Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining the flavors of crispy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese—all enveloped in a golden, crispy crust. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating mouthwatering calzones that are perfect for dinner, game day, or even as a tasty snack. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this calzone recipe is both easy to follow and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Fusion: The combination of chicken parmesan flavors and the convenience of a calzone make for an irresistible meal.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary restrictions, making it a versatile dish.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These calzones can be made ahead of time, frozen, and baked when you’re ready to enjoy them.
• Fun to Eat: The handheld nature of calzones makes them a great option for gatherings, parties, or casual dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough: Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.
4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Cook the Chicken: While the dough is rising, prepare the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and let it cool.
2. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks or chop it into small pieces.
3. Prepare the Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the third.
4. Bread the Chicken: Dredge the shredded or chopped chicken pieces in flour, dip them in the beaten eggs, and finally coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Fry the Chicken: In the same skillet used for cooking the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if needed and heat over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Assemble the Calzones

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Divide it into 4 equal pieces for larger calzones or 6 pieces for smaller ones.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a circle about 8–10 inches in diameter.
4. Add the Filling: On one half of each dough circle, spread a spoonful of marinara sauce, then top with a portion of the fried chicken, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese. You can add more marinara on top if desired.
5. Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they are tightly closed.
6. Brush with Olive Oil: Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil to achieve a golden color when baked.
7. Optional Toppings: Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top of the calzones and add some Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Calzones

1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
2. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Calzones

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, quality cheese, and homemade marinara will enhance the flavor of your calzones.
2. Customize the Fillings: Feel free to add vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
3. Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour while kneading. If it’s too dry, add a little water.
4. Chill the Dough: For even better texture, let the dough chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
5. Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the calzones, as this can make them difficult to seal and lead to spilling during baking.
6. Freezing Options: Unbaked calzones can be frozen. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Variations of the Recipe

1. BBQ Chicken Calzones: Substitute marinara with BBQ sauce and add cooked chicken tossed in BBQ sauce for a different flavor.
2. Spinach and Ricotta Calzones: Replace the chicken with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and mozzarella for a vegetarian option.
3. Buffalo Chicken Calzones: Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce before filling the calzones for a spicy kick.
4. Meat Lovers Calzone: Add pepperoni, sausage, and ham to the chicken filling for a meaty treat.
5. Pesto Chicken Calzones: Spread pesto instead of marinara for a fresh, herby flavor profile.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Parmesan Calzones

1. Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftover calzones to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual calzones tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating: To reheat, place calzones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through. For frozen calzones, add a few more minutes to the reheating time.
4. Microwave Option: While not recommended for best texture, you can microwave calzones for about 1–2 minutes. However, this may result in a softer crust.

Conclusion

Making Chicken Parmesan Calzones at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings the comfort of Italian cuisine to your kitchen. With a crispy, golden crust and a delicious filling of chicken, cheese, and sauce, these calzones are sure to be a hit with family and friends. The recipe is straightforward, allowing you to customize it to your liking, making it suitable for any occasion.

Whether you’re preparing for a game day, hosting a party, or simply looking for a satisfying meal, these calzones are versatile and easy to make. Enjoy the process of creating and sharing this delicious dish with your loved ones!

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to suit your preferences. The Chicken Parmesan Calzone is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors wrapped in a delicious dough that everyone will enjoy!

Yield: 4

Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe

Print

Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining the flavors of crispy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese—all enveloped in a golden, crispy crust. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating mouthwatering calzones that are perfect for dinner, game day, or even as a tasty snack. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this calzone recipe is both easy to follow and incredibly satisfying.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
   
2. Prepare the Filling:
   In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   Divide the pizza dough into four equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
   
4. Fill the Calzones:
   Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge. Be careful not to overfill.
   
5. Seal the Calzones:
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they are securely closed.
   
6. Prepare for Baking:
   Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked.
   
7. Bake the Calzones:
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through.
   
8. Serve:
   Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

• Variation: Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Freezing: These calzones can be frozen before baking. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.