Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers the best of both worlds: crispy chicken, savory cheeses, and a buttery, golden crust. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese ensures a melty, cheesy experience, while the pizza sauce adds a delightful tang. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this calzone is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Flour for dusting: Helps prevent the dough from sticking while rolling.
- 8-ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides melty, cheesy goodness inside the calzone.
- 16-20 ounces pizza dough: Can be store-bought or homemade.
- 6-7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders (sliced): Adds a savory and crispy filling.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances the cheesy flavor with a salty, nutty taste.
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce: A classic addition that adds tangy tomato flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Brushed on top for a golden, buttery crust.
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, slice them into smaller pieces and set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, ensuring it is evenly spread.
- Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce on one half of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Layer 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the sliced chicken tenders on the sauced half.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together, then crimp with your fingers or a fork to seal.
- Place the calzone on a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter and cut three 1/2-inch slits on top for steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove from the oven, spread the remaining 1/4 cup of pizza sauce on top, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Let the calzone cool for 5-7 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings (1 large calzone)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or extra cheese for more flavor.
- For a spicy version, incorporate pepperoni or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Use different cheeses like provolone, ricotta, or goat cheese for variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover calzone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain a crispy crust. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may lose some of its crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade dough for this recipe?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly for this calzone.
2. Can I make this calzone with a different protein?
Absolutely! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or even ground beef instead of chicken tenders.
3. What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
4. Can I freeze the calzone before baking it?
Yes, you can freeze the calzone before baking. Just assemble it, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.
5. Can I use store-bought chicken tenders?
Yes, store-bought crispy chicken tenders are a convenient option for this recipe.
6. How do I get the crust extra crispy?
For a crispier crust, brush the dough with olive oil before baking or broil the calzone for the last 2 minutes.
7. Can I use marinara sauce instead of pizza sauce?
Yes, marinara sauce is a great substitute for pizza sauce in this recipe.
8. How can I make the dough softer?
Let the dough rest for about 15 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and result in a softer crust.
9. Can I make mini calzones instead of one large one?
Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and make individual mini calzones.
10. What should I serve with Chicken Parmesan Calzone?
Serve with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a mouthwatering twist on a classic Italian dish, offering all the cheesy, crispy goodness you love in a portable, easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this calzone is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the crispy crust, savory chicken filling, and melty cheese!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Calzone
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Parmesan Calzone combines the crispy chicken tenders, melted mozzarella, and tangy pizza sauce all wrapped in a buttery, golden crust. This comfort food twist on the classic chicken Parmesan makes for a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you crave cheesy, crispy goodness.
Ingredients
- Flour for dusting: To prevent the dough from sticking while rolling.
- 8-ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese: For a melty, cheesy filling.
- 16–20 ounces pizza dough: Store-bought or homemade.
- 6–7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders (sliced): A savory, crispy protein.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce: Tangy tomato sauce for the base.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted): To brush on the dough for a golden crust.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook frozen chicken tenders per package instructions, slice them, and set aside.
- Roll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
- Spread 1/2 cup pizza sauce on one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Layer with 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, and sliced chicken tenders.
- Fold the dough over the filling, press edges to seal, and crimp with fingers or a fork.
- Place the calzone on a greased baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and cut 3 small slits on top for steam.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, spread the remaining 1/4 cup pizza sauce on top, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool for 5-7 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for more flavor.
- To make it spicy, include red pepper flakes or pepperoni.
- You can make mini calzones instead of one large one.
- Homemade pizza dough works great if preferred.
- Marinara sauce can be used in place of pizza sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
