Chicken Alfredo Calzone

Imagine biting into a golden, crisp calzone, only to be greeted with a rich, creamy filling of tender chicken, melted cheeses, and a luscious Alfredo sauce. The Chicken Alfredo Calzone is a fusion of two beloved Italian classics—the comforting, cheesy richness of Chicken Alfredo and the handheld, pocket-style convenience of a calzone. This dish offers the perfect combination of indulgence, portability, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep for busy days.

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What makes the Chicken Alfredo Calzone so irresistible is its balance of flavors and textures. The dough is soft yet slightly chewy on the inside, with a golden, crisp exterior that provides the perfect contrast to the creamy filling. The Alfredo sauce brings a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel, while perfectly seasoned chicken adds protein and substance. Complemented by a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional ricotta, every bite is rich and satisfying without being overly heavy. Garlic, herbs, and optional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can enhance the flavor profile, elevating the calzone to restaurant-quality levels right in your own kitchen.

This recipe is as much about technique as it is about flavor. Achieving the ideal calzone requires understanding how to prepare dough, properly cook and season the chicken, and balance moisture in the filling so that it doesn’t make the calzone soggy. The process also includes tips on sealing the calzone to prevent leaks, creating decorative edges, and even baking or pan-frying methods for different textures.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore every step of creating the perfect Chicken Alfredo Calzone, including: selecting and preparing ingredients, crafting a homemade or store-bought dough, making a creamy Alfredo sauce, combining fillings for maximum flavor, and achieving a golden, perfectly baked calzone. We’ll also provide troubleshooting advice, storage tips, variations, and serving suggestions to ensure your calzones are consistently delicious, whether you’re cooking for one, a family, or a group of friends.

Beyond the practical steps, this guide will delve into the versatility of the Chicken Alfredo Calzone, from customizing fillings to experimenting with cheese blends, seasonings, and even gluten-free or whole wheat dough alternatives. You’ll learn how to make each calzone uniquely yours while maintaining the classic, comforting flavors that make this dish a favorite.

Ultimately, the Chicken Alfredo Calzone is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that combines the elegance of creamy Chicken Alfredo with the fun, handheld convenience of a calzone. By following this guide, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to create a dish that is both visually appealing and deeply satisfying, delighting anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.

Ingredients

Before beginning, gather all ingredients. Quality and preparation of each component affect flavor, texture, and overall success.

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour: 3 cups, plus extra for dusting

• Active dry yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet)

• Warm water: 1 cup (110°F/43°C)

• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (helps activate yeast)

• Salt: 1 teaspoon

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for richness and elasticity

For the Chicken Alfredo Filling:

• Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, shredded or diced

• Butter: 2 tablespoons

• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

• Heavy cream: 1 cup

• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated

• Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, shredded

• Ricotta cheese: ½ cup (optional, adds creaminess)

• Salt and pepper: To taste

• Nutmeg: A pinch (optional, enhances Alfredo flavor)

• Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped (for garnish)

• Optional vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes, roughly ½ cup each

For Assembly and Finishing:

• Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

• Olive oil: For brushing (optional)

• Extra Parmesan: For sprinkling on top

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl for dough

• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)

• Skillet or saucepan for Alfredo sauce

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Rolling pin

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat

• Sharp knife or pizza cutter

• Pastry brush for egg wash

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.

3. Combine wet and dry: Make a well in the flour, pour in yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

4. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.

5. Let it rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and allow to rise for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

Tip: For a softer crust, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk or an extra tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2: Preparing the Chicken Alfredo Filling

1. Cook chicken: If not using pre-cooked chicken, sauté chicken breast in olive oil over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then shred or dice.

2. Make the Alfredo sauce: In a skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add cream and cheese: Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Reduce heat slightly and add Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

4. Combine filling ingredients: Remove sauce from heat and fold in mozzarella, ricotta (if using), chicken, and optional vegetables. Allow filling to cool slightly before assembling to prevent dough from becoming soggy.

Step 3: Shaping the Calzones

1. Preheat oven: 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Divide dough: Punch down risen dough and divide into 4–6 equal portions, depending on desired calzone size.

3. Roll out dough: On a floured surface, roll each portion into a circle about 8 inches in diameter. Thickness should be about ¼ inch.

4. Add filling: Spoon ½–¾ cup of the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border around edges.

5. Fold and seal: Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press edges together firmly, then crimp with a fork to ensure filling does not leak during baking.

Step 4: Baking the Calzones

1. Apply egg wash: Brush each calzone with beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top.

2. Bake: Place calzones on the prepared baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Rotate halfway for even baking.

3. Cool slightly: Let calzones rest 5 minutes before serving. This allows filling to set slightly and prevents burns when biting in.

Step 5: Serving

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with marinara sauce or extra Alfredo sauce for dipping. Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.