Name: Italian Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Flour for dusting.; 8-ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese.; 16-20 ounces pizza dough.; 6-7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders, sliced (Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips recommended).; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese.; 3/4 cup pizza sauce.; 2 tablespoons butter, melted.

Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a delicious twist on classic Italian flavors, combining crispy chicken tenders, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce wrapped inside a warm, golden-baked pizza dough. The tender chicken, rich mozzarella, and tangy pizza sauce create the perfect balance of flavors. Topped with extra cheese and a drizzle of pizza sauce, this calzone is not only filling but bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a party appetizer, it’s a hit with both kids and adults. Serve with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping to make it even more irresistible.

Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors, wrapped in golden-baked pizza dough. This savory calzone is stuffed with crispy chicken tenders, melted mozzarella, and tangy pizza sauce, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying snack, this Chicken Parmesan Calzone is sure to become a family favorite.

INGREDIENTS

Flour for dusting: Helps prevent the dough from sticking while rolling and shaping the calzone.
8-ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully inside the calzone, adding a creamy, gooey texture.
16-20 ounces pizza dough: The base of the calzone, providing a warm and crispy crust that encases the filling.
6-7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders, sliced: Adds savory, tender bites of chicken for a hearty filling. Pre-cooked crispy chicken strips like Tyson are recommended for convenience.
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella and sauce.
3/4 cup pizza sauce: The tangy sauce that ties all the ingredients together, giving the calzone its signature Italian flavor.
2 tablespoons butter, melted: Brushed over the top of the calzone for a golden, flavorful crust.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: 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.
Step 2:: On a lightly floured surface, stretch and roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, similar to a pizza base. Ensure the dough is evenly spread and not too thick.
Step 3:: Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce on one half of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This will prevent the sauce from spilling out while baking.
Step 4:: On the same sauced half, layer 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the sliced chicken tenders. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed.
Step 5:: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together, then use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges tightly and seal the calzone.
Step 6:: Place the calzone on a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter for a golden, flavorful crust. Using a sharp knife, cut three 1/2-inch slits on top to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 7:: Bake the calzone in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove it 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.
Step 8:: Return the calzone to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
Step 9:: Let the calzone cool for 5-7 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to settle and makes slicing easier. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Serving and Storage Tips

Chicken Parmesan Calzone is best served warm, fresh out of the oven, when the crust is crispy, and the cheese is melty. Pair it with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping to enhance the flavors.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the calzone in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispiness of the crust.
For a fun variation, serve the calzone with a side salad or garlic bread to create a complete meal.

Helpful Notes

If you prefer, you can use marinara sauce instead of pizza sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.
For extra flavor, sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes on top of the calzone before baking.
If you want a thinner, crispier crust, roll the dough out a little thinner before assembling the calzone.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Bobby Flay: “Brush the crust with garlic butter before baking to give your calzone a rich, savory flavor and a golden-brown finish.”
Chef Giada De Laurentiis: “Use high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan for the best flavor. Fresh cheeses melt better and give the calzone a gooey, delicious center.”
Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Always let the calzone rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to settle. This will make it easier to slice without losing all the filling.”