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!
📋 Ingredients:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 🍞
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (breaded chicken for a more traditional flavor) 🍗
- 1 cup marinara sauce 🍅
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🌿
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 🌿
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🛢️
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- Flour (for dusting) 🌾
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional) 🌿
- Extra marinara sauce for dipping 🍅
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough and Chicken:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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
🔥 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! 🍗🍕🌿