Okay, so you *have* to try this BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli. Seriously, it’s a game-changer! It’s like your favorite pizza flavors all wrapped up in a warm, cheesy, doughy hug. I remember the first time I made this; it was for a casual get-together and people were practically fighting over the last piece. It’s just so darn satisfying, you know? The smoky BBQ chicken, that gooey melted cheese, all hugged by perfectly baked dough. It’s the easiest way to impress anyone, and honestly, it’s become my go-to for weeknight dinners when I want something amazing without a ton of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, it’s just a few steps and you’ve got a gourmet-tasting meal. Perfect for busy nights!
- Incredible Flavor Combo: That sweet and tangy BBQ sauce with savory chicken and melty cheese? Pure magic.
- Crowd Pleaser Guaranteed: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party, everyone devours this. You’ll be asked for the recipe!
- Versatile and Customizable: Love onions? Add ‘em! Want a kick? Toss in some jalapeños. It’s a recipe that’s easy to make your own.
- Comfort Food Perfection: It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor – exactly what you crave when you need a hug in food form.
Essential Ingredients for Your BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli
Alright, let’s talk about what you need to make this amazing BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli. It’s really straightforward, which is part of why I love it so much! First up, you’ll need about 1 pound of pizza dough. You can totally grab a pre-made one from the grocery store, no judgment here! Then, we need 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken. I usually just use leftover rotisserie chicken, but you can cook some up yourself too. For that signature flavor, grab 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. And for the cheesy goodness, we’re using 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re feeling fancy, or just love a little oniony bite, you can toss in 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion, but it’s totally optional. Oh, and don’t forget 1 large egg, beaten – that’s for our pretty egg wash that makes it nice and golden.
Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions for BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli
So, about that pizza dough – seriously, the store-bought stuff is a lifesaver! Just make sure it’s at room temperature before you try to roll it out, much easier that way. If you’re not a huge fan of red onion or can’t find it, no worries at all, just skip it! And the BBQ sauce? Use whatever kind you love – smoky, sweet, spicy, it’s all good. If you want more sauce, go for it, just don’t make it too soupy or it’ll be messy. For the cheese, feel free to mix up the types too; a little Monterey Jack or provolone would be delicious! You can learn more about different types of cheese here.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli
Alright, let’s get this dough rollin’! First things first, crank up that oven to 400°F (200°C). Get it nice and hot so our stromboli bakes up beautifully. While the oven’s heating, grab a medium bowl. Toss in your cooked shredded chicken and that yummy BBQ sauce. Give it a good mix until all that chicken is coated in saucy goodness. If you decided to use the red onion, now’s the time to stir it in too! It adds a nice little bite.
Now, take your pizza dough and put it on a lightly floured surface. I like to roll mine out into a rectangle, aiming for about 12 inches by 16 inches – it gives us plenty of room for filling. Don’t stress if it’s not a perfect rectangle, it’s going to taste amazing either way!
Next, spread that glorious BBQ chicken mixture evenly over one half of the dough. Make sure you leave about a 1-inch border all around – this is super important for sealing it up later. Now for the best part: sprinkle that luscious mozzarella and cheddar cheese right over the chicken. Oh, the gooeyness!
Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling. Gently press those edges together to seal it up. You can really press them down with your fingers, or even crimp them with a fork for a pretty look and extra security. Transfer the whole beautiful package onto a baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze!
Before it goes in the oven, grab that beaten egg and brush it all over the top of the dough. This is our “egg wash,” and it gives the stromboli a gorgeous golden-brown finish. Then, carefully cut a few slits on the top of the dough with a sharp knife. These little vents let the steam escape while it bakes, preventing any explosions! Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color and bubbly, melted cheese peeking through the slits. Once it’s done, let it cool for just a few minutes before slicing and digging in. Trust me, the smell alone is incredible!
Tips for a Perfect BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli Every Time
A few little tricks can make your BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli absolutely perfect. Make sure your pizza dough is at room temperature; it makes it so much easier to roll out without it snapping back. Don’t overstuff it, or sealing it will be a challenge! When you’re crimping the edges, really press them down to make sure no cheesy goodness escapes during baking. And for that golden crust, don’t skip the egg wash – it makes all the difference visually. Cutting those steam vents is also key so your stromboli doesn’t puff up unevenly! For more baking tips, check out this guide on baking techniques.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli
This BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli is pretty much a meal in itself, but it loves some friends on the plate! A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is always a winner; it cuts through all that cheesy, saucy goodness perfectly. You could also do some oven-baked sweet potato fries or even some crunchy coleslaw for that classic BBQ vibe. If you have any extra BBQ sauce on the side, people love to dip their slices in it! It’s also great served with a dollop of sour cream or even a little ranch dressing if you’re feeling adventurous. Basically, anything that complements those smoky, savory flavors will be a hit!
Storing and Reheating Your Leftover BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli
So, you’ve got some amazing BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli left over? Lucky you! To keep it tasting great, let it cool completely, then wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or pop it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way to get that crust nice and crispy again is in the oven. Pop a slice (or a few!) onto a baking sheet and warm it up in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, just until it’s heated through and the cheese is gooey again. You can use a microwave in a pinch, but it might make the crust a little softer.
Frequently Asked Questions about BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli
Got questions about making the best BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli? I’ve got answers! Can I use a different kind of dough? Absolutely! While pizza dough is fantastic, you could try a crescent roll dough in a pinch, though it will bake up differently. Just remember to adjust baking times. What if I don’t like onions in my stromboli? No problem at all! Just leave out the optional red onion; it’ll still be delicious. How spicy should my BBQ sauce be? That’s totally up to you! Use a mild sauce if you prefer it kid-friendly, or go for a spicy one if you like a little heat. You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture if you want to amp up the spice. What if my stromboli isn’t browning evenly? Make sure your oven is fully preheated and try rotating the baking sheet halfway through. And don’t forget that egg wash – it really helps with that beautiful golden color!
Estimated Nutritional Information for BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the exact brands and amounts you use. But generally, one slice of this yummy BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli will have about 400 calories, around 18g of fat (with 7g being saturated), 20g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. You’ll also get about 8g of sugar. It’s a pretty satisfying slice! For more information on nutritional values, you can explore our recipe database.
Amazing BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli: 1 Must-Try
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious stromboli filled with BBQ chicken, cheese, and a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Mix well.
- If using, add the chopped red onion to the chicken and BBQ sauce mixture.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
- Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling.
- Press the edges firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork.
- Transfer the stromboli to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the top of the stromboli with the beaten egg for an egg wash.
- Cut a few slits in the top of the dough to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use pre-made pizza dough for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken cheese stromboli, stromboli recipe, BBQ chicken recipe, easy stromboli, cheesy chicken stromboli