If you love the flavors of classic chicken parmesan but want something easier to eat (and way more fun!), this Chicken Parmesan Stromboli is for you. Think of it as a warm, cheesy, handheld version of your favorite Italian comfort food, wrapped in golden brown pizza crust and packed with shredded chicken, melty mozzarella, and a garlicky butter topping!
This stromboli has all the delicious flavors of chicken parm without the extra work. Instead of breading and frying, we keep it simple with shredded chicken tossed in rich pizza sauce, then wrap it all up in pre-made dough for an easy, fuss-free bake.
It's packed with nearly 30g of protein per serving, making it a satisfying and wholesome option for any meal. Plus, it's quick to put together, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without the hassle.
If you're looking for more pizza inspired meals, don't miss my pizza gnocchi skillet or crockpot pizza meatballs!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With premade pizza dough and simple ingredients, this comes together in less than 30 minutes.
- Great for sharing: Slice it up for a family-style stromboli appetizer or a fun dinner option.
- High in protein: Packed with shredded chicken, this stromboli is both filling and satisfying.
Love easy comfort-food dinners? Add these chicken parmesan sloppy joes to your list for a fast, cheesy meal!
Ingredients
Simple ingredients bring out the classic Italian flavors of chicken parmesan in this stromboli. Here's what you need:
- Pizza crust: The base of your stromboli! I used store-bought canned dough for convenience, but homemade pizza dough adds extra flavor if you have the time.
- Shredded chicken: You can use any type of shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but leftover baked chicken or chicken tenders work just as well.
- Pizza sauce: Essential for that classic flavor, but marinara sauce or any tomato-based pasta sauce works in a pinch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that perfect cheesy pull.
- Grated parmesan cheese: A cup of parmesan cheese brings a bold, nutty bite that enhances every slice.
- Butter topping: This simple mix of melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder creates a buttery, golden brown crust.
See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some easy swaps and creative swaps to try:
- If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or use a spicy tomato sauce.
- Swap pizza sauce for pesto or alfredo sauce for a creamy, flavorful twist.
- Mix a drizzle of hot honey into the butter topping for a balance of sweet and spicy.
- Instead of shredded chicken, you can use chicken strips, crumbled sausage, or even thinly sliced grilled eggplant for a vegetarian twist.
- Use gluten-free dough to make this recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
- Use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough for a flakier texture. Just roll it out and pinch the seams together before adding the filling.
How To Make a Chicken Parmesan Stromboli
Follow these simple steps to make a crispy, cheesy Chicken Parmesan Stromboli that's ready in under 30 minutes!
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup of parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on the prepared baking sheet.
.
Step 4: Spoon the chicken mixture down the center of the dough, leaving a 2-3-inch border on both sides.
Step 5: Use a knife to make 1-inch slits along both sides of the dough, stopping just before the filling. Fold the strips of dough over the filling, alternating sides and slightly overlapping.
Step 6: In a small bowl, microwave butter for 20 seconds until melted. Stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then brush mixture over the top of the dough. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Serve with additional pizza sauce if desired!
Tips For the Best Stromboli
For a perfect stromboli every time, follow these simple tips!
- Seal the stromboli properly by tucking edges to keeps the chicken mixture and cheese inside and prevents leaks while baking.
- Letting the stromboli rest for a few minutes after baking helps the cheese set, making for cleaner slices and less mess.
- Pair this stromboli with a side Caesar salad for a complete meal or serve it as an appetizer alongside other Italian-inspired bites like Empanada Caprese and Air Fryer Pizza Bombs.
- Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
- For a fun twist, add a sprinkle of fresh basil or red pepper flakes on top before serving!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
To keep your stromboli fresh and delicious, follow these best practices for storing and reheating:
- Refrigerate: Let the stromboli cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Rewarm in the oven or air fryer to maintain its crispy crust.
- Freeze: Wrap the fully cooled stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
- Make Ahead: If you want to prep this in advance, assemble the stromboli, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready for a fresh, hot meal with no extra prep work.
FAQ
A stromboli is rolled up like a log and sliced after baking, while a calzone is folded into a half-moon shape and sealed before baking. Strombolis often have a thinner, crispier crust, while calzones tend to be thicker and softer inside.
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread dough soggy.
More Dinner Ideas You'll Love!
Need an easy and delicious meal? Try these satisfying dinner recipes:
Did you try this recipe?
Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Thank you!
Jessie
Chicken Parmesan Stromboli
Ingredients
- 1 13.8 oz can pizza dough
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese divided
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: extra pizza sauce, pesto, or marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup of parmesan cheese. Stir until combined.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon the chicken mixture down the center of the dough, leaving a 2-3 inch border on both sides.
- Use a knife to make 1-inch slits along both sides of the dough, stopping just before the filling. Fold the strips of dough over the filling, alternating sides and slightly overlapping.
- In a small bowl, microwave butter for 20 seconds until melted. Stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then brush mixture over the top of the dough. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Serve with additional pizza sauce if desired!
Leave a Reply