Chicken Parmesan Calzone

Chicken Parmesan Calzone combines the beloved flavors of traditional chicken parmesan—crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheeses—encased in a golden, flaky crust. This handheld delight offers a convenient and satisfying meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavors: Marries the rich taste of chicken parmesan with the comforting appeal of a calzone.
• Convenient: A portable meal that’s perfect for on-the-go dining or packed lunches.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with your preferred cheeses or additional fillings.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 16-20 ounces pizza dough
• 6-7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders, sliced
• 3/4 cup pizza sauce
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Flour, for dusting

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, slice them into smaller pieces and set aside.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch and roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, ensuring it’s evenly spread and not too thick.
3. Assemble the Calzone: Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce on one half of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Layer 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the sliced chicken tenders over the sauce.
4. Seal the Calzone: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp with your fingers or a fork to ensure it’s fully sealed.
5. Prepare for Baking: Place the calzone on a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter for a golden crust. Use a sharp knife to cut three 1/2-inch slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.
6. Bake: Bake the calzone in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove from the oven and spread the remaining 1/4 cup of pizza sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
7. Serve: Let the calzone cool for 5-7 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling settle, making it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy warm, and serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
• Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
• Total Time: About 45 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian calzone.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with provolone or fontina cheese to alter the flavor profile.
• Whole Wheat Dough: Use whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow the calzone to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To maintain the crispy crust, reheat the calzone in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

What type of pizza dough should I use?

You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough. Both work well; it’s a matter of personal preference and convenience.

Can I use grilled chicken instead of crispy chicken tenders?

Yes, grilled or rotisserie chicken can be used as a substitute for crispy chicken tenders. It will provide a different texture but still be delicious.

Is it possible to make the calzone ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the calzone ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. If refrigerating for more than a few hours, it’s best to bake it first and then reheat to maintain the crust’s texture.

Can I freeze the calzone?

Absolutely. After baking, let the calzone cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

What other fillings can I add?

Feel free to add ingredients like sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to enhance the flavor. Just be cautious not to overfill the calzone to prevent leakage.

How can I prevent the calzone from becoming soggy?

Ensure that any added ingredients, like vegetables, are cooked and not too watery. Also, avoid overloading with sauce, and make sure to seal the edges properly to keep the filling inside.

Can I use a different sauce instead of pizza sauce?

Chicken Parmesan Calzone

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Chicken Parmesan Calzone brings together crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese inside a golden, flaky pizza dough crust. This easy, handheld meal is perfect for lunch or dinner, offering the classic flavors of chicken parm in a convenient, baked calzone.

 

---

Ingredients

• 16–20 ounces pizza dough
• 6–7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders, sliced
• ¾ cup pizza sauce
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Flour, for dusting

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). If using frozen chicken tenders, bake them according to the package instructions, then slice into smaller pieces.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Ensure it’s evenly spread.
3. Assemble the Calzone: Spread ½ cup of pizza sauce over half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Layer with 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and sliced chicken tenders.
4. Seal the Calzone: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with your fingers or a fork.
5. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the calzone to a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter and cut three ½-inch slits to allow steam to escape.
6. Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and spread the remaining ¼ cup of pizza sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
7. Serve: Let the calzone rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

---

Notes

• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.
• Cheese Variations: Use provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
• Whole Wheat Option: Use whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier alternative.
• Prevent Sogginess: Avoid excess sauce and ensure any added veggies are pre-cooked to reduce moisture.