Savory Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone Recipe: Irresistible Comfort

Crafting a delectable chicken bacon ranch calzone brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table.

This mouthwatering calzone recipe blends savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch in one irresistible package.

Melted cheese oozes between golden-brown, perfectly crisp dough, creating a handheld meal that sparks excitement.

Every bite promises a delightful combination of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish a weeknight winner.

Home cooks will love how quickly this crowd-pleasing calzone transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Let’s unlock the secret to making this irresistible meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Keeping Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones Fresh

• Store leftover calzones in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
• Place cooled calzones in freezer-safe bags or containers. They'll stay good for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Warm individual calzones on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. Add a damp paper towel over the top to prevent drying and restore moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing the filling.

• Is it possible to make these calzones ahead of time?

You can prepare the calzones and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra 3-5 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these calzones?

No special equipment is needed – just a baking sheet, parchment paper, and basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl and rolling pin will work fine.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones: What Makes Them Irresistible

• Super easy recipe perfect for busy cooks who want delicious meals without complicated steps.
• Flexible filling options let you swap ingredients or adjust quantities based on personal preferences and what's in your kitchen.
• Combines classic flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner or casual gathering dish.
• Can be assembled in advance and refrigerated, allowing you to have dinner ready with minimal last-minute cooking effort.

Calzone Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Perfection

• Pizza Dough: A soft and pliable base that provides the perfect vessel for the delicious filling.
• Chicken: Cooked protein that serves as the primary filling component for the calzone.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds a rich and smoky flavor to the calzone.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a gooey and stretchy texture inside the calzone.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy condiment that adds tangy flavor and helps bind the filling together.

• Red Onion, Garlic Powder: Ingredients that provide additional depth and aromatic flavor to the calzone.
• Egg: Used as a wash to create a golden and shiny exterior on the calzone.

Equipment to Help You Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and easy transfer of calzones.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with clean-up.
• Large Bowl: For mixing chicken, bacon, and ranch filling.
• Rolling Pin: Helps flatten dough into perfect circles.
• Pastry Brush: For applying egg wash to create golden crust.
• Cutting Board: Surface for rolling out dough and preparing ingredients.
• Mixing Spoon: For stirring filling ingredients together.
• Knife: For cutting pizza dough into equal sections.

How to Assemble and Bake Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 425F.

Let the pizza dough sit out and relax at room temperature for about 15 minutes to become more flexible.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Surface

Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect landing spot for your soon-to-be-delicious calzones.

Step 3: Create the Flavor-Packed Filling

• Cooked chicken
• Crispy bacon
• Diced red onion
• Ranch dressing

Stir everything together until well mixed.

Feel free to add extra ranch for more zesty flavor.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Divide the pizza dough into 8 equal portions.

Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then gently stretch or roll out into 6-inch circles.

Step 5: Layer on the Deliciousness

• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on one half
• Leave a small border around the edges for sealing
• Add the chicken bacon mixture
• Top with another layer of cheese

Step 6: Seal the Calzone Pockets

Fold each dough circle in half, creating a half-moon shape.

Pinch the edges firmly to seal in all the delicious filling.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Gently brush each calzone with beaten egg and sprinkle with a light dusting of garlic powder.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place calzones in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Watch closely to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Remove when they look crispy and irresistible.

Serve while warm and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Tips for Golden, Flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones

• Let pizza dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to make rolling and stretching easier, preventing potential tears or tough texture.
• Avoid soggy calzones by not over-saturating the chicken mixture with ranch dressing; use just enough to keep the filling flavorful and moist.
• Press calzone edges firmly with fingertips or a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect, intact pocket.
• Sprinkle cheese in thin, even layers to help melting and prevent excessive cheese overflow while maintaining balanced flavor.
• Brush beaten egg over calzones for a gorgeous golden-brown crust that looks professionally baked and adds a subtle shine.

Creative Calzone Fillings to Try Next Time

• Vegetarian Ranch Calzone: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Calzone: Use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust as a base, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
• Spicy Southwest Calzone: Swap ranch for chipotle sauce, add black beans, corn, and swap regular bacon with turkey bacon for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Calzone: Use large cheese wraps or thin cheese slices as a dough replacement, stuffing with original chicken and bacon filling to maintain a carb-conscious approach.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones

• Dip and Drizzle Delight: Serve calzones with extra ranch dressing on the side for dunking and drizzling, adding a creamy flavor punch.
• Party Plate Perfection: Arrange calzones on a large platter with fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top for a colorful, appetizing presentation.
• Side Kick Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or quick coleslaw to balance the rich, savory flavors of the chicken bacon ranch calzone.
• Picnic and Potluck Star: Pack these calzones in a portable container for easy transport to outdoor gatherings, making them a crowd-pleasing meal option.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken bacon ranch calzone satisfies cravings with its melted cheese and savory fillings. Ranch-infused dough pockets deliver comfort and flavor in each delightful bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken, chopped
• 16 ounces (454 grams) premade pizza dough
• 5 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
• 6 ounces (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
• Garlic powder, as needed or desired

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 large egg, beaten

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 425°F and allow pizza dough to reach room temperature for optimal stretching, approximately 15 minutes.
2. Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
3. Combine shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, diced red onion, and ranch dressing in a mixing bowl, creating a harmonious filling with balanced flavors.
4. Divide pizza dough into 8 uniform portions, gently rolling each into a circular shape approximately 6 inches in diameter.
5. Strategically layer mozzarella cheese on half of each dough circle, maintaining a small border for sealing, then evenly distribute the chicken-bacon mixture over the cheese.
6. Add a complementary layer of cheese atop the filling, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Carefully fold dough circles in half, meticulously pressing and pinching edges to create a tight seal and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
8. Transfer calzones to prepared baking sheet, then delicately brush surfaces with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
9. Lightly dust calzones with garlic powder to enhance overall flavor profile.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior, monitoring closely to prevent excessive browning, then serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

• Customize the filling by swapping chicken with pulled pork, turkey, or plant-based protein for dietary variations.
• Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda to enhance flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1150mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg