Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe

The Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends. This dish combines crispy chicken tenders, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan cheese, all enveloped in a golden-brown calzone crust. Whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe will surely impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This calzone comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of crispy chicken and rich cheeses creates an irresistible taste experience.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your own favorite ingredients or swap out the chicken for veggies for a vegetarian option.
• Perfect for Sharing: Slice it up and share with friends; it’s great for parties or movie nights.
• Kid-Friendly: With its fun shape and delicious filling, kids will love this dish!

Tools and Preparation

To make your Chicken Parmesan Calzone a success, having the right tools is essential. These kitchen gadgets will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly, ensuring a perfect calzone shape.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your calzone without any mess.
• Knife: Useful for slicing chicken tenders and making slits in the calzone to let steam escape.

Ingredients

The only calzone recipe you’ll ever need—a chicken parm calzone filled with crispy chicken, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses.

• 16-20 ounces pizza dough
• 6-7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders (sliced)
• 8 ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup pizza sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• flour for dough

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400 °F. If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them ahead of time according to the directions on the package. Slice into smaller strips and set aside.

Step 2: Roll Out Dough

Meanwhile, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle, like you would pizza crust.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Fillings

Choose one half of the rolled-out dough, and spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce over it, leaving a one-inch border around the edge. Top this half with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, all of the grated Parmesan cheese, and sliced chicken tenders.

Step 4: Fold and Seal

Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the ends together firmly to seal it well.

Step 5: Bake the Calzone

Place the calzone on a greased baking sheet and baste the top with melted butter. Use a knife to pierce three 1/2-inch slits in the top of the calzone. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with an additional 1/4 cup pizza sauce and about 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5-7 minutes before slicing into strips for serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan Calzone!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe

Serving your Chicken Parmesan Calzone is as important as making it. The right accompaniments enhance the flavors and create a delightful dining experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons complement the calzone’s richness.
• Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add a refreshing touch that balances the savory filling.

Offer Dipping Sauces

• Garlic Butter – Melted garlic butter adds an irresistible flavor that elevates every bite.
• Marinara Sauce – A classic choice; serve warm for dipping to enhance the Italian flavors.

Include a Beverage

• Red Wine – A light red wine pairs beautifully, enhancing the savory taste of the chicken and cheese.
• Sparkling Water – For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water refreshes the palate between bites.

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How to Perfect Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Chicken Parmesan Calzone, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Always opt for fresh produce and quality cheeses for enhanced flavor.
• Don’t Overfill – Avoid overstuffing your calzone; it will make sealing difficult and could lead to bursting during baking.
• Seal Properly – Pinch edges tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out while baking.
• Experiment with Cheese – Mixing different cheeses like provolone or fontina can add unique flavors alongside mozzarella.
• Brush with Olive Oil – Instead of butter, try brushing olive oil on top for a healthier twist with great flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Parmesan Calzone can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread – Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for sopping up extra sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted to perfection adds color and nutrition.
3. Pasta Salad – A chilled pasta salad brings a refreshing contrast to your warm calzone.
4. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy side that balances rich flavors.
5. Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, olives, and cheeses creates an inviting starter before the main dish.
6. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs are fun to dip in any extra sauce served alongside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Chicken Parmesan Calzone can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Preparation: Not preparing ingredients beforehand can lead to chaos. Always have your chicken cooked and sliced before starting.
• Bold Dough Thickness: Rolling the dough too thick makes it hard to cook through. Aim for a thin, even crust for the best texture.
• Bold Overfilling: Stuffing too much filling in the calzone can lead to spills while baking. Use the recommended amounts for a perfect balance.
• Bold Sealing Issues: Forgetting to seal the edges properly may cause the filling to leak. Pinch and fold well to keep everything inside.
• Bold Skipping Cuts: Not making slits on top of the calzone can result in a soggy crust. Always pierce to allow steam to escape during baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover calzones in an airtight container.
• item They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe

• item Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• item Properly stored, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Be aware this may make the crust chewy.
• Bold Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe.

How do I make Chicken Parmesan Calzone from scratch?

To make from scratch, prepare your pizza dough and filling as described in the recipe. Follow the same baking instructions.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! Leftover chicken works great. Just ensure it’s cooked and seasoned properly before adding it to your calzone.

What if I don’t have pizza sauce?

You can substitute with marinara or any tomato-based sauce you prefer. It will still taste delicious!

How can I customize my Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses too!

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The total time is about 45 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust it based on dietary needs. Give it a try for an impressive meal that everyone will love!