can brush it once more with olive oil halfway through baking.

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Step 8: Rest Before Slicing

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the melted cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut clean slices.

Slice into 1–2 inch pieces and serve warm.

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Serving Ideas

Serve your BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli with any of these delicious sides or dips:

• Extra BBQ sauce for dipping
• Ranch dressing or garlic butter dip
• A side of coleslaw or green salad for freshness
• Sweet potato fries or potato wedges for a full comfort meal

This dish is perfect for movie nights, casual dinners, parties, or even lunch prep.

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Tips for the Perfect Stromboli

1. Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes it hard to roll and may cause leaks while baking.
2. Seal the Edges Well: Use a bit of water on your fingertips to help seal the edges if necessary.
3. Add Variety: Mix in cooked bacon bits, jalapeños, or sautéed onions for extra flavor.
4. Use Fresh Dough: If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling to prevent tearing.
5. Make It Ahead: Assemble the stromboli, refrigerate (covered), and bake when ready to serve.

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Variations to Try

• Spicy BBQ Stromboli: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
• Bacon BBQ Chicken Stromboli: Add crispy bacon bits before rolling for a smoky crunch.
• Veggie BBQ Stromboli: Replace chicken with grilled veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Four-Cheese Stromboli: Mix mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and parmesan for ultimate cheesiness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Sweet, smoky BBQ sauce + melty cheese + golden crust = perfection.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps with everyday ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for feeding family, friends, or guests.
• Versatile: Works as dinner, snack, or party food.
• Customizable: Adjust sauces, meats, and cheese to your taste.

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Storing and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating in Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes restores crispiness.
• Air Fryer Method: 5–7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Microwave: 45–60 seconds (though the crust won’t stay crisp).

Tip: Stromboli can also be frozen before baking! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, bake directly from frozen (add 5–10 extra minutes).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s perfect for saving time. Just shred and mix with BBQ sauce before assembling.

Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
You can, but the texture will be flakier — more like a pastry than a stromboli.

Q: What cheese works best?
Mozzarella gives the best stretch, cheddar adds sharpness, and a mix gives perfect balance.

Q: Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

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The Final Bite

The BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli is everything you want in comfort food: cheesy, smoky, savory, and satisfying. It combines the irresistible flavors of BBQ chicken pizza with the cozy, handheld goodness of a baked roll.

Once you slice into that golden crust and see the melted cheese ooze out, you’ll understand why this dish is so loved. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at parties or gatherings.

Serve it hot, dip it in BBQ sauce or ranch, and watch it disappear within minutes. This recipe is guaranteed to become one of your all-time favorites!