Cozy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crafting a scrumptious cheesy chicken parmesan calzone requires simple ingredients and a dash of culinary creativity.

Crispy golden dough wraps around tender chicken and melted mozzarella in a delightful Italian-inspired package.

Marinara sauce adds a zesty punch that complements the rich, savory filling.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Home cooks can easily master this comforting dish with minimal preparation time.

Layers of cheese, herbs, and succulent chicken create a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Dive into this recipe and become the kitchen hero you were meant to be.

Unique Calzone Variations for Chicken Parmesan Lovers

• Vegetarian Calzone: Replace chicken with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Calzone: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and red pepper flakes for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pizza dough with a cauliflower or almond flour crust to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious cheesy texture.

Plating Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Calzones with Style

• Tasty Dinner Companion: Pair with a crisp garden salad tossed in light Italian vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness and greens.
• Dipping Delights: Serve with extra warm pizza sauce or marinara on the side for guests who love extra sauce and want to customize their bite.
• Wine and Dine: Complement the rich, cheesy calzone with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a light Pinot Noir to enhance the savory flavors.
• Family-Style Feast: Cut into smaller appetizer-sized pieces for gatherings, making it perfect for parties or casual weekend get-togethers where sharing is caring.

Storage Advice for Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Calzones

• Store leftover calzone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture 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.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Unwrap frozen or refrigerated calzone, place on a baking sheet, and heat for 12-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to keep crust crisp.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need to make this calzone?

You’ll need pizza dough, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, chicken tenders, butter, and flour for the surface.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, absolutely! If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them as directed, then slice into strips before adding to the calzone.

• How do I prevent the calzone from getting soggy?

Make sure to leave a 1-inch border when spreading sauce and create small slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the calzone ahead of time and reheat it in the oven, maintaining its crispy texture and delicious flavor.

Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Calzone Delight for Comfort Food Cravings

• Quickly Customize Your Meal: Swap chicken tenders for ground beef, shredded turkey, or vegetarian alternatives to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Perfect for beginner cooks with simple steps that anyone can follow, no advanced culinary techniques needed.
• Family Dinner Champion: Packed with cheesy goodness and kid-friendly flavors that will make everyone at the table happy and satisfied.
• Stress-Free Entertaining Option: Impressive looking dish that seems complex but actually takes minimal effort, making it great for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Calzone Delight

• Pizza Dough: A soft and stretchy foundation that forms the delicious outer shell of the calzone.
• Chicken Tenders: Tender and juicy protein that adds substantial flavor to the calzone.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty and creamy cheese that provides rich and gooey texture.

• Pizza Sauce, Grated Parmesan Cheese: A tangy sauce and sharp cheese that enhance the overall taste profile of the calzone.

• Butter, Melted: A golden ingredient that helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust and adds richness.

Chicken Parmesan Calzone Assembly Directions for Beginners

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F.

If you’re starting with frozen chicken tenders, cook them according to the package instructions, then slice them into tempting strips and set them aside.

Step 2: Roll Out The Dough

Sprinkle some flour on your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a beautiful 12-inch circle, making sure it’s about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Ingredients

Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce on one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Grated parmesan
• Sliced chicken tenders

Step 4: Create The Perfect Pocket

Fold the empty half of the dough over your mountain of toppings.

Carefully pinch and press the edges together to create a sealed half-moon shape that locks in all the deliciousness.

Step 5: Prep For Baking

Transfer your calzone to a greased baking sheet.

Brush the top with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.

Make three small slits on top to let steam escape and prevent a soggy surprise.

Step 6: First Bake

Slide the calzone into the oven and bake for 20 minutes until it starts to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Cheesy Finale

• Pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese

Return to the oven for another 10 minutes of baking magic.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Let your calzone cool for 5-7 minutes to avoid any mouth-burning mishaps.

Slice into strips and serve up this mouthwatering masterpiece!

Calzone Baking Tips for Extra Cheesy Results

• Pinch dough edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, creating a perfect seal for your calzone.
• Replace pizza sauce with marinara or homemade tomato sauce for a personalized flavor twist that suits your taste.
• Mix different cheese varieties like provolone or ricotta with mozzarella for a more complex and rich cheese profile.
• Substitute chicken tenders with grilled shredded chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based protein for diverse dietary needs.
• Make precise slits on top of calzone to allow steam to release, ensuring a crispy golden-brown exterior without soggy dough.

Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Calzone Delight Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken Parmesan Calzone Delight brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with a crispy, golden crust embracing melted cheese and savory chicken. Warm, herb-infused filling promises a delightful escape that satisfies deep cravings and transports you to a charming trattoria.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 6–7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders (sliced)

Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) grated parmesan cheese

Dough and Additional Ingredients:

• 16–20 ounces (454–567 grams) pizza dough
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) pizza sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter
• Flour (for rolling dough)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 400°F, ensuring even temperature distribution.
2. Transform frozen chicken tenders into tender strips by following package cooking instructions, then set aside for later assembly.
3. Generously dust a clean surface with flour and carefully stretch pizza dough into a circular shape approximately 12 inches wide and uniformly thin.
4. Distribute pizza sauce across one half of the dough, maintaining a narrow border around the edges to prevent leakage during baking.
5. Layer chicken strips, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese strategically over the sauced section, creating an even coverage.
6. Gently fold the untopped dough half over the filled section, pressing and crimping edges to create a secure seal.
7. Transfer the assembled calzone onto a lightly greased baking sheet, brushing the exterior with melted butter for golden crispness.
8. Create small ventilation slits across the top to allow steam escape and prevent potential rupturing.
9. Bake for 20 minutes until the dough turns golden and becomes slightly crisp around the edges.
10. Remove from oven, quickly spread additional pizza sauce and sprinkle remaining mozzarella across the surface.
11. Return to oven for final 10-minute baking, allowing cheese to melt and develop a rich, bubbling texture.
12. Allow calzone to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven, enabling internal temperature to stabilize.
13. Slice into elegant strips and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Choose chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a leaner protein option that adds more flavor and tenderness to the calzone.
• Brush olive oil instead of butter for a healthier alternative that still provides a golden, crispy exterior.
• Try different cheese combinations like provolone or ricotta to create unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by preheating a pizza stone or using a perforated baking sheet to ensure crisp, evenly cooked dough.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg