Description
Homemade chicken parmesan calzone combines classic Italian flavors in a crispy, golden-brown pocket of deliciousness. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and marinara sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders (such as Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips), sliced
- 8 oz (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 16–20 oz (454–567 g) pizza dough
- ¾ cup (180 ml) pizza sauce
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter, melted
- Flour (for dusting the dough)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and position rack in center for even baking.
- Chicken Preparation: Cook chicken tenders until fully cooked, then slice into bite-sized pieces ensuring uniform distribution throughout the calzone.
- Dough Handling: Flour a work surface and stretch pizza dough into a 12-inch circular shape, creating a spacious canvas for filling.
- Sauce and Base Layer: Spread pizza sauce across half the dough, leaving a small perimeter for sealing, then evenly distribute chicken strips over the sauced section.
- Cheese Layer: Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over chicken, covering completely to guarantee a rich, melted interior.
- Folding and Sealing: Fold bare dough half over filled side, forming a classic half-moon shape, then meticulously crimp edges to prevent filling escape.
- Pre-Baking Preparation: Transfer calzone to a greased baking sheet, brush surface with melted butter, and cut three strategic steam vents on top.
- Initial Baking: Bake for 20 minutes until dough achieves a golden-brown complexion, signaling crisp exterior development.
- Final Touches: Remove from oven, delicately spread additional pizza sauce across top, sprinkle remaining mozzarella, and return to oven for a final 10-minute melting session.
- Serving: Allow calzone to rest 5-7 minutes, then slice and serve immediately, revealing a tempting interior of cheese, chicken, and sauce.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: Use a preheated baking stone or pizza pan to ensure crisp, golden dough without moisture buildup.
- Seal Like a Pro: Crimp edges firmly and create steam vents to prevent filling leakage and maintain perfect calzone structure.
- Cheese Distribution Trick: Layer cheeses strategically to guarantee even melting and maximum flavor in every bite.
- Resting is Key: Allow calzone to cool briefly after baking to let filling set and prevent burning your mouth with hot ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg