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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 425°F and allow pizza dough to reach room temperature for optimal stretching, approximately 15 minutes.
- Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, diced red onion, and ranch dressing in a mixing bowl, creating a harmonious filling with balanced flavors.
- Divide pizza dough into 8 uniform portions, gently rolling each into a circular shape approximately 6 inches in diameter.
- 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.
- Add a complementary layer of cheese atop the filling, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully fold dough circles in half, meticulously pressing and pinching edges to create a tight seal and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Transfer calzones to prepared baking sheet, then delicately brush surfaces with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
- Lightly dust calzones with garlic powder to enhance overall flavor profile.
- 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