Introduction
Transforming weeknight dinner from a chore into a culinary delight is easier than you think! This Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzone recipe is your secret weapon for a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal, ready in under an hour. Forget takeout – this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for busy weeknights.
Why This Works
This recipe triumphs because it cleverly combines the comforting flavors of classic chicken Alfredo with the convenience of a calzone. Pre-made pizza dough slashes prep time, while the baking method ensures perfectly golden, crispy crusts brimming with creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to execute.
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🌿 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🥛 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 🍕 1 lb pre-made pizza dough
- 🥚 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2️⃣ Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Gently stir in the Alfredo sauce until everything is evenly distributed.
3️⃣ Assemble the Calzones: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a roughly 8-inch circle. Place half of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each circle.
4️⃣ Fold & Seal: Fold the other half of the circle over the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative seal and prevent leakage.
5️⃣ Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg. This helps them achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
6️⃣ Bake: Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7️⃣ Rest & Serve: Let the calzones rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy immediately!
Handy Tips
- Use pre-shredded cheese for ultimate convenience.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be substituted (use about 1 tablespoon).
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
Heat Control
Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures the calzones bake through completely while achieving a crispy crust. Don’t overbake, or the crust will become too hard. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
Crunch Factor
The key to a perfect crunch is the combination of a well-baked crust and the slight crispiness of the Alfredo sauce as it bakes. The egg wash helps to create a beautiful sheen and adds to the overall textural experience.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker prep, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
- Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- For individual calzones, use smaller portions of dough.
Storage Tips
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These calzones make a fantastic homemade gift! Package individual calzones in foil or parchment paper, tying them with ribbon. Add a handwritten card with reheating instructions.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Chicken Alfredo: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling.
🌟 Spinach & Artichoke Alfredo: Stir in a cup of chopped spinach and a can of drained and chopped artichoke hearts to the filling.
🌟 Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté a cup of sliced mushrooms and add them to the filling along with the chicken.
🌟 Bacon & Ranch Alfredo: Crumble cooked bacon into the filling and use ranch dressing instead of Alfredo sauce.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy Crust: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent filling leakage. If the bottom is soggy, try baking on a baking stone or pizza steel for a crispier crust.
- Burnt Crust: Reduce the oven temperature slightly and keep a close eye on the calzones to prevent burning.
FAQ
- Can I freeze these calzones? Yes, unbaked calzones can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I use different cheese? Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses! Provolone, Fontina, or even a blend of cheeses would work well.
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What if I don’t have Alfredo sauce? You can easily make your own Alfredo sauce using butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Numerous recipes are readily available online.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can assemble the calzones ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
This Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzone recipe is your ticket to effortless weeknight dinners brimming with flavor and comfort. With minimal effort and maximum deliciousness, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Share your creations and rate this recipe on https://c.ratemyrecipes.com! Enjoy!
30-Minute Chicken Alfredo Calzones: Weeknight Winner
Delicious and creamy chicken Alfredo calzones that can be made in just 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 package of pizza dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375u00b0.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Cut into 4 equal squares.
- Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each dough square, leaving a border around the edges.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a calzone. Pinch the edges to seal and crimp with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Place the calzones on a greased baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing in half to serve.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add sautu00e9ed mushrooms or spinach to the filling.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.