Welcome to the delicious world of calzones! If you’ve ever craved the cheesy, savory goodness of Chicken Parmesan wrapped in a warm, golden crust, then this Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe is just what you need. This dish combines tender, shredded chicken with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella, all encased in a homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Perfect for a family dinner, game day, or a cozy night in, these calzones are not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of shredded chicken, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Each bite is a delightful mix of savory, cheesy goodness.
- Customizable: One of the best aspects of calzones is their versatility. You can easily customize the filling to suit your family’s tastes. Add vegetables, switch up the cheese, or even make it spicy with some red pepper flakes.
- Great for Meal Prep: These calzones are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them, freeze them, and bake them fresh whenever a craving strikes.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love anything they can hold in their hands, and these calzones are no exception. They make a great lunchbox treat or an easy dinner option that the whole family will enjoy.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy for you to whip these up without a last-minute grocery run.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you are looking for a new twist on classic dishes, this Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe is a fantastic option. Here’s why you should give it a try:
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a baking time of 15-20 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table in less than an hour.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a game night, having a casual gathering, or simply looking for a comforting dinner option, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
- Fun to Make: Involve your family in the cooking process! Shaping and filling the calzones can be a fun activity to do together, fostering creativity and teamwork.
- Healthier Alternative: By making your calzones at home, you can control the ingredients and portion sizes, making them a healthier option compared to takeout.
Ingredients and Utensils Needed
To make this Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients and tools:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken breast: Cooked and shredded. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup of marinara sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade for a fresh taste.
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese: This is essential for that gooey, cheesy texture.
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano: Provides an aromatic herb flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: For an extra kick of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 package of pizza dough: You can use store-bought or make your own with our Pizza Dough Recipe.
- Olive oil: For brushing on top of the calzones for a golden finish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh basil leaves: For garnish (optional).
Utensils:
- Mixing bowl: For combining your filling ingredients.
- Rolling pin: To roll out the pizza dough.
- Cutting board: For cutting the dough.
- Cookie sheet or baking tray: To bake the calzones on.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Fork: For crimping the edges of the calzones.
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s dive into the detailed steps of this Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your calzones bake evenly and become golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
- Shredded chicken
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Mix everything well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. This mixture is the heart of your calzones, so make sure it’s delicious!
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Use your rolling pin to ensure an even thickness throughout.
Next, cut the dough into circles, approximately 6-8 inches in diameter. You can use a large bowl or a round cutter for this.
Step 4: Fill the Dough
Place a generous scoop of the chicken mixture on one half of each dough circle, leaving about a ½ inch border around the edge. This border is crucial for sealing the calzone properly.
Step 5: Seal the Calzone
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal. To make sure they stay closed during baking, use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative touch.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the calzones to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and ensure an easy cleanup. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to promote browning. This step is essential for achieving that beautiful golden crust.
Step 7: Bake the Calzones
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This cooling period helps the filling set slightly, making them easier to handle. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan Calzones!
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips to elevate your Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe and variations to try:
Alternative Ingredients:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or any of your favorite vegetables.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Different Cheeses: Try using provolone or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the filling for a spicy version.
Avoiding Common Mistakes:
- Overfilling: Be cautious not to overfill the calzones. Overstuffed calzones can burst during baking.
- Sealing Properly: Ensure that the edges are sealed well to prevent any leakage of the filling.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the calzones in the oven. Ovens can vary, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Nutritional Values and Benefits
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per calzone:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
These calzones are not only delicious but also packed with protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese. The use of marinara sauce provides a dose of antioxidants from tomatoes, making this meal a balanced option for your dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Calzones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the calzones ahead of time and freeze them. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan Calzones?
These calzones pair well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I use other types of meat in calzones?
Absolutely! Ground beef, sausage, or even pepperoni are great alternatives to chicken in calzones.
What if I don’t have pizza dough?
You can use store-bought dough, or you can make your own using our Pizza Dough Recipe.
Conclusion
In summary, this Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe is a delightful and versatile dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. With its gooey cheese, flavorful chicken, and easy-to-follow instructions, you have all the makings of a perfect meal. We encourage you to try this recipe, share your experience in the comments, and don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our other dishes like Chicken Parmigiana, Lentil Soup, and Pumpkin Soup. And for inspiration, visit our Pinterest page.
Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Cut the dough into circles, approximately 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Place a generous scoop of the chicken mixture on one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Transfer the calzones to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to promote browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
