Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crafting a delectable chicken parmesan calzone brings culinary excitement to your kitchen adventure.

Warm, gooey cheese melts perfectly inside crispy folded dough.

Authentic italian flavors combine in one irresistible pocket of comfort.

Herbs and spices dance together, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of crispy crust and tender chicken.

Melted mozzarella and marinara sauce guarantee a satisfying meal that impresses.

Scroll down and unleash your inner chef with this simple yet stunning recipe.

Best Pairings for Chicken Parmesan Calzone

• Savor Complementary Flavors: A crisp, chilled Pinot Grigio perfectly balances the rich, cheesy calzone with its light, zesty notes that cut through the heaviness of the dish.
• Pair with Fresh Greens: Serve a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and provide a peppery contrast to the warm, melted cheese inside the calzone.
• Enhance with Herb Dipping Sauce: Create a quick marinara herb dip featuring fresh basil, oregano, and a touch of garlic to elevate the calzone's already delicious Italian-inspired flavors.
• Match with Robust Red: Select a medium-bodied Chianti to complement the chicken and cheese, its slight acidity and fruity undertones creating a harmonious dining experience.

Storage Tips for Chicken Parmesan Calzone

• Store leftover calzone in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap cooled calzone tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen calzone in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Place on a baking sheet and warm for 12-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• For a faster option, microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, then crisp in a skillet for 30 seconds to restore crunchiness.

FAQs About Chicken Parmesan Calzone

• What ingredients make this calzone unique?

The combination of shredded chicken, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates a classic Italian-American flavor profile that transforms traditional pizza ingredients into a delicious handheld meal.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred the chicken and ensure it’s evenly distributed across the dough before folding.

• How do I prevent the calzone from leaking?

Pinch the edges firmly and make sure there are no gaps when sealing the dough. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a tighter seal.

Why Chicken Parmesan Calzone Is A Crispy, Cheesy Treat

• Customize with Ease: Transform this classic chicken parmesan into a portable, handheld delight that lets you enjoy Italian flavors without the traditional plate and fork.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with melted cheese, tender chicken, and rich marinara sauce, this calzone delivers maximum satisfaction for both kids and adults at family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requiring minimal prep steps and basic ingredients, this recipe turns simple pizza dough into a gourmet-style meal that looks impressive but takes minimal culinary skills to create.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day snacking, this calzone adapts to different occasions while providing a hearty, filling option that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Calzone

• Pizza Dough: A soft, pliable base that creates the perfect envelope for the delicious filling.
• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that adds heartiness to the calzone.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce that provides a rich, tangy flavor base.

• Mozzarella, Parmesan: Melty cheeses that create a creamy, savory interior with a classic Italian flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: A subtle seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when brushed on the calzone.
• Fresh Basil: A bright, aromatic herb that adds a fresh garnish and complementary flavor.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Calzone Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for an easy cleanup.

Step 2: Shape The Dough

Roll out the pizza dough into a wide, beautiful circle. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on one half, keeping the edges clear for sealing.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Layers

• Shredded chicken
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder

Spread these goodies evenly over the saucy side of the dough.

Step 4: Create The Pocket

Gently fold the bare dough half over the loaded side. Use your fingers to press and pinch the edges, creating a tight seal so no tasty filling escapes.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Brush the top of the calzone with a light coating of olive oil. This will help create a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the calzone into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and looks irresistibly crispy.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle some fresh chopped basil on top. Slice and serve while it’s hot and bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Pro Tips for Crispy Chicken Parmesan Calzone

• Opt for homemade marinara sauce for a richer, more authentic flavor profile.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded into small, tender pieces before adding to the calzone.
• Seal edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, using a fork to create a decorative crimp.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a crispy, golden crust.
• Allow calzone to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help filling set and prevent burning your mouth.

Flavorful Variations for Chicken Parmesan Calzone

• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Calzone: Replace marinara sauce with buffalo sauce, add blue cheese crumbles, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Chicken Calzone: Swap marinara for pesto, incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• BBQ Chicken Ranch Calzone: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara, mix in ranch dressing, add crispy bacon bits, and top with green onions.
• Veggie Chicken Fusion Calzone: Include roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and caramelized onions with chicken for a vegetable-packed alternative.

Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Italian flair in this chicken parmesan calzone, blending crispy golden crust with melted cheese and savory chicken. Hearty flavors nestle inside a perfectly folded pocket, inviting you to savor each delicious bite of homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 cup (240 ml) cooked chicken, shredded

Cheeses

• 1 cup (240 ml) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated

Base and Sauce

• 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) marinara sauce

Seasonings and Oil

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish

• Fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and arrange a parchment-lined baking sheet for preparation.
2. Stretch the pizza dough into a circular shape, creating a wide, even surface for filling.
3. Distribute marinara sauce across one half of the dough, maintaining a clean border around the edges to ensure proper sealing.
4. Arrange shredded chicken evenly over the sauce, creating a uniform layer of protein.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously across the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Dust the cheese layer with garlic powder to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Carefully fold the empty dough half over the filled section, creating a half-moon shape.
8. Firmly press and crimp the edges with fingertips to create a tight seal, preventing filling from leaking during baking.
9. Gently brush the calzone exterior with olive oil, promoting a golden, crispy crust.
10. Position the calzone on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns a rich, golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow internal temperature to stabilize.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
13. Slice and serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

• Customize the filling by adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor variety.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by preheating a pizza stone or using a perforated baking sheet for crispy crust edges.
• Replace traditional chicken with rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to save time and reduce food waste.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cauliflower or almond flour pizza dough for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg