Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
As a busy home cook, I’ve discovered that the best recipes are those that bring joy without stress. This BBQ chicken stromboli roll recipe has become a household favorite because it’s surprisingly simple to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions. The combination of flavors and textures creates a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.
What Makes This BBQ Chicken Stromboli Roll Special
Unlike traditional stromboli recipes that simply fold the dough over, this BBQ chicken stromboli roll technique creates beautiful spirals of filling throughout each slice. The barbecue sauce caramelizes slightly during baking, creating a rich, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the creamy melted cheese and tender chicken.
The secret to an exceptional BBQ chicken stromboli roll lies in the balance of ingredients and the rolling technique. I’ve perfected this recipe through countless family dinners, adjusting the seasoning and perfecting the dough-to-filling ratio until every bite delivers the perfect harmony of flavors.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Chicken Stromboli Roll
For the Stromboli:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, room temperature)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, plus extra for serving
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced for subtle crunch
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (adds brightness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
- 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
For the Perfect Finish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final result of your BBQ chicken stromboli roll. I recommend using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, as it melts more smoothly and creates that perfect cheese pull we all love.
Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Stromboli-Roll Mastery
Preparation Phase: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature ensures the BBQ chicken stromboli roll develops a golden crust while cooking the center thoroughly.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine your diced chicken with half of the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This pre-mixing step ensures every piece of chicken is perfectly seasoned and creates consistent flavor throughout your BBQ chicken stromboli-roll.
Assembly Magic: On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×15 inches. The dough should be even in thickness but don’t worry about perfect edges – rustic charm adds character to homemade BBQ chicken stromboli roll.
Brush the entire surface with olive oil, leaving a 1-inch border around all edges. This prevents the filling from leaking and helps create steam pockets that keep the interior moist.
Spread the seasoned chicken mixture evenly across the dough, followed by both cheeses, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro. The key to a perfect BBQ chicken stromboli-roll is even distribution – every bite should contain all the delicious components.
The Rolling Technique: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough tightly but not aggressively. Think of it like rolling a gentle carpet – firm enough to hold together but gentle enough not to squeeze out the filling. This rolling method creates the signature spiral pattern that makes each slice of BBQ chicken stromboli roll visually appealing.
Pinch the seam closed and place the roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the entire surface with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Baking to Perfection: Bake your BBQ chicken stromboli-roll for 22-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when gently tapped. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Allow the BBQ chicken stromboli roll to rest for 8-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing a molten mess when you cut into it.
Internal Links for More Delicious Recipes
While you’re preparing this incredible BBQ chicken stromboli roll, consider exploring more amazing recipes that pair beautifully with this dish:
Perfect Pairings:
- Browse our collection of perfect sides that complement BBQ chicken stromboli roll beautifully, including garlic breadsticks and Caesar salad
- Discover amazing flavored dips and marinades to serve alongside your BBQ chicken stromboli roll for extra flavor dimension
- Cool down with refreshing beverages that balance the rich flavors of BBQ chicken stromboli roll
- Find more tasty snacks perfect for parties where BBQ chicken stromboli roll is the star
Meal Planning Ideas:
- Explore our hearty main dishes collection for more family-friendly recipes like this BBQ chicken stromboli roll
- Create complete meals with our fresh vibrant salads that provide a lovely contrast to rich BBQ chicken stromboli roll
- Plan special occasions with dinner delights that pair wonderfully with BBQ chicken stromboli roll
- Start your day right with breakfast favorites or end with irresistible desserts
Pro Tips for BBQ Chicken Stromboli Roll Success
The difference between good and exceptional BBQ chicken stromboli roll often lies in small details. I’ve learned through experience that using room temperature dough makes rolling significantly easier and prevents tearing.
For the most flavorful BBQ chicken stromboli roll, I recommend using leftover rotisserie chicken or grilling chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. The slight char from grilling adds another layer of smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Temperature control is crucial for perfect BBQ chicken stromboli roll. If your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature to 375°F to prevent over-browning before the center cooks through.
Variations and Customizations
This BBQ chicken stromboli roll recipe serves as a fantastic foundation for creativity. Try substituting pulled pork for chicken, or add sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms for extra vegetables.
For a spicier version of BBQ chicken stromboli roll, incorporate diced jalapeños or use a spicy barbecue sauce. Buffalo chicken stromboli roll is another crowd-pleasing variation – simply replace BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce and add celery pieces.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover BBQ chicken stromboli roll keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore the crispy exterior, or use a toaster oven for individual portions.
For longer storage, wrap the cooled BBQ chicken stromboli roll tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Present your BBQ chicken stromboli roll on a wooden cutting board with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and ranch dressing for dipping. The rustic presentation enhances the comfort food appeal.
This BBQ chicken stromboli roll pairs beautifully with simple side dishes that don’t compete with its bold flavors. Consider serving with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect BBQ chicken stromboli roll brings together the best elements of comfort food cooking – familiar flavors, satisfying textures, and the joy of sharing delicious food with people you care about. This recipe has become a cornerstone of my family’s meal rotation because it consistently delivers both flavor and satisfaction.
The beauty of BBQ chicken stromboli roll lies not just in its taste but in its versatility. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers after sports practice or hosting a casual dinner party, this recipe scales easily and never fails to impress.
I encourage you to make this BBQ chicken stromboli roll your own by adjusting seasonings to your family’s preferences. The foundation is solid, but the possibilities for customization are endless. Each time you prepare this recipe, you’re creating new memories around the dinner table – and that’s what great cooking is truly about.
