If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends creamy, cheesy goodness with comforting, handheld convenience, this Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine tender shredded chicken bathed in rich Alfredo sauce, ooey-gooey mozzarella, and a touch of Parmesan, all wrapped in perfectly golden, crispy pizza dough pockets. It’s like the best parts of your favorite Italian classics come together in a warm, satisfying calzone. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this recipe is straightforward and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role. Every component brings a unique texture, flavor, and aroma to the table. From the creamy Alfredo sauce that binds everything together to the delicate garlic and Italian seasoning that elevate the filling, you’ll love how these ingredients create a harmonious dish.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience and tender texture.
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce: The creamy base that makes the filling rich and flavorful.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for that irresistible, gooey stretch.
- 1 package pizza dough: Creates the perfect crispy and chewy calzone crust.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick to complement the richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, savory depth to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the classic Italian flavor profile.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives the calzones a gorgeous golden, shiny finish when baked.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Starting off right, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your calzones cook evenly and develop a beautifully golden crust that’s crispy on the outside yet soft inside. Getting the oven ready early means no waiting once your calzones are assembled.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This mixture is the heart of your Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe, where creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors mingle to create that irresistible filling you’ll want to savor.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Flour your surface lightly, then roll out the pizza dough. The dough should be smooth and pliable, easy to work with but sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling. Having a well-rolled dough is key for a great texture once the calzones bake.
Step 4: Cut Dough Circles
Cut the dough into approximately 6-inch circles. These sized portions strike a perfect balance—they’re big enough to hold a generous filling but still easy to manage and eat without a mess.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving some space around the edges for sealing. This is when all the creamy, cheesy goodness really starts to come together.
Step 6: Fold and Seal
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly and seal them with a fork. This keeps the filling securely inside during baking and gives the calzone that charming crimped look.
Step 7: Apply Egg Wash
Brush the tops of each calzone with the beaten egg. This simple step is the secret to achieving that shiny, golden finish that makes your calzones look as good as they taste.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the calzones on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese peeking through—that’s your cue that they’re ready to come out and be devoured.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top to add a fresh pop of color and flavor. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan can also elevate the look and taste, making each calzone a feast for the senses.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve these calzones with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. The freshness and crunch help balance the richness of the Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the calzones into smaller pieces and serve them as party appetizers with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or even a spicy arrabbiata. It’s a great way to let everyone customize their bites and enjoy the dish in a new way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe for multiple meals without losing any of its deliciousness.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, wrap the calzones individually in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. This preserves their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your calzones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as the oven helps maintain a crispy crust and melty filling that makes the Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought Alfredo sauce works wonderfully and keeps this recipe quick and easy without sacrificing flavor. For a personal touch, you can always mix in a bit of garlic or extra Parmesan.
What type of chicken is best for Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe?
Cooked and shredded chicken works best, whether it’s from rotisserie, grilled, or poached chicken breasts. It should be tender and flavorful to complement the creamy filling.
Can I freeze the calzones before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the calzones, seal them well, and freeze before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen but add a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
Is it possible to make these calzones gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary needs. Just keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will remain outstanding.
How can I make the calzones crispier?
Brushing the calzones with the beaten egg before baking helps crisp them up beautifully, and baking them at 400°F ensures a golden, crunchy crust. Using a pizza stone or baking on a preheated baking sheet can also enhance crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe is a delightful twist on classic comfort food that’s sure to win hearts at your table. It brings together creamy, cheesy filling and a golden, crispy crust in a way that feels both special and approachable. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!
Print
Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones (4 servings)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Chicken Alfredo Calzones combine tender shredded chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, enclosed in a golden, crispy pizza dough crust. This delicious Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a comforting meal that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy cheesy and savory cravings.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Calzone Dough & Topping
- 1 package pizza dough
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the calzones to a perfect golden brown.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, mixing well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into an even thickness to prepare for shaping the calzones.
- Cut Dough Circles: Use a round cutter or a large cup to cut the rolled dough into circles approximately 6 inches in diameter for individual calzones.
- Add Filling: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving room along the edges for sealing.
- Seal Calzones: Fold the dough over to cover the filling, forming a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly with a fork to seal and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg to promote a shiny, golden crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the calzones on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Ensure the pizza dough is thawed if using frozen dough for easier handling.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Brush with garlic butter instead of egg wash for a different flavor and softer crust.
- Let calzones cool slightly before serving as the filling will be very hot.
