buffalo chicken calzone recipe

buffalo chicken calzone recipe

The Best buffalo chicken calzone recipe

I’ve been making buffalo chicken calzones for my family for years, and they’re always a hit. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, and crispy crust is a winner.

I love that this recipe is easy to customize to suit everyone’s tastes – you can add or subtract ingredients to make it your own. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a quick and easy dinner solution.

The key to making a great calzone is to use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese – I like to use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for the best flavor. When you take that first bite, the cheese stretches and pulls apart, coating your tongue with its creamy goodness.

It’s truly a taste sensation. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with whole wheat crust and lean protein from the chicken, you can feel good about serving this to your family.

Plus, it’s so easy to make ahead of time and freeze for later – just thaw and bake when you’re ready. My kids love helping me assemble the calzones, and it’s a great way to get them involved in cooking without feeling overwhelmed.

In fact, my 10-year-old son has mastered the art of making his own mini calzones with just a few simple ingredients – it’s amazing how quickly kids can pick up new skills when they’re interested in cooking.

Buffalo Chicken Calzone

Buffalo Chicken Calzone

4.6 from 1097 votes

A crispy, golden calzone stuffed with spicy buffalo chicken, melted mozzarella, and creamy ricotta. This handheld meal is perfect for game day or a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 pound pizza dough, room temperature
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Topping

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce and melted butter, stirring until the chicken is evenly coated.
3On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle about 1/4 inch thick.
4Spread the ricotta cheese over one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
5Top the ricotta with the buffalo chicken mixture, then sprinkle mozzarella and blue cheese evenly over the chicken.
6Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork.
7Transfer the calzone to the prepared baking sheet.
8In a small bowl, whisk the egg with water and brush the mixture over the top of the calzone.
9Sprinkle garlic powder and dried parsley on top.
10Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling through any steam vents.
11Let the calzone rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Pastry brush
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 1100mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a milder heat, use a less spicy wing sauce. To make the calzone extra crispy, brush the crust with olive oil instead of egg wash. Serve with extra buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Watch Video Of How Buffalo Chicken Calzone Works

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as a fun snack at parties. My kids love helping me assemble the calzones before baking them off in the oven – it’s a fun way to get them involved in cooking without feeling overwhelmed.

And let’s not forget about reheating leftovers – simply pop them back into the oven until they’re crispy again and enjoy! Whether you’re serving this at home or taking it on-the-go, buffalo chicken calzone is always a winner.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Calzone

Q: What type of cheese should I use in my buffalo chicken calzone?

A: I recommend using a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for the best flavor – the mozzarella adds creaminess while the parmesan adds a salty kick. You can also use other types of cheese if you prefer, but this combination is my favorite.

Q: Can I make buffalo chicken calzone without using hot sauce?

A: While traditional buffalo chicken calzones rely on hot sauce for their signature flavor, you can easily make a milder version by substituting in some plain Greek yogurt or sour cream instead.

Q: How do I store leftover calzones?

A: To store leftover calzones, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months – just thaw and bake when you’re ready.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken in my buffalo chicken calzone?

A: Yes, you can definitely use pre-cooked chicken if you prefer – just be sure to shred or chop it up into small pieces before adding it to your filling.

Q: Is it okay if my calzone dough doesn’t rise as much as I expected?

A: Don’t worry if your dough doesn’t rise as much as you expected – it will still taste delicious even if it doesn’t look perfect!

Q: Can I make mini buffalo chicken calzones for parties?

A: Absolutely! Mini calzones are perfect for parties because they’re easy to grab off the platter and go – just be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand because things can get messy!

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