Why Make This Recipe
Chicken calzones are a delicious and satisfying meal option that combines the flavors of chicken, cheese, and marinara sauce, all wrapped in a soft, golden crust. They are perfect for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or even a party treat. Making calzones allows you to customize the filling to your liking, leaving room for creativity in the kitchen. They are also a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken.
How to Make Chicken Calzones
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package pizza dough
- Olive oil for brushing
- Flour for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut into circles.
- Place a generous amount of the chicken mixture on one half of each circle.
- Fold the other half over and pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot.
How to Serve Chicken Calzones
Chicken calzones are best served hot, right out of the oven. You can cut them in half or serve them whole. Pair them with extra marinara sauce for dipping. A simple salad or some steamed vegetables on the side can make for a complete meal.
How to Store Chicken Calzones
If you have leftovers, let the calzones cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will last for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze them. Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Chicken Calzones
- Use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to keep the filling from oozing out during baking.
- Experiment with different cheeses or spices to find your favorite flavor combination.
Variation
You can customize your chicken calzones by adding different ingredients. Consider using barbecue sauce instead of marinara for a BBQ chicken calzone. You can also swap out the cheeses or add fresh herbs for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can use cream cheese or cottage cheese as alternatives to ricotta.
Can I make these calzones ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the calzones ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Chicken Calzones
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chicken calzones filled with creamy cheese and marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners or parties.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package pizza dough
- Olive oil for brushing
- Flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut into circles.
- Place a generous amount of the chicken mixture on one half of each circle.
- Fold the other half over and pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot.
Notes
Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Pair with extra marinara for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
