BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli

When I crave something ultra satisfying but still easy enough for a busy weeknight this BBQ chicken cheese stromboli never disappoints Stuffed with juicy rotisserie chicken smoky barbecue sauce and gooey provolone cheese all wrapped in golden pizza dough it is everything you want in a comfort food and makes a fun alternative to pizza night

The first time I made this I was honestly just cleaning out my fridge but everyone kept raving about it Now it is in regular rotation especially for game days at our house

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: gives sautéed onions a silky sweet flavor Make sure to choose good quality unsalted butter for control over saltiness
• Red onion: brings sharp and sweet notes Look for onions that feel heavy and firm
• Pizza dough: provides that chewy bakery style crust You can use homemade or quality store bought dough Check it is soft not dried out
• Provolone cheese: supplies rich melty goodness Opt for slices that are creamy and fresh smelling
• Rotisserie chicken: keeps it simple and moist Shred it finely for even bites and buy a well seasoned bird from your favorite store
• Barbecue sauce: lends tang and smoky depth Try to use one that is not too sweet and has real spice
• Egg: for a golden brown shiny crust Fresh large eggs work best
• Italian seasoning: adds herbaceous aroma Choose a blend with oregano rosemary and basil for best flavor
• Parmesan cheese: for sharp nutty finish Grate fresh from a block if you can

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Heat your oven to 375 degrees F so it is ready once your stromboli is assembled This temperature is just right for a crisp golden crust without drying out the filling

Sauté the Onion:

Set a small skillet over medium to high heat and melt the butter Add the julienned red onion and cook stirring often until softened and slightly caramelized This step brings out all their natural sweetness and ensures they bake up tender inside the roll

Prep and Fill the Dough:

Roll out your pizza dough on parchment paper into a large rectangle Spread provolone cheese slices in a single row down the center so you get melty cheese in every slice

Mix the Filling:

In a separate bowl combine the shredded rotisserie chicken sautéed onions and barbecue sauce Toss until each piece is coated evenly with sauce This blend gives you juicy flavorful filling with every bite

Assemble the Stromboli:

Pile the chicken and onion mixture on top of the provolone cheese Keeping the filling along the center helps ensure your stromboli rolls up tight and even

Roll and Shape:

Using the parchment to help gently roll up the dough jelly roll style When it is fully rolled scoot the log to the middle of the parchment with the seam side down Tuck both ends of the roll under so the filling stays inside as it bakes

Finish and Score:

Brush the outside of the dough with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden bake Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning and fresh grated Parmesan cheese With a sharp knife cut several diagonal slits across the top for steam to escape and to make slicing cleaner after baking

Bake:

Slide the stromboli and parchment directly onto a baking sheet Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until deep golden brown on top The crust should be crisp to the touch and the cheesy filling bubbling in places

Serve:

Let cool slightly then use a serrated knife to slice Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping

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I always go a little heavier on the provolone because it melts so beautifully and never goes stringy This recipe instantly brings me back to backyard cookouts with my family and the smell of barbecue sauce in the air

Storage Tips

Cool the leftover stromboli completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic and store it in your fridge It will stay fresh for up to three days To reheat place slices in a toaster oven or regular oven until warmed through The crust gets perfectly crisp again Avoid microwaving which can make the dough rubbery

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out provolone with mozzarella if that is what you have or even sharp cheddar for a stronger kick Turkey or leftover pulled pork works well in place of rotisserie chicken Feel free to use a gluten free pizza dough for dietary needs and choose any barbecue sauce style you love from smoky to Carolina vinegar types

Serving Suggestions

This stromboli makes a fantastic appetizer for a crowd or a main dish with a crisp salad or coleslaw on the side For extra zing serve it with a little spicy ranch or sliced pickles to play off the barbecue flavor It is also great for game day enjoy it warm in thick slices while watching your favorite team

Cultural Context

Stromboli is a classic Italian American creation combining pizza dough with hearty fillings and rolling it similar to a jelly roll It is a favorite for parties and family gatherings because it is easy to slice and share BBQ chicken brings an American twist giving it bold flavor that feels both familiar and new at the same time

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Try this stromboli once and it might just become your new favorite weeknight treat Sharing it with friends makes any evening feel like a special occasion

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes, homemade or store-bought pizza dough both work well; just ensure it's well-stretched and pliable.

→ What cheese substitutes are recommended?

Provolone is classic, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used for a different melt and flavor profile.

→ How do I prevent a soggy center?

Evenly distribute filling and avoid overfilling. Bake until the crust is deeply golden and allow to rest before slicing.

→ Is rotisserie chicken required?

Rotisserie chicken adds convenience, but grilled, baked, or leftover chicken breast are great alternatives.

→ What dipping sauces pair well?

Barbecue sauce is classic, but ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo also complement the flavors nicely.