Imagine biting into a warm, golden crust that gives way to a luscious, cheesy filling—tender chicken mingling with creamy ricotta and a trio of melted cheeses, all wrapped in pillowy pizza dough. That’s the irresistible magic of this Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe. It’s pure comfort food bliss, easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. With every bite, you’ll taste why this simple twist on an Italian-American classic is a staple in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe celebrates simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Each component plays an essential role, bringing its own flavor, texture, and color to the calzone. Gather these fresh items, and you’ll have the foundation for a seriously delicious meal.
- Pizza dough (1 ball, about 16 ounces): The soft yet sturdy vessel that holds all the creamy, dreamy filling together.
- Cooked chicken (1 1/2 cups, shredded or chopped): For best results, use rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for juicy, flavorful bites in every slice.
- Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a silky, mild creaminess that marries beautifully with the other cheeses.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts to gooey perfection, giving you those irresistible cheese pulls.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty, nutty richness that deepens the calzone’s flavor profile.
- Cream cheese (1/4 cup, softened): Provides extra creaminess and a slight tang that takes the filling over the top.
- Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Ensures an ultra-creamy filling while keeping the flavors balanced and lively.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Offers a pungent, aromatic touch and rounds out the cheeses with a savory kick.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A classic blend that brings a touch of herby brightness to every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and is totally essential.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and a pop of zest to the mix.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for brushing): Helps achieve that shiny, golden-brown crust when baked.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes and chopped parsley (for garnish): For extra color and a gentle hit of heat, plus a fresh finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Work Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Lightly dust your work surface with flour so your pizza dough rolls out smoothly and won’t tear.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Place the pizza dough on your prepared surface. Using a rolling pin, shape it into a large rectangle or circle about 1/4-inch thick. The shape doesn’t have to be perfect—think of it as the canvas for your masterpiece!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and you get a dreamy, cheesy chicken mixture.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Calzone
Spoon the filling onto one half of the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge. Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp them with a fork to make sure every bit of cheesy goodness stays tucked inside.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Cut a few small slits on top of the calzone to let steam escape while baking—the key to a crispy, golden crust. Gently transfer the calzone to your prepared baking sheet and brush the top with olive oil for unbeatable color and shine.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the calzone is puffed and golden brown all over. Let it cool for a few minutes to set the cheesy filling, then slice and serve while still warm.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe
Garnishes
Give your Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe a burst of color and fresh flavor by scattering chopped parsley over the top. For those who like a hint of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of zing. These simple touches make all the difference on the plate.
Side Dishes
This hearty calzone pairs beautifully with all sorts of sides. Try a crisp Caesar salad or a vibrant arugula-tomato salad to balance the richness, or serve with a bowl of marinara or Alfredo sauce for dipping. Don’t forget a handful of crunchy veggies, like carrot sticks or bell pepper strips, for a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the calzone into narrow strips and serve as an appetizer platter, or let guests slice their own wedges for a family-style dinner. You can even make a few smaller calzones for individual servings—a fun way to get everyone involved and customize their own fillings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), simply wrap them tightly in foil or an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a perfect grab-and-go lunch.
Freezing
To freeze, let the calzone cool completely, slice, and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Pop the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm up your slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven until the crust is crisp and the cheese is bubbly again—usually about 10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven truly revives that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe wonderfully convenient. You can also use homemade dough if you have the time and love a little extra project in the kitchen.
What other fillings work well in this calzone?
Feel free to get creative! Try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted veggies to amp up the nutrition and flavor. Just keep the filling ratio balanced so the calzone bakes evenly.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply skip the chicken and pile in extra vegetables or use a meat substitute. The creamy cheese mixture pairs well with almost any filling you love.
Can I make individual mini calzones instead of one large one?
Definitely! Divide the dough and filling into smaller portions, then shape and bake as directed. Just adjust your baking time down a bit—mini calzones cook up a little faster.
What dipping sauces pair best with Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe?
Classic marinara and Alfredo sauce are both excellent choices. For extra flair, try a garlic butter dip or spicy arrabbiata sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about gathering around the table and sharing a hot, bubbling calzone straight from the oven. If you’re ready to wow your loved ones with an easy, cozy, and crowd-pleasing meal, this Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe is your new go-to. I can’t wait for you to try it and create some delicious memories of your own!
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Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Calzone recipe. A cheesy, flavorful filling enclosed in perfectly baked dough, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 ball (about 16 ounces) pizza dough
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Optional:
- Red pepper flakes
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle or circle.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine chicken, cheeses, sour cream, garlic, seasonings.
- Fill the Dough: Spoon the filling onto half of the dough, fold over, seal edges.
- Bake: Brush with olive oil, bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, slice, and garnish before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Serve with marinara or Alfredo sauce for dipping.
- To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate unbaked calzones up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 calzone
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
