There’s something so comforting about calzones, isn’t there? Maybe it’s the warm, gooey cheese, or perhaps it’s the delightful crunch of the crispy dough. Whatever it is, these Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones are not just easy to make, but they’re also incredibly memorable. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
- Fast: You can have the main components prepped and in the oven in about 20 minutes.
- Easy: It’s a simple “brown and bake” method that even beginner cooks can master.
- Giftable: This is a sturdy dish that travels well, making it perfect for potlucks or as a “get well soon” meal.
- Crowd-pleasing: Even people who think they don’t like chicken usually fall in love with this creamy, cheesy version!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce: Store-bought works perfectly, but homemade is even better!
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The more cheese, the better, right?
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This adds a lovely creaminess to your filling.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that extra flavor kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough: A huge time-saver!
- Olive oil, for brushing: Helps achieve that golden, crispy crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping: Adds a nutty flavor and a beautiful finish.
- Marinara sauce, for serving: A classic pairing that everyone loves.
How to Make Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into circles, approximately 6 inches in diameter.
- Place a generous amount of the chicken and cheese mixture on one half of each dough circle.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce.
Substitutions & Additions
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these fun variations:
- Swap the chicken for cooked ground beef or turkey for a different flavor.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use different cheeses such as cheddar or pepper jack for a bolder taste.
- Try a ranch dressing base instead of Alfredo for a tangy twist.
Tips for Success
Here are some helpful hints to ensure your calzones turn out perfectly:
- Don’t overfill the calzones; a little filling goes a long way.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent any gooey goodness from leaking out!
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the calzones when you’re ready to bake.
- Consider brushing the dough with garlic butter instead of olive oil for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
To store any leftovers, simply place the cooled calzones in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture, or pop them in the microwave if you are in a hurry!
FAQs
- Can I freeze the calzones? Yes! Assemble them and freeze before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- What can I serve with calzones? They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Can I make them vegetarian? Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and add more veggies or use a meat substitute.
These Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones are perfect for any occasion! For more delicious recipes, check out all our recipes or appetizers and snacks for treats you will love!
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Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
There's something so comforting about calzones, isn't there? Maybe it's the warm, gooey cheese, or perhaps it's the delightful crunch of the crispy dough. Whatever it is, these Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones are not just easy to make, but they're also incredibly memorable. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering, you'll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again!
Equipment
- oven
- Mixing Bowl
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce store-bought or homemade
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Calzone
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- Olive oil for brushing helps achieve that golden, crispy crust
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping adds a nutty flavor
- Marinara sauce for serving a classic pairing
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into circles, approximately 6 inches in diameter.
- Step 4: Place a generous amount of the chicken and cheese mixture on one half of each dough circle.
- Step 5: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Step 6: Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce.
Notes
To store any leftovers, simply place the cooled calzones in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture, or pop them in the microwave if you are in a hurry!
