Introduction
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Ready to transform simple ingredients into a ridiculously delicious and comforting meal the whole family will adore? Get ready to dive into the world of cheesy, saucy, chicken-filled calzones – the ultimate comfort food upgrade! These aren’t your average frozen calzones; we’re talking homemade goodness bursting with flavor in every bite.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a perfect blend of convenience and incredible taste. No complicated techniques here – just simple steps that lead to an unbelievably satisfying meal. Plus, you can customize it to everyone’s liking! Leftovers are fantastic, too!
Key Ingredients
- 🍕 1 package (1 pound) refrigerated pizza dough
- 🐔 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🌿 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 🥚 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2️⃣ Assemble the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, minced garlic, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Gently mix everything together. If using, stir in the parsley.
3️⃣ Roll and Shape: Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough in half to make two calzones. Spread half of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto each half of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border.
4️⃣ Fold and Seal: Fold each dough half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal them. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a pretty look!
5️⃣ Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the tops.
6️⃣ Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7️⃣ Rest & Serve: Let the calzones rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Handy Tips
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time!
- If your dough is a little dry, lightly brush it with a little olive oil before adding the filling.
- Don’t overfill the calzones, or they might burst open during baking.
Heat Control
Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures the crust gets perfectly golden brown and crispy while the filling gets thoroughly heated through. If your oven runs hot, keep a close eye on them and reduce the baking time slightly if needed.
Crunch Factor
The perfect crunch comes from the perfectly baked pizza dough. A little extra olive oil brushed on before baking adds to the crispiness.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken Alfredo filling.
- Roasted vegetables like bell peppers or onions would make a delicious addition!
- Use a pizza stone for an extra-crisp crust!
Storage Tips
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These make a fantastic, homemade gift! Package individual calzones in parchment paper and tie with ribbons. A cute gift tag adds a personal touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Chicken Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling.
🌟 Spinach and Artichoke Alfredo: Stir in some chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the filling.
🌟 Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté some mushrooms and add them to the chicken mixture.
🌟 Mediterranean Alfredo: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy Crust: If the crust is soggy, make sure you’re baking at the correct temperature and allowing the calzones to bake for the full time.
- Burnt Crust: If the crust burns too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly or tent the calzones with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- Undercooked Filling: If the filling is undercooked, increase the baking time by a few minutes.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Absolutely! Provolone, Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes! Assemble the calzones, place them on a baking sheet and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers? A: Reheat in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze these? A: Yes! Assembled, unbaked calzones can be frozen for up to a month. Bake from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What can I add to make it kid-friendly? A: Kids love extra cheese! You could also add some pepperoni or other favorite pizza toppings to the filling.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a recipe for supremely satisfying Chicken Alfredo Calzones that’s easy enough for a weeknight meal and impressive enough for a special occasion. Enjoy making (and eating!) these cheesy, gooey delights. Share your creations with us – we’d love to see them! Happy cooking!
Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones: Family Dinner Winner
Delicious calzones filled with creamy chicken Alfredo, melted cheese, and a hint of garlic, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220u00b0C (425u00b0F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 4 equal circles (about 6-8 inches in diameter).
- Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra seal.
- Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg for a golden color.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add sautu00e9ed mushrooms or spinach to the filling.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.