Name: Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487020H35M11S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough; Flour (for dusting); 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded; 1 cup Alfredo sauce; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Olive oil (for brushing)

Jump to Recipe

If you ever want to bring the crowd-pleasing flavors of an Italian trattoria right to your own kitchen, this Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones Recipe is the perfect way to do it. Imagine golden, crispy dough enveloping creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and a rich blend of cheeses, all with a hint of spinach and Italian herbs. Every bite is warm, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a fun weekend meal with friends, these calzones combine everything you love about comfort food in one gorgeous, handheld package.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of straightforward ingredients can deliver such mouthwatering results! Each item plays a crucial role in the Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones Recipe, contributing to its irresistible flavor, gooey texture, or that perfectly browned crust we all crave.

Pizza dough: The base of our calzone, providing the golden, chewy shell that holds all the deliciousness inside.
Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Adds heartiness and soaks up the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
Alfredo sauce: The creamy backbone of the filling, giving every bite a luscious, savory richness.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: For melty, stretchy goodness that binds the filling together.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Supplies a pop of nutty, salty depth that makes each calzone distinctly Italian.
Garlic powder: A subtle but essential aroma that enhances all the other flavors.
Italian seasoning: Delivers herbal notes, transporting you straight to Italy with every bite.
Fresh spinach, chopped: Brings color, freshness, and a touch of earthy flavor to balance the rich cheeses.
Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates that beautiful, shiny, golden-brown crust everyone loves.
Flour (for dusting): Prevents sticking and makes dough rolling a breeze.
Olive oil (for brushing): Adds extra flavor and an appetizing sheen if you want an extra polished crust.

How to Make Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get that environment nice and hot for baking. Then, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your calzones come off without a fuss. This simple prep sets you up for success and keeps clean-up minimal.

Step 2: Divide and Roll the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into four equal pieces. Roll each into a circle about 8 inches across. Don’t worry about perfect circles; a little rusticity gives homemade calzones their charm! Dusting with flour keeps things smooth and prevents any sticky situations.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and that vibrant chopped spinach. This mixture is where all the flavor magic happens—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tasty bits in every spoonful.

Step 4: Fill the Calzones

Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, but be careful to leave a border so you can seal them later. Overfilling is tempting, but less is more when it comes to getting that perfect, crimped edge.

Step 5: Fold and Seal

Gently fold the blank side of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges with your fingers, then use a fork to firmly crimp and seal. This step really helps keep all that creamy filling inside as it bakes.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Vent

Carefully transfer your calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg; this ensures a golden, glossy shell. Use a sharp knife to make a small slit in each calzone—this lets steam escape and stops them from getting soggy or bursting open.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the calzones are deeply golden and sound hollow when tapped. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible! Give them a moment to cool slightly before serving so the filling doesn’t burn any eager taste-testers.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones Recipe

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra Parmesan over the top just before serving adds a touch of color and brightness that makes your calzones look as incredible as they taste. For a subtle kick, you could also finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones Recipe with a crisp green salad, a simple tomato and cucumber medley, or roasted vegetables will add freshness and balance to the meal. A side of marinara sauce for dipping is a classic choice that brings a little zesty contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the calzones into halves or thirds and serve on a large wooden board with a variety of dipping sauces, making it perfect for group gatherings or parties. You could even label each with a cute mini chalkboard for an extra festive touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Just wrap them individually with foil or place in an airtight container, and they’ll stay delicious for up to three days. This makes them great for meal prepping or late-night snacks.

Freezing

If you want calzones ready at the drop of a hat, freeze them before or after baking! For unbaked calzones, assemble and freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Baked calzones should be cooled completely before wrapping and freezing. They’ll last in the freezer for up to two months.

Reheating

To enjoy reheated calzones that taste freshly baked, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes if refrigerated, or 25 to 30 minutes from frozen. This keeps the crust crisp and the creamy interior gooey, just as it should be!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones Recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a total time-saver and works perfectly. If you want to make homemade dough, go for it, but pre-made dough gives excellent results with very little effort.

What other fillings can I add?

You can easily make this Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones Recipe your own by adding mushrooms, cooked bacon, roasted red peppers, or swapping in cooked sausage. Just keep an eye on moisture levels and avoid overfilling.

Can I make these calzones gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and double-check that your Alfredo sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free. The result is just as tasty and welcoming for gluten-sensitive folks.

How do I keep the calzones from bursting open while baking?

Be sure not to overfill the calzones, and always crimp the edges firmly with a fork. That steam vent slit on top is crucial to let out excess air and prevent the dreaded calzone explosion!

Do I have to use spinach, or can it be left out?

Spinach adds a lovely color and a touch of earthiness, but you can skip it or substitute with another tender green like kale or arugula. The Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones Recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to your family’s tastes.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as comforting and fun as pulling a tray of these golden beauties out of the oven. I hope you’ll give the Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones Recipe a try—whether you serve them as a family meal, game-day treat, or pack them for lunch, they always bring plenty of smiles. Happy baking!

Baked Chicken Alfredo calzones Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 calzones 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a delightful twist on traditional Italian flavors. Stuffed with a creamy Alfredo chicken filling and baked until golden, these calzones are a perfect meal or snack option for any day of the week.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Dough: Divide the pizza dough into four portions, roll each into an 8-inch circle on a floured surface.
Make Filling: Mix chicken, Alfredo sauce, cheeses, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and spinach in a bowl.
Fill Calzones: Place filling on half of each dough circle, fold over, seal edges, and crimp with a fork.
Brush and Bake: Brush calzones with egg wash, make slits, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian