Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a delightful fusion of two beloved Italian dishes: chicken parmesan and calzone. Imagine tender, breaded chicken pieces enveloped in gooey melted cheese and marinara sauce, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy calzone crust. This hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for family dinners, game-day gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent yet easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these delicious calzones in no time. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create your very own Chicken Parmesan Calzone, along with tips and variations to make it truly your own.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe
This recipe combines the best elements of chicken parmesan—crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella—with the convenience and portability of a calzone. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Flavor-Packed Filling: The breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors in every bite.
- Perfect for Sharing: Each calzone is a self-contained meal that’s easy to slice and serve, making it ideal for parties or family dinners.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can add extra ingredients like pepperoni, spinach, or mushrooms to make it your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling in advance and assemble the calzones when you’re ready to bake for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
To make these mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan Calzones, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Calzone Dough:
- 1 lb (450 g) Pizza Dough: Store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference.
- All-Purpose Flour: For dusting the surface to prevent sticking.
- For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
- 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour: For dredging the chicken.
- 2 Large Eggs: Beaten, to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
- 1 Cup Italian Breadcrumbs: For a crispy coating. Panko breadcrumbs also work well.
- 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the breading.
- 1 Tsp Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for added flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken before breading.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken pieces.
- For the Filling and Topping:
- 1 Cup Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own.
- 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that delicious, melty texture.
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Basil or Parsley: Chopped, for garnish and added freshness.
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil: To brush on the calzones before baking.
- 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: For sprinkling on top of the calzones.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough and Assemble the Calzones
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle, about 8 inches in diameter.
- On one half of each dough circle, spread a couple of spoonfuls of marinara sauce, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by a few pieces of the fried chicken.
- Top with more mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
Step 4: Bake the Calzones
- Place the assembled calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a few small slits on the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and savory sauce in every bite!
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Parmesan Calzones
- Use Fresh Pizza Dough: Fresh dough is easier to work with and results in a lighter, fluffier crust. If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling.
- Don’t Overfill the Calzones: It’s tempting to add a lot of filling, but overstuffing can make it difficult to seal the calzones properly. Leave a 1-inch border around the edges to ensure a good seal.
- Fry the Chicken Until Just Cooked: The chicken will continue to cook in the oven, so fry it until just cooked through to avoid overcooking.
- Add Extra Veggies: If you’d like to add more vegetables to your calzones, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the chicken and assemble the calzones ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes it an easy meal for busy nights.
Variations of Chicken Parmesan Calzones
- Buffalo Chicken Calzones: Toss the fried chicken pieces in buffalo sauce before adding to the dough. Top with mozzarella and blue cheese crumbles.
- Chicken Alfredo Calzones: Replace the marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce and add steamed broccoli for a creamy, cheesy filling.
- BBQ Chicken Calzones: Swap the marinara for BBQ sauce and add red onion and cheddar cheese for a tangy twist.
- Vegetarian Calzones: Skip the chicken and fill with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, onions, and a variety of cheeses.
- Meat Lovers Calzones: Add cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, or ham along with the chicken for a hearty, meat-packed filling.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of Chicken Parmesan Calzone (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 35-40 grams
- Fat: 30-35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Fiber: 3-5 grams
- Sugar: 5-8 grams
Nutritional values will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of two classic Italian favorites. With its golden, crispy crust and flavorful filling, it’s sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or gathering. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the suggested variations, this calzone is guaranteed to impress. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite.