Chicken Parmesan Calzone: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
If you love the flavors of chicken Parmesan but want a fun, handheld version, this Chicken Parmesan Calzone is the perfect answer. Combining crispy chicken tenders, gooey mozzarella cheese, and rich pizza sauce all wrapped up in a golden, buttery pizza dough, this calzone is a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a weekend treat, or even a game day snack, this recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Parmesan Calzone has all the classic flavors you love but in a convenient, portable form. It’s crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and bursting with flavor from the seasoned chicken and rich pizza sauce. Plus, it’s quick to prepare using store-bought pizza dough and fully cooked crispy chicken tenders, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious homemade meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 16-20 oz pizza dough
- 6-7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders (such as Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips), sliced
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Flour (for dusting the dough)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Chicken Tenders
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them according to the package instructions until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, slice them into smaller strips and set them aside.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, similar to how you would prepare a pizza crust. Make sure the dough is evenly rolled for even cooking.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce on one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. This prevents the sauce from spilling out when you fold the dough.
Next, layer 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by all the Parmesan cheese and the sliced chicken tenders on top of the sauce. The combination of melted cheese and crispy chicken gives this calzone its classic Chicken Parmesan taste.
Step 4: Fold and Seal the Calzone
Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges of the dough together tightly to seal the calzone, ensuring that no filling escapes during baking.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Place the calzone on a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with the melted butter, which helps the dough turn golden brown as it bakes. Use a sharp knife to cut three 1/2-inch slits on top of the calzone for ventilation. This step prevents the dough from puffing up too much and allows steam to escape.
Step 6: Bake the Calzone
Bake the calzone in your preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
After 20 minutes, remove the calzone from the oven and spread the remaining 1/4 cup of pizza sauce over the top, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
Step 7: Finish Baking
Return the calzone to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. This step adds an extra layer of gooey goodness to the calzone, making it even more irresistible.
Step 8: Let Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the calzone from the oven and let it cool for 5-7 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to cut. Slice the calzone into strips for serving, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Parmesan Calzone pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal. You can also serve it with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, adding even more flavor to each bite. This calzone is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a weekend lunch, or a snack for game day parties.
Recipe Notes
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize the filling by adding extras like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even pepperoni for a different twist on the traditional Chicken Parmesan flavor.
- Store-Bought Dough: To save time, use store-bought pizza dough, but if you prefer homemade, that works just as well! Just make sure it’s rolled out evenly for consistent baking.
- Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the calzone in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a fun and flavorful take on the classic Italian dish. With its crispy dough, gooey cheese, and delicious chicken filling, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or serving it at a gathering, this calzone delivers comfort food at its finest. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Enjoy!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Calzone
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a perfect combination of crispy chicken tenders, melty mozzarella, and rich pizza sauce, all wrapped in golden, freshly baked dough. The cheesy, flavorful filling is encased in a warm and crispy crust, making each bite a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. This Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a fun meal to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
16–20 oz pizza dough
6–7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders (such as Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips), sliced
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup pizza sauce
2 tbsp butter, melted
Flour (for dusting the dough)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them according to the package instructions. Slice them into smaller strips and set aside.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle, just like you would for a pizza crust.
On one half of the dough, spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Top with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, all the Parmesan cheese, and the sliced chicken tenders.
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal the calzone.
Place the calzone on a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter and use a knife to cut three 1/2-inch slits on top for ventilation.
Bake the calzone for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread 1/4 cup of pizza sauce over the top, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Return the calzone to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the calzone cool for 5-7 minutes. Slice into strips for serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450