Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe for Ultimate Flavor

Ah, the memories of cozy nights in the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma wafting through the house! One of my all-time favorite comfort foods is a hearty calzone, and when you throw in the spicy kick of buffalo chicken, it’s like a culinary party in your mouth. This Buffalo Chicken Calzone has been a beloved go-to in my home for years, especially during game nights or chilly evenings when you just want something warm and satisfying. It’s messy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious, making it a total crowd-pleaser!

Every time I pull one of these beauties out of the oven, I can’t help but smile as the golden, crispy crust hints at the creamy and spicy treasure inside. And hey, if you’re like me and love a meal that doubles as a great way to use up leftover chicken, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into this flavor-packed recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
• Budget-friendly and utilizes leftovers.
• Comforting flavors that hit the spot every time.
• Customizable for picky eaters—everyone can make their own!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious Buffalo Chicken Calzones:

• 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie for a shortcut!)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (more if you like it spicy!)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup diced vegetables (like red onion, bell peppers, or celery)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package of store-bought pizza dough (or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious!)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Tip: Fresh garlic adds a more vibrant punch than powdered, so if you have it on hand, chop up a clove or two!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get to the fun part—creating your Buffalo Chicken Calzone! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying this hand-held delight in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is crucial for that flaky crust!
2. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Toss it well until all the chicken is coated. Feel free to adjust the buffalo sauce to your desired spice level.
3. Add the mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, diced veggies, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the chicken mixture. Stir until everything is nicely combined.
4. On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about ¼ inch thick. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle; a little rustic charm is always welcome.
5. Cut the dough into large circles (about 6-8 inches in diameter). You can use a bowl or a plate for a guide!
6. Take one circle and place a generous scoop of the chicken mixture on one half of the circle. Be careful not to overfill it—there’s a fine line between a perfectly stuffed calzone and a gooey mess! Leave about an inch of space at the edge.
7. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal it tightly. You can crimp the edges with a fork for an extra decorative touch, but your seal is the most important thing here.
8. Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg. This gives them that gorgeous, golden color when baked!
9. Place the calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and make a small slit on the top of each to allow steam to escape while they bake.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re perfectly golden brown and puffy.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the calzones in the last few minutes of baking. Ovens can be tricky, and you don’t want them to over-brown!

Pro Tips & Variations

The magic of Buffalo Chicken Calzone lies in its adaptability. Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Spices: Want something with a unique twist? Try adding some paprika or cayenne pepper to your chicken mixture for more of a kick!
• Vegetarian option: Swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or diced cauliflower for a meatless version. Add some black beans for protein!
• Cheese overload: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for an extra spicy flavor or cheddar for a rich taste.
• Dip it: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Trust me, it adds an incredible extra layer of flavor!

Serving Suggestions

These calzones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the filling is gooey and the crust is crispy. Serve them with a side of crunchy salad or rustic garlic bread to soak up any sticky fingers! You could also whip up a refreshing veggie platter or some homemade fries for a true comfort food feast.

If you’re feeling extra cozy, pair your calzone with a cold drink like iced tea or a light beer to balance out the spicy goodness. Honestly, just writing about this gets me excited for dinner!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Store your uneaten calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re a great lunch option the next day!

If you want to freeze them, let the baked calzones cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them if you’re in a rush, but the oven will keep that crust crispy!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and gives you that tender chicken without all the hassle. Just shred it up, and you’re good to go!

Can I make the calzone ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the calzones and store them in the fridge (before baking) for about a day. Just assemble them, cover them tightly, and pop them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before popping them in the oven.

What can I serve with my calzones?

Great question! Consider simple sides like a fresh garden salad, some crudités with dipping sauces, or even some potato wedges for a filling meal. And of course, don’t forget those dipping sauces!

How spicy are these calzones?

The spiciness really depends on how much buffalo sauce you use. Feel free to start with a mild sauce and increase it to your taste. You can even mix in some other flavorings if you want to balance it out!

Conclusion

So there you have it, my friends! A delightful Buffalo Chicken Calzone recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any table. I can already picture you in your kitchen, filling these delicious pockets with goodness, and enjoying them with loved ones. If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear about your experience or any fun variations you tried. Until next time, happy cooking!

Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe for Ultimate Flavor

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• Author: mery
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor the ultimate flavor with this irresistible Buffalo Chicken Calzone recipe Its quick tasty and perfect for any meal 151 characters

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb cooked chicken, shredded

1/2 cup buffalo sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup diced vegetables (like red onion, bell peppers, or celery)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 package of store-bought pizza dough

1 egg, beaten

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Toss until all the chicken is coated.

Add mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, diced veggies, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.

On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about ¼ inch thick.

Cut the dough into circles (about 6-8 inches in diameter).

Place a scoop of the chicken mixture on one half of the circle. Leave about an inch of space at the edge.

Fold the dough over and press the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork if desired.

Brush with beaten egg and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make a slit on top of each calzone.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 calzone
• Calories: 350 calories
• Sugar: 1g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g

Keywords: Buffalo Chicken, Calzone, Recipe, Comfort Food