why make this recipe
Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the creamy goodness of Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and a blend of rich cheeses, all wrapped in a warm, golden-brown dough. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. The best part? They are easy to make and can be tailored to your taste, making them a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal. Plus, who can resist a warm calzone filled with gooey cheese and savory chicken?
how to make Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
Making Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones is a simple and enjoyable process that anyone can follow. Below are the detailed instructions that will guide you through creating this delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 package pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a well-cooked, crispy calzone when it’s time to bake.
Combine the filling: In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This delicious mixture will be the filling for your calzones. Make sure all the chicken is coated in the sauce and that the cheeses are evenly distributed.
Prepare the pizza dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. If you’re using store-bought dough, it should roll out easily. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; just get it as flat as you can.
Cut the dough: Once rolled out, cut the dough into 6–8 inch circles. You can use a large round cookie cutter or a bowl to guide your cuts.
Fill the calzones: Take one circle of dough and place a generous amount of the chicken mixture on one half of the circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult. Leave some space around the edges to ensure the calzone can be sealed properly.
Seal the edges: Fold the other half of the dough over the filled half. Press down around the edges to seal. If you’d like, you can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to ensure it stays sealed.
Prepare for baking: Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make for easier cleanup. Brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil for a nice golden color.
Make steam vents: Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits on top of each calzone. This step is important as it allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the calzones from bursting.
Bake the calzones: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the calzones for 15–20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and watch for a golden-brown color and puffiness.
Cool and serve: Once they’re cooked, remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool slightly. This helps prevent burns and allows the flavors to settle. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for dipping and sprinkle with your favorite herbs if desired.
how to serve Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones are best served warm and fresh. You can place them on a platter for a family-style meal or serve them individually on plates. Pair them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, which adds tanginess and flavor. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can complement the richness of the calzones nicely. For added flavor, consider sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top just before serving.
how to store Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
If you have leftover calzones or want to make them ahead of time, proper storage is essential. Let the calzones cool completely before storing them. You can place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each calzone in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
tips to make Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken, it will save you time and add great flavor to your filling.
Customize the filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to balance the richness with some greens or veggies.
Use store-bought dough: To save time, you can easily use store-bought pizza dough. It’s convenient and readily available in most grocery stores.
Monitor baking time: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on the calzones as they bake. Look for a golden-brown color to know when they are done.
Let them cool slightly: Allowing the calzones to cool for a moment before serving prevents burns and helps the filling firm up a bit.
variation
If you want to try something different, consider making a Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Calzone by adding buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, using the same cheese and sauce blend.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can mix and match cheeses according to your preference. Cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack would work well for different flavors.
2. How can I make these calzones ahead of time?
You can prepare the calzones and freeze them before baking. Just wrap each calzone in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in the freezer. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
3. What can I serve with calzones?
Calzones pair wonderfully with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, a crisp salad, or some roasted vegetables. You can also serve garlic knots or breadsticks for a more substantial meal.
4. Can I bake the calzones on a pizza stone?
Yes! If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven and then place the calzones directly on the stone to bake. This will yield an extra crispy crust.
5. How long do leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftover calzones can last for up to 3 days. If frozen, they can last for up to 2 months.
Enjoy your Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones with family and friends, and don’t forget to experiment with different flavors and fillings to make them your own!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious calzones filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and a blend of rich cheeses, all wrapped in golden-brown dough.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 package pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out pizza dough to 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into 6-8 inch circles.
- Place a generous amount of the chicken mixture on one half of the dough circle.
- Fold the other half over and seal the edges firmly.
- Brush the tops with olive oil and cut small slits for steam vents.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
For variety, consider making a Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Calzone by adding buffalo sauce to the filling or substituting chicken with sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: calzones, chicken, Alfredo, Italian, comfort food