If you are craving something that feels indulgent yet comforting, then the Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy dough pocket bursting with tender chicken, luscious Alfredo sauce, and ooey-gooey cheeses melding together in perfect harmony. This dish transforms familiar Italian flavors into an irresistible handheld delight, making every mealtime feel extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these calzones promise a cozy, satisfying experience that’s truly a taste of heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this amazing recipe. Each component brings its own magic—fluffy dough, creamy Alfredo, tender chicken, and flavorful seasonings come together to create a balance of taste, texture, and aroma that can’t be beat.
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: Essential for that soft, airy dough that forms the calzone’s perfect base.
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast gently to help your dough rise to perfection.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance savory flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dough and filling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to your dough for a tender bite.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced: The hearty protein that makes each calzone satisfying and filling.
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade): Creamy, cheesy, and luxurious, it keeps every bite silky smooth.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that iconic stringy cheese pull inside the calzone.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens the cheesy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives the filling a subtle punch of savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that invokes that classic Italian flair.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To perfectly season your filling and keep the flavors balanced.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, beautiful golden crust when baked.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Brushed on after baking for extra richness and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional): For a last pop of fresh garlic flavor brushed onto the calzones warm from the oven.
How to Make Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast: dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in the warm water and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly. This step means your dough will be delightfully light and airy. Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil, mixing until a dough comes together. Knead this dough for about 5 to 7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. Cover it with a clean towel and leave it somewhere warm for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This patient wait builds the perfect base for your calzones.
Step 2: Use Store-Bought Dough (If You Prefer)
If you’re short on time or just want to simplify, you can skip making dough from scratch. Using one pound of store-bought pizza dough will also work beautifully and save prep time. Either way, the results are delicious!
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. A hot oven is key for that crispy exterior and perfectly melted filling.
Step 4: Mix the Alfredo Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken with Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken pieces are evenly coated, and the cheeses are distributed. This creamy filling is what makes your calzones beyond special.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Calzones
Divide your risen dough into 4 to 6 equal portions, depending on your desired calzone size. Roll each into a 6 to 8-inch circle on a floured surface. Spoon the Alfredo chicken filling onto half of each dough circle, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edge. Fold the dough over the filling, then press and crimp the edges tightly with your fingers or a fork to seal in every bit of cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your calzones on the prepared baking sheet, then brush the tops with your beaten egg wash for that irresistible golden sheen. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until those calzones are golden brown and puffed up just right. Take them out, brush with melted butter mixed with optional minced garlic, and let them cool for 5 minutes—this resting time helps set the filling before you dive in.
How to Serve Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil atop your calzones for a fresh burst of color and herbaceous flavor. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese before serving also adds a lovely salty finish that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
These calzones are hearty, so simple sides such as a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables work perfectly. You could also serve them alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping to add a slightly acidic contrast that cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your calzones in half to reveal the luscious filling and arrange them on a wooden board with small bowls of extra Alfredo sauce and marinara for dipping. This sharing-friendly presentation makes your table inviting and interactive, turning a casual meal into a cozy gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to 3 days, remaining tasty and moist.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual calzones tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. Frozen calzones retain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months, making them excellent for quick meals down the line.
Reheating
To reheat, place your calzone in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) on a baking sheet for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that irresistible crust from turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and can save you prep time. Just shred or dice it before mixing with the Alfredo sauce and cheeses.
Is it necessary to make homemade Alfredo sauce?
Not at all. Store-bought Alfredo sauce provides a convenient shortcut and tastes great. If you have time, homemade sauce can add a personal touch and fresher flavor, but either option works well.
Can I freeze the calzones before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the calzones fully assembled and freeze them before baking. Be sure to freeze them on a tray before wrapping to prevent sticking. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have an egg for the egg wash?
You can brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil or melted butter instead. They won’t be quite as shiny, but they’ll still develop a nice golden color and delicious flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Of course! Spinach, mushrooms, or sautéed bell peppers would all be great additions. Just be sure to cook any vegetables first to remove excess moisture and keep your calzone dough from getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling a warm, bubbly calzone fresh from the oven and tasting the wonderful marriage of creamy Alfredo, tender chicken, and golden crust. This Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe is one of those dishes that brings comfort food to a new level, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
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Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 calzones
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones combine tender, seasoned chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce and gooey mozzarella inside a perfectly golden, crispy dough. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is easy to make at home, baked to perfection, and great for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Prepare Dough: In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully coated and combined.
- Divide and Roll Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4–6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6–8 inch circle on a floured surface.
- Fill and Seal Calzones: Spoon the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly to seal and crimp with a fork to ensure no filling leaks.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Place each calzone on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash to achieve a shiny golden crust during baking. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until calzones turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish with Butter and Garlic: Remove calzones from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic (optional) for a fragrant, savory finish. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can skip making the dough from scratch and use 1 lb store-bought pizza dough for convenience.
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast to avoid killing it.
- For fluffier dough, allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area.
- Customize the filling with your favorite cheeses or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
- Brushing with garlic butter after baking adds extra flavor but can be omitted for a simpler taste.
