
This BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. The combination of tender rotisserie chicken, sweet BBQ sauce, and melty provolone cheese wrapped in a golden crust creates an irresistible flavor bomb that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
I first made this stromboli when hosting an impromptu game night with friends. With just a few pantry staples and a store-bought rotisserie chicken, I created what became our standard gathering fare. Now my friends specifically request "that BBQ chicken thing" whenever we get together.
- Pizza dough provides the perfect chewy yet crisp exterior. Store-bought works great for convenience, but homemade adds an extra special touch if you have time
- Rotisserie chicken saves valuable prep time and adds moist, flavorful protein. Dark meat works best for juiciness, but white meat is equally delicious
- Provolone cheese melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the BBQ sauce. Look for thinly sliced for even melting
- BBQ sauce brings sweet and tangy flavor. Choose a high quality sauce as it significantly impacts the final taste
- Red onion adds a pleasant bite and sweetness when sautéed. Select firm onions with shiny, crackly skin
- Butter helps caramelize the onions for deeper flavor. Use unsalted to control sodium levels
- Egg wash creates that gorgeous golden brown exterior. Use the whole egg for best results
- Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese finish the exterior with savory notes. Freshly grated Parmesan offers superior flavor
How To Make BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli
- Prep the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 190°C 375°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This temperature ensures a golden exterior while fully cooking the interior.
- Sauté the Onions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium high heat until foaming subsides. Add thinly sliced red onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. This cooking process brings out their natural sweetness which balances the tanginess of the BBQ sauce.
- Prepare the Filling
- Combine the sautéed onions with shredded rotisserie chicken and BBQ sauce in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even coating of sauce. The warm onions will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Assemble the Stromboli
- Roll your pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 14x10 inches on parchment paper. Arrange provolone slices down the center leaving a 2 inch border on all sides. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Roll and Shape
- Carefully fold the long sides of the dough over the filling, overlapping slightly in the center. Pinch to seal the seam then tuck and seal the ends underneath. Position seam side down on your prepared baking sheet.
- Add the Finishing Touches
- Brush the entire surface generously with beaten egg using a pastry brush. This creates that beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Cut several diagonal slits across the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until deeply golden brown and crisp. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
My favorite part of this recipe is watching everyone's faces light up when I slice into that first piece and all the melty cheese stretches out. My son particularly loves helping score the top before baking, calling them "dragon marks" as the steam escapes during cooking.
Make Ahead Tips
This stromboli is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it completely up to the baking stage, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then brush with egg wash and bake as directed. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Ingredient Substitutions
No rotisserie chicken? Use any cooked chicken you have on hand or try pulled pork for a delicious variation. The BBQ sauce works beautifully with either protein. If provolone isn't available, mozzarella makes an excellent substitute, though it has a milder flavor profile. For a spicier version, add a few dashes of hot sauce to your BBQ mixture or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions
This stromboli pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries. I like to offer additional warmed BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. The stromboli is delicious warm from the oven but also tastes great at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks or picnics.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover stromboli will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispy exterior better than microwave reheating. For longer storage, individual slices can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stromboli up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature for 20 minutes, then brush with egg wash, add seasonings, and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can fully bake it, cool completely, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- → What's the best dough to use for stromboli?
Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for convenience, but homemade pizza dough is excellent too. For best results, let refrigerated dough come to room temperature before rolling. You could also substitute French bread dough or crescent roll dough, though each will yield a slightly different texture and flavor.
- → Can I substitute different cheeses in this stromboli?
Absolutely! While provolone offers a mild, melty quality that complements the BBQ chicken, you can experiment with mozzarella for extra stretch, smoked gouda for depth, pepper jack for heat, or a blend of cheeses. Just ensure whatever cheese you choose melts well.
- → Why did my stromboli burst open while baking?
This typically happens when the seams aren't properly sealed or when there's too much filling. Make sure to pinch all seams firmly and tuck the ends underneath. The scoring on top is important as it creates vents for steam to escape. If your stromboli still splits, don't worry - it will still taste delicious!
- → What sides pair well with BBQ Chicken Cheese Stromboli?
This stromboli pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness. Other great options include coleslaw, roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a light tomato soup. For entertaining, serve with extra BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or marinara for dipping.
- → How can I make this stromboli spicier?
To add heat, mix some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce into your BBQ chicken mixture. You could also add sliced jalapeños to the filling, use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone, or serve with a spicy BBQ sauce for dipping. A sprinkle of cayenne in your Italian seasoning mix will also add a nice kick.