Description
Golden, crispy calzones stuffed with creamy Alfredo chicken and melted cheese, offering a rich and gooey filling perfect for dinner, game nights, or meal prep. These calzones combine tender cooked chicken, a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, all encased in a flaky pizza dough baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (reserve ½ cup for topping if desired)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional Add-ins:
- Sautéed spinach
- Cooked broccoli florets
- Crispy bacon bits
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the calzones.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella (reserving half a cup if you want to sprinkle on top later), ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Roll the Dough: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 7–8 inch diameter circle ensuring even thickness.
- Fill & Fold: Spoon the prepared filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border all around. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal well. Cut 2–3 small slits on the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Brush & Bake: Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with the beaten egg wash and then lightly brush with olive oil to promote a golden, shiny crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes until the calzones are golden brown. If using, sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra cheesiness.
Notes
- Avoid overfilling the calzones to prevent leakage during baking.
- Let the calzones rest for 5 minutes after baking before cutting to allow the filling to thicken.
- Serve with warm marinara sauce or additional Alfredo sauce for dipping.
- Optional ingredients like sautéed spinach, cooked broccoli, crispy bacon bits, or red pepper flakes can be added to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
