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πŸ• Chicken Parmesan Calzone πŸ—πŸ§€

This Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a delicious twist on the classic Italian favorite. It’s packed with crispy chicken, marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all wrapped up in a golden, flaky pizza dough. It’s a comforting, cheesy meal that everyone will love!

πŸ“‹ Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 🍞
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (breaded chicken for a more traditional flavor) πŸ—
  • 1 cup marinara sauce πŸ…
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese πŸ§€
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese πŸ§€
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🌿
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 🌿
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil πŸ›’οΈ
  • Salt and pepper to taste πŸ§‚
  • Flour (for dusting) 🌾

For Garnish:

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional) 🌿
  • Extra marinara sauce for dipping πŸ…

πŸ“ Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough and Chicken:

  1. Preheat the oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  1. Prepare the work surface:
  • Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle or circle, about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Assemble the Calzone:

  1. Layer the ingredients:
  • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over one half of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
  • Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the cooked chicken, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the remaining mozzarella on top.
  1. Fold and seal the calzone:
  • Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together, then fold and crimp them to seal tightly. You can use a fork to press down along the edges for a decorative seal.

3. Bake the Calzone:

  1. Brush with olive oil:
  • Brush the top of the calzone with olive oil and sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, if desired.
  1. Make steam vents:
  • Use a sharp knife to cut 2-3 small slits on the top of the calzone to allow steam to escape while baking.
  1. Bake:
  • Place the calzone on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

4. Serve:

  1. Cool slightly and garnish:
  • Let the calzone cool for a few minutes, then slice it into portions. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
  1. Serve with marinara sauce:
  • Serve the Chicken Parmesan Calzone with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 35-40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
πŸ”₯ Calories: Approximately 450-500 kcal per serving

This Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a cheesy, crispy, and comforting meal that brings together the best flavors of chicken parmesan in a portable, handheld package. Perfect for a family dinner or a game-day snack! πŸ—πŸ•πŸŒΏ