Easy Chicken Stromboli: A Family Favorite

I can still remember the aroma that used to fill our kitchen every Sunday afternoon. My mom would be humming along to the radio, flour dusting her apron, as she prepared her signature stromboli. It wasn’t just the delicious combination of savory chicken, gooey cheese, and perfectly baked dough that made it special; it was the feeling of warmth, comfort, and togetherness that came with sharing it around the table with family. This Easy Chicken Stromboli recipe brings back those cherished memories, offering a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes dough rising)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 1 Stromboli
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 1 basic pizza dough (about 1 pound, store-bought or homemade)
• 1 (8 ounce) package Perdue Short Cuts original roasted carved chicken breasts, diced
• ¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• Garlic salt, to taste
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons water

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your pizza dough. If using store-bought, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to become easier to work with. If making your own, follow your recipe and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which should take about an hour. This step is crucial for a light and airy crust.

2. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a 12″x14″ rectangle. The thinner the dough, the crispier the crust will be, but be careful not to tear it.

3. Now it’s time to assemble the stromboli. Evenly distribute the diced chicken, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and chopped onion over the dough rectangle. Sprinkle with garlic salt and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Leave a ½-inch border around the edges, free of filling, to allow for proper sealing.

4. Roll up the stromboli jelly-roll style, starting with the long side of the rectangle. Gently pull the dough as you roll to keep it tight.

5. Once rolled, fold the ends inwards and pinch to seal securely. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.

6. Place the stromboli onto a greased baking sheet, seam side down. This will help keep the stromboli from unrolling during baking.

7. Cover the stromboli loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 45 minutes. This second rise will result in a lighter, more tender final product.

8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

9. While the oven is preheating and the stromboli is rising, prepare the egg wash. In a small bowl, beat the egg and add the water. Whisk until well combined.

10. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg wash evenly over the entire surface of the stromboli. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color and a slight sheen.

11. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the egg-washed stromboli, followed by another light sprinkle of garlic salt.

12. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and the filling is heated through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. To make sure that the chicken is heated through, use a meat thermometer. It should read at least 165 degrees F.

13. Once baked, remove the stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcrowd the filling: Using too much filling can make the stromboli difficult to roll and seal, leading to leaks and a soggy crust.
• Use a pizza stone: For an extra crispy crust, bake the stromboli on a preheated pizza stone.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle kick.
• Make ahead: Prepare the stromboli ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Prevent sticking: Use parchment paper instead of greasing the baking sheet.
• To get an even more golden and crispy crust, you can brush the stromboli with melted butter before baking, instead of egg wash.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Easy Chicken Stromboli warm, sliced into thick portions. It pairs perfectly with a side salad, marinara sauce for dipping, or a simple vinaigrette.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap individual slices in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick reheat, but the crust may not be as crispy. For longer storage, freeze the stromboli, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	10g	50%
Cholesterol	100mg	33%
Sodium	800mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	13%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	5g	10%
Protein	25g	50%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Stromboli: Substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini.
• Spicy Stromboli: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Italian Stromboli: Use Italian sausage instead of chicken, and add pepperoni, provolone cheese, and roasted red peppers.
• Gluten-Free Stromboli: Use a gluten-free pizza dough.
• Dairy-Free Stromboli: Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
• Different Protein: Consider using ground turkey, ham, or steak.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen pizza dough?
A: Yes, you can use frozen pizza dough. Just make sure to thaw it completely before rolling it out.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
A: Make sure to seal the edges of the stromboli tightly and don’t overfill it.

Q: Can I add sauce to the stromboli before baking?
A: While you can add a thin layer of sauce, be cautious not to add too much, as it can make the dough soggy. It’s generally better to serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Q: How do I know when the stromboli is done?
A: The stromboli is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I freeze the baked stromboli?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked stromboli. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Stromboli recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to create new memories and share a delicious dish with your loved ones. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings and make it your own. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Enjoy it with a crisp salad and a glass of your favorite beverage for a complete and satisfying meal. Bon appétit!