I’m so happy to share this BBQ Chicken Stromboli recipe with you because it turns busy days into easy wins. This dish is a warm, cheesy roll filled with tender chicken, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, melty provolone, and soft caramelized onions. Every slice is gooey, flavorful, and comforting. It works just as well for a simple family dinner as it does for sharing with friends.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 50 minutes
Prep Time: about 20 minutes
Cook Time: about 25 to 30 minutes
Yield: about 6 to 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made this kind of stromboli at home, and how fast it disappeared from the table. There is something so satisfying about slicing into a golden roll and seeing all that melted cheese inside.
This BBQ Chicken Stromboli is special because it uses simple shortcuts that save time. Store bought pizza dough and cooked chicken help you get dinner ready without stress, even on busy nights.
It is a great choice for weeknight dinners, game nights, or when you need something filling that everyone will enjoy. You can serve it as a main meal or cut it smaller and enjoy it as an appetizer.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Stromboli
This recipe brings together sweet BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese all wrapped in soft baked dough. Here is how it all comes together:
• Soft pizza dough rolled into a flat base
• Creamy provolone cheese layered in the center
• Shredded chicken mixed with BBQ sauce
• Sweet cooked red onions for extra flavor
• Dough folded and sealed around the filling
• Baked until golden and lightly crisp
It is an oven baked meal that feels comforting and looks impressive, but is very simple to make.
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onion, about 1 small onion
• 1 tube refrigerated thin crust pizza dough
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• about 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• about 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for dipping
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to about 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. - Cook the Onions:
Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until soft and lightly golden. Remove from heat. - Prepare the Dough:
Place the pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper. Gently roll it out into a large rectangle so there is room for the filling. - Add the Cheese and Filling:
Lay the provolone slices down the center of the dough. Top with the chicken, cooked onions, and barbecue sauce spread evenly. - Fold the Stromboli:
Fold the long sides of the dough over the filling, then fold and seal the ends. Pinch the seams closed so the filling stays inside. - Flip and Brush:
Carefully flip the stromboli seam side down onto the baking sheet. Brush the top with the beaten egg. - Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese evenly over the top. - Bake:
Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the outside is golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Process Details
• Cooking the Onions: Soft cooking brings out their natural sweetness and adds balance to the BBQ sauce.
• Layering the Cheese First: Putting cheese under the chicken helps protect the dough from getting soggy.
• Sealing the Dough Well: Pinching the seams tightly keeps the filling from leaking while baking.
• Resting Before Slicing: Letting it sit helps the cheese set so slices hold together better.
Tips for Success
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
• Do not overfill the dough, or it may be hard to seal.
• Roll the dough gently so it does not tear.
• Add more or less BBQ sauce based on your taste.
• Let the stromboli cool slightly before cutting for cleaner slices.
Serving Ideas
• Dinner Plate: Serve with a simple green salad on the side.
• Appetizer Style: Cut into smaller slices for sharing.
• Dipping Fun: Offer extra warm BBQ sauce on the side.
• Family Meal: Pair with roasted vegetables or corn.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to about 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled slices tightly and freeze for up to about 2 months.
• Texture Note: The dough may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor stays great.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~300
• Protein: ~17g
• Carbohydrates: ~33g
• Fat: ~10g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sodium: ~650mg
• Sugar: ~9g
This BBQ Chicken Stromboli is a cozy, cheesy recipe that delivers big flavor with very little effort. The mix of tender chicken, sweet BBQ sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in golden dough makes it a true crowd pleaser.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. Once you try it, it may quickly become one of your favorite easy dinners.
