Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe
If you love all things cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe. Imagine tender chicken wrapped in stretchy pizza dough, with a dreamy filling of ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan that melts into every bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel special and leftovers the next day feel like a reward. Whether you’re sharing it with family or whipping it up for a cozy night in, this is a calzone you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe such a standout is how these simple, familiar ingredients come together to create something irresistibly decadent. Each component plays its role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a hint of sharpness, or that crave-worthy golden crust.
- Pizza dough: The blank canvas that bakes up golden and crisp, perfectly holding all that creamy filling.
- Olive oil: Just a touch for a subtle richness and to help with browning.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or chopped, it soaks up the cheesy sauce and gives the calzone heartiness.
- Ricotta cheese: The secret to the ultra-creamy, smooth texture inside.
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing, this adds a mild tang and extra silkiness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that classic, gooey cheese pull with every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, it gives the filling a sharp, savory punch.
- Garlic powder: Adds gentle warmth and depth without overpowering the filling.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a rustic herb aroma that ties the whole calzone together.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the creamy cheeses.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the richness.
- Egg (beaten): Brushed on top for that bakery-style, golden brown finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s ready to go when the calzones are assembled. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking—the last thing you want is to lose any of that golden crust.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is creamy and well blended. Then, stir in your cooked chicken so every piece is coated in cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Place your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each one into a circle about 8 inches wide. This size gives you plenty of space for the filling without making the calzone hard to handle.
Step 4: Fill and Fold
Spoon half of your creamy chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges to seal everything in. You want all that cheese to stay tucked inside while it bakes!
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Transfer the calzones to your prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg. This little step ensures a beautiful, glossy finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the calzones are puffed, golden, and crisp on the outside.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Let the baked calzones cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set slightly and keeps it from spilling out when you cut in—plus, it gives you the perfect melty cheese pull!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley over the warm calzones just before serving. A dusting of crushed red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat for those who like things spicy.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, a side of roasted vegetables, or a simple bowl of marinara or ranch for dipping. It’s all about balancing that rich, cheesy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the calzone sliced into wedges on a wooden board, surrounded by little bowls of dipping sauces and fresh herbs. For parties, try making mini calzones using the same filling—everyone loves handheld versions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the cooled calzones tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a great grab-and-go lunch.
Freezing
Calzones freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just bake from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat your calzone in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch, but the crust will stay much nicer if you use the oven or even an air fryer.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe. Just shred or chop it and mix it right into your cheesy filling for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
What other fillings can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make delicious additions. Just be sure not to overload the calzone so it seals properly and bakes evenly.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe and saves time. If you have a favorite homemade dough, by all means, use that instead!
Is this calzone recipe kid-friendly?
This dish is a big hit with kids thanks to its cheesy filling and mild flavors. You can even let little ones help assemble their own mini calzones for a fun family activity.
What dipping sauces go best with these calzones?
Classic marinara is always a winner, but ranch, garlic butter, or even a drizzle of pesto make tasty options for dipping your Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe slices.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe is pure comfort wrapped in golden, flaky dough. It’s a reliable favorite that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever you crave something cozy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing!
Print
Creamy Chicken Calzone Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 large calzones (4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Chicken Calzone recipe features tender cooked chicken combined with a rich blend of ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, all encased in perfectly baked pizza dough. It’s an easy yet indulgent Italian-American main course perfect for a comforting dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Dough and Oil
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash
- 1 egg (beaten)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth, then fold in the cooked chicken ensuring it is evenly coated with the cheese mixture.
- Roll Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and divide the pizza dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into an 8-inch circle, working carefully to maintain shape and even thickness.
- Fill and Seal: Spoon half of the chicken and cheese filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and pinch or crimp the edges firmly to fully seal the calzone to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Transfer the calzones carefully to the prepared baking sheet. Using a brush, coat the tops with the beaten egg to create a shiny, golden-brown crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the calzones for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the filling to set, making slicing easier and preventing burning when eating.
Notes
- Feel free to enhance the filling by adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve your calzones with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for a delicious dipping option.
- For a crispier crust, you can bake the calzones on a preheated pizza stone.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 calzone
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
