Dive into the world of Italian-American fusion with this BBQ Chicken Stromboli recipe. This palatable delight, perfect for family gatherings and parties, intertwines the smoky flavor of barbecue chicken with the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional stromboli.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are fairly common in a well-stocked kitchen. However, you might need to make a trip to the supermarket for the Pillsbury thin crust refrigerated pizza dough and provolone cheese. The pizza dough provides a wonderful crust for the stromboli, while the cheese gives a distinctive Italian touch.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Stromboli
Butter: Used to sauté the onions, adding a rich, creamy flavor.
Red onion: Gives a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
Pizza dough: Forms the outer crust of the stromboli.
Provolone cheese: Adds a mild, creamy flavor to the stromboli.
Chicken: The main source of protein, its flavor is enhanced with BBQ sauce.
BBQ Sauce: Gives the chicken its smoky, sweet flavor.
Egg: Used for the egg wash, it gives the stromboli a shiny, golden crust.
Italian seasoning: Adds a pop of flavor and a touch of Italian cuisine to the stromboli.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and a nice golden crust on top.
One reader, Amory Stallworth says:
This BBQ chicken stromboli recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and it's so easy to make. The combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce is simply irresistible. It's a hit every time I make it!
Essential Techniques for Making BBQ Chicken Stromboli
How to sauté onions: In a small skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and melt. Add the onions and sauté until tender. Set aside.
How to assemble the stromboli: Roll the dough out and stretch it out on a piece of parchment paper. In the center, line up the provolone cheese in a row. Top with chicken, sautéed onions, and barbecue sauce. Fold the longer sides in first, one at a time, and pinch the edges to seal. Cut off any excess dough and pinch together. Flip it over and apply an egg wash to the outside of the dough. Top with Italian seasoning and Parmesan.
How to bake the stromboli: Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees or until golden brown on top.
How to serve: Serve with barbecue sauce.
How To Make BBQ Chicken Stromboli
This loaded chicken Stromboli is a classic Italian-American turnover, loaded with rotisserie chicken, onions, and provolone cheese, for a hearty meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspbutter
- 1small red onion,julienned
- 1tubePillsbury thin crust refrigerated pizza dough
- 6slicesprovolone cheese
- 2cupsrotisserie chicken,shredded
- ½cupbarbecue sauce,like Sweet Baby Ray’s
- 1egg,beaten
- 1tspItalian seasoning
- 1tspparmesan cheese,grated
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
-
In a small skillet over medium high heat, add the butter and melt. Add the onions and sauté until tender. Set aside.
-
Roll the dough out and stretch it out on a piece of parchment paper. In the center, line up the provolone cheese in a row. Top with chicken, onions, and barbecue sauce.
-
Fold the longer sides in first, one at a time, and pinch the edges to seal. Cut off any excess dough and pinch together.
-
Flip it over and apply an egg wash to the outside of the dough. Top with Italian seasoning and parmesan.
-
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
-
Serve with barbecue sauce, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 488.20kcal
- Fat: 27.08g
- Saturated Fat: 12.75g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.93g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.34g
- Carbohydrates: 31.62g
- Fiber: 1.48g
- Sugar: 13.15g
- Protein: 28.44g
- Cholesterol: 129.63mg
- Sodium: 985.93mg
- Calcium: 384.04mg
- Potassium: 348.53mg
- Iron: 2.46mg
- Vitamin A: 175.31µg
- Vitamin C: 2.75mg
Crucial Technique for Perfect BBQ Chicken Stromboli
When applying the barbecue sauce to the chicken, try to do it evenly to ensure every bite has a burst of flavor. Also, when sealing the edges of the pizza dough, make sure to pinch firmly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. If you find the dough is resisting when you're trying to stretch it, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Stromboli Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the shredded chicken and sautéed onions in advance to save time when assembling the stromboli.
Use store-bought dough: Opt for pre-made pizza dough to skip the step of making the dough from scratch.
Multi-task: While the stromboli is baking, use that time to prepare a simple side salad or set the table for a complete meal.
Leftover makeover: Utilize leftover rotisserie chicken for the filling to cut down on cooking time.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp knife can make slicing ingredients quicker and more efficient.
Prep station: Organize all the ingredients and utensils before starting to assemble the stromboli for a smoother cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For BBQ Chicken Stromboli Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a similar richness and flavor to the dish while also being a healthier alternative to butter.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to red onions and can be a suitable replacement in this recipe.
pillsbury thin crust refrigerated pizza dough - Substitute with homemade pizza dough: Making your own pizza dough allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor and texture to your preference.
provolone cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese has a mild and creamy flavor similar to provolone, making it a good substitute in this recipe.
shredded rotisserie chicken - Substitute with shredded turkey: Shredded turkey can provide a similar texture and flavor to shredded chicken, and it's a great alternative for those looking to reduce their red meat consumption.
barbecue sauce - Substitute with homemade barbecue sauce: Making your own barbecue sauce allows you to adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness to your liking, and it can be a fun way to experiment with different flavors.
beaten egg - Substitute with milk: Milk can be used as a substitute for egg wash to achieve a golden-brown crust on the stromboli.
italian seasoning - Substitute with dried oregano and basil: This combination can provide a similar Italian flavor profile to the dish.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino romano cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
How to Beautifully Present BBQ Chicken Stromboli
Elevate the dough: Use high-quality, artisanal pizza dough to ensure a perfect base for the stromboli. The dough should be stretched out evenly and thinly to create a delicate yet sturdy foundation for the filling.
Artful assembly: Carefully layer the provolone cheese and shredded rotisserie chicken to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures throughout the stromboli. This attention to detail will elevate the overall dining experience.
Precision in folding: When folding the stromboli, ensure that the edges are sealed tightly to prevent any filling from spilling out during baking. The seamless, professional appearance of the stromboli will impress even the most discerning culinary professionals.
Golden perfection: Bake the stromboli until it achieves a flawless golden brown color on the outside. This precise baking technique will result in a visually stunning presentation that is sure to catch the eye of the judges.
Sauce with finesse: Present the barbecue sauce in a sophisticated manner, whether drizzled artfully on the plate or served in a stylish dipping vessel. The sauce should complement the stromboli without overpowering its flavors.
Garnish with flair: Add a final touch of elegance by garnishing the stromboli with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of microgreens. This subtle yet impactful detail will demonstrate your culinary expertise and attention to presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Stromboli
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans to prevent food from sticking.
- Pizza dough: A ball of dough made from flour, water, yeast, and salt, used as the base for pizzas and strombolis.
- Provolone cheese: A semi-hard Italian cheese with a mild flavor, commonly used in sandwiches and Italian dishes.
- Rotisserie chicken: A whole chicken roasted on a spit, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
- Basting brush: A kitchen tool with bristles used for applying sauces, marinades, or melted butter to food.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
- Egg: A staple ingredient in cooking and baking, used for binding, leavening, and adding richness to dishes.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, commonly used in Italian cuisine.
- Parmesan cheese: A hard, granular cheese with a nutty and salty flavor, often used for grating over dishes.
Storing and Freezing BBQ Chicken Stromboli
Allow the stromboli to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the crust from becoming soggy and the filling from leaking out.
To store in the refrigerator, wrap the cooled stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the stromboli. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the package with the date and contents. Frozen stromboli will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated stromboli, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the wrapping and place the stromboli on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
For frozen stromboli, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above, or reheat it directly from frozen. To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), remove the wrapping, and place the stromboli on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
If you want to freeze individual portions, slice the cooled stromboli into servings and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can easily reheat single servings as needed.
The Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Stromboli
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover stromboli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy. This method helps to restore the crispiness of the crust while evenly heating the filling.
If you prefer a softer crust, wrap the stromboli in aluminum foil before placing it in the preheated oven. This will help to retain moisture and prevent the crust from becoming too crispy. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
For a quick reheat, you can use the microwave. Place the stromboli on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. However, keep in mind that the microwave may cause the crust to become soft and slightly soggy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover stromboli. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the stromboli in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
For a crispy crust and a melty filling, you can reheat the stromboli in a skillet or on a griddle. Preheat the skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil. Place the stromboli in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
Interesting Trivia About BBQ Chicken Stromboli
The BBQ chicken stromboli recipe is a versatile dish that can be customized with various fillings such as vegetables, different types of cheese, or even different sauces.
Is Making Stromboli at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this bbq chicken stromboli recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. The use of rotisserie chicken and barbecue sauce may increase the overall cost, but the convenience and flavor they provide could justify the expense. Considering the use of affordable pantry staples like onion and provolone cheese, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people could range from $15 to $20. The flavorful outcome and potential leftovers make it a worthwhile investment. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is BBQ Chicken Stromboli Healthy or Unhealthy?
This BBQ chicken stromboli recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The use of refrigerated pizza dough, which is often high in calories, refined carbohydrates, and sodium
- Provolone cheese, a high-fat dairy product that contributes to the overall calorie count
- Barbecue sauce, which can be laden with added sugars and preservatives
- The egg wash and parmesan cheese topping, adding to the fat and sodium content
However, the inclusion of rotisserie chicken provides a good source of lean protein, and the sautéed onions offer some nutritional value.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Opt for a whole wheat or cauliflower-based pizza dough to increase fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of provolone cheese or choose a lower-fat alternative, such as part-skim mozzarella
- Make your own barbecue sauce using natural ingredients like tomato paste, vinegar, and spices to control sugar and sodium levels
- Incorporate more vegetables into the filling, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to boost the nutrient profile
- Use a light egg wash or brush the dough with olive oil instead of butter to minimize saturated fat
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious stromboli that still satisfies your cravings for a savory, comforting meal.
Our Editor's Opinion on This BBQ Chicken Stromboli
This BBQ chicken stromboli recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of tender rotisserie chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey provolone cheese creates a mouthwatering filling. The addition of sautéed red onions adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish. The use of thin crust pizza dough ensures a crispy and flaky crust, while the Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese add a savory finish. This stromboli is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
Enhance Your BBQ Chicken Stromboli Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love BBQ Chicken Stromboli
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement BBQ Chicken Stromboli
Why trust this BBQ Chicken Stromboli Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any chicken and barbecue enthusiast. The use of rotisserie chicken ensures a tender and flavorful filling, while the addition of provolone cheese and sautéed red onions provides a rich and savory profile. The incorporation of barbecue sauce infuses a sweet and smoky essence, elevating the overall taste. The Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese add a final touch of aromatic and savory notes. This recipe promises a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!