The Best Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe for Italian Night

Folding warm, gooey chicken parmesan into a crispy calzone creates pure culinary magic that transports you straight to an Italian kitchen.

Melted mozzarella and tender chicken nestled inside golden-brown dough promise an irresistible meal.

Herbs and marinara sauce blend seamlessly with each savory bite.

This calzone combines classic comfort food with a delightful twist on traditional chicken parmesan.

The recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own oven.

Cheese lovers and Italian cuisine enthusiasts will absolutely adore this simple yet spectacular dish.

Prepare to savor every delicious moment of this mouthwatering meal.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly. Just ensure it’s rolled out to the same 12-inch circle size for consistent results.

• Is it possible to make this calzone vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken tenders with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to create a vegetarian version.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Cooked and sliced chicken tenders, rotisserie chicken, or grilled chicken breast all work great. The key is to have bite-sized, pre-cooked chicken pieces.

Why Chicken Parmesan Calzone Is a Weeknight Hit

• Whip up this chicken parmesan calzone for a deliciously satisfying meal that comes together with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor.
• Perfect for picky eaters and hungry families, this recipe transforms classic chicken parmesan into a portable, fun-to-eat handheld package that everyone will love.
• Swap chicken tenders for rotisserie chicken, add extra veggies, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this calzone uniquely yours while keeping the core recipe super simple.
• Using just one baking sheet and requiring few prep steps, this recipe delivers restaurant-style taste with minimal kitchen mess and quick cleanup.

Calzone Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Lovers

• Pizza Dough: A soft, stretchy base that creates the calzone's outer shell and holds all the delicious fillings.
• Chicken Tenders: Tender pieces of chicken that provide protein and hearty flavor to the calzone.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A mild, melty cheese that creates a creamy and gooey texture inside the calzone.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and a rich, tangy flavor to the dish.

• Pizza Sauce, Melted Butter: Ingredients that enhance moisture, flavor, and help create a golden-brown crust.

• Extra Pizza Sauce: A classic dipping sauce that complements the calzone's savory filling and adds an extra burst of tomato flavor.

Tools for Baking the Best Chicken Calzone

• Baking Sheet: Essential for baking and transferring the calzone in and out of the oven.
• Rolling Pin: Perfect for stretching and rolling out the pizza dough into a perfect circle.
• Knife: Needed to slice chicken tenders and cut steam vents in the calzone.
• Pastry Brush: Great for spreading melted butter on top of the calzone.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure sauce, cheese, and other ingredients.
• Fork: Useful for crimping and sealing the edges of the calzone.

How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Calzone

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C).

If you’re working with frozen chicken tenders, cook them according to the package directions.

Once they’re done, slice those tenders into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.

Step 2: Stretch The Dough

Dust your work surface with a light sprinkle of flour.

Gently stretch and roll out the pizza dough into a beautiful 12-inch circle.

Step 3: Sauce It Up

Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce on one half of the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Layer The Goodness

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Sliced chicken tenders

Arrange these tasty ingredients on the sauced half of the dough.

Step 5: Fold And Seal The Calzone

Fold the bare half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.

Press the edges together firmly.

Use your fingers or a fork to crimp and seal the calzone completely.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the calzone to a greased baking sheet.

Brush the top with melted butter.

Create three small slits on top to let steam escape during baking.

Step 7: First Bake Cycle

Place the calzone in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Once done, pull it out and add a final touch of pizza sauce on top.

Sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese for extra cheesiness.

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the calzone to the oven for another 10 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and melted, bubbly cheese.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Allow the calzone to cool for 5-7 minutes.

This helps the filling set and prevents burning your mouth.

Slice and serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Parmesan Calzone

• Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips for faster meal preparation and consistent flavor.
• Crimp calzone edges tightly with a fork to prevent cheese and sauce from leaking during baking.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before slicing to avoid excess water that might make calzone soggy.
• Mix different cheese types like provolone or romano with mozzarella for deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Brush outer dough with egg wash instead of butter for a shinier, crispier golden-brown exterior.

Calzone Variations to Try with Chicken Parm

• Vegetarian Calzone: Replace chicken tenders with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty plant-based version. Layer vegetables with mozzarella and Parmesan for a colorful, nutrient-rich meal.
• Gluten-Free Calzone: Use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust as a base. Ensure all ingredients like sauce and cheese are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Spicy Mediterranean Calzone: Swap chicken with seasoned ground lamb or feta cheese. Add kalamata olives, oregano, and red pepper flakes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Calzone Hot

• Pizza Party Platter: Create a fun, colorful spread with extra pizza sauce, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese for guests to customize their calzone slices.
• Side Salad Companion: Pair the calzone with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light Italian vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add freshness to the meal.
• Dipping Delight: Serve with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing on the side for an extra layer of flavor and interactive dining experience.
• Family Style Feast: Cut the calzone into smaller portions and arrange on a large wooden board with some olives, cherry tomatoes, and extra herbs for a rustic, sharing-style presentation.

Storing Chicken Parmesan Calzone Properly

• Store leftover calzone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual calzone slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, labeling with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place calzone on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, using 30-second intervals and checking to avoid soggy texture. Add a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.

Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken parmesan calzone brings Italian-American comfort to your kitchen. Crispy golden crust and melted cheese create a satisfying meal packed with classic flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16–20 ounces (454–567 grams) pizza dough
• 6–7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders, sliced
• 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) pizza sauce

Cheese:

• 8-ounce (227 grams) bag shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, melted
• Flour for dusting

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare frozen chicken tenders according to package directions. Slice cooked tenders into bite-sized pieces.
2. Dust a clean surface with flour and gently stretch pizza dough into a circular shape approximately 12 inches wide.
3. Distribute pizza sauce across half the dough, maintaining a small margin around the border.
4. Create layers of mozzarella, Parmesan, and chicken tenders on the sauced section of dough.
5. Carefully fold the plain dough half over the filling, creating a crescent shape. Firmly press and crimp edges to create a complete seal.
6. Transfer the sealed calzone onto a greased baking sheet. Brush the exterior with melted butter and create three small ventilation slits on top.
7. Bake for 20 minutes until the dough begins to turn golden. Remove from oven and decorate the surface with remaining pizza sauce and additional mozzarella.
8. Return to oven for another 10 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and crust to achieve a rich, bronzed color.
9. Allow calzone to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven. Slice and serve alongside extra sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Choose high-quality, pre-cooked chicken tenders for quicker preparation and consistent flavor throughout the calzone.
• Ensure pizza dough is at room temperature to prevent tearing and achieve easier stretching for a smooth, even surface.
• Seal edges meticulously using a fork or pinching technique to prevent cheese and sauce from leaking during baking.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like grilled vegetables, ground turkey, or plant-based chicken for dietary variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg