Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, cheesy buffalo chicken calzone! The moment the crispy crust gives way to that spicy, savory filling, it’s pure bliss. I remember the first time I made these—my friends were over for game night, and I wanted to impress them with something delicious. I whipped up a batch of these calzones, and they disappeared faster than I could say „buffalo sauce!“ The combination of tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and gooey cheese wrapped in soft dough is just irresistible. Seriously, whether it’s for a cozy night in or a party, this buffalo chicken calzone recipe is my go-to. You’re going to love how easy they are to make and how satisfying they are to eat!
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
You’ll want to gather these ingredients to whip up the most delicious buffalo chicken calzones. Here’s what you need:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience!)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (feel free to adjust this based on how spicy you like it!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (the gooier, the better!)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (adds a lovely creaminess)
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (easy to find at the store—just grab it from the fridge section)
- 1 egg (for that gorgeous egg wash on top)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to brush on the calzones for extra flavor)
Make sure all your ingredients are ready to go because trust me, it makes the assembly process so much smoother! Nothing beats having everything prepped and at your fingertips.
How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is super important because you want those calzones to bake to perfection! While the oven warms up, go ahead and clear your workspace. Lay out all your ingredients because trust me, it’ll make the assembly process a breeze. You don’t want to be scrambling for buffalo sauce when you’re ready to fill those lovely dough pockets!
Mix the Filling
Now, let’s mix the filling! In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken with the 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. I usually start with half the sauce and add more if I want extra kick—totally up to your spice preference! Give it a good stir until everything is nicely coated. The aroma will have your mouth watering, I promise!
Assemble the Calzones
Time to roll out the fun! Take your package of refrigerated pizza dough and roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a bowl to cut out circles, about 6 inches in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture on one half of each circle, then sprinkle on some mozzarella and ricotta cheese. Now, fold the dough over to cover the filling, and here’s the trick: use your fingers to press the edges together firmly. You can even crimp the edges with a fork for a cute design and a better seal!
Baking Instructions
Alright, let’s get these beauties ready for the oven! Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a mixture of olive oil and the beaten egg for that golden, glossy finish. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
Tips for Success with Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
To make your buffalo chicken calzones truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your calzone game to the next level.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: As I mentioned earlier, using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds incredible flavor. It’s already cooked and seasoned, which means less work for you!
- Adjust the Spice: Don’t be afraid to play with the amount of buffalo sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like it spicier!
- Cheese Choices: While mozzarella and ricotta are fantastic, feel free to mix things up! Pepper jack cheese can add a nice kick, or a bit of cheddar for extra richness works wonders.
- Make-Ahead Option: If you’re prepping for a party or a busy weeknight, you can assemble the calzones ahead of time. Just cover them with plastic wrap and stick them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge!
- Serving Sauces: Serve these calzones with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. It adds a creamy balance to the heat of the buffalo sauce. Yum!
- Experiment with Fillings: Don’t limit yourself to just chicken! You can try shredded beef, veggies, or even a mix of cheeses for a fun twist. The dough is your canvas!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the ultimate buffalo chicken calzones. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
- Quick Preparation Time: With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven, you can have these delicious calzones ready to enjoy in under an hour!
- Flavor-Packed Filling: The combination of tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheeses creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Serve: These calzones are perfect for sharing! Just cut them in half and serve with dipping sauces for a fun and interactive meal.
- Customizable: You can easily tailor the recipe to your tastes—add extra veggies, switch up the cheeses, or adjust the spice level!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a cozy dinner at home, or a casual gathering with friends, these calzones are always a hit.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these in advance, making them a fantastic option for busy weeknights or entertaining without the stress!
Nutritional Information for Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
Now, let’s talk numbers! While I’m all about enjoying food without too much worry, it’s still good to have an idea of what you’re eating. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for one buffalo chicken calzone:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always nice to know what you’re putting into your body, but remember, the most important part is to enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite! Happy eating!
FAQ About Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
Can I use frozen dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you have frozen pizza dough, just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before rolling it out. It works just as well!
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
No problem at all! You can substitute it with cream cheese for a similar creamy texture, or even just use more mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make these calzones vegetarian?
Definitely! You can swap out the chicken for a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Just sauté them a bit beforehand for extra flavor!
How do I know when the calzones are done baking?
They’re ready when they’re golden brown on top and the dough feels firm to the touch. You can also peek inside; the cheese should be melted and bubbly!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To keep them crispy, I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You could also use an air fryer for a few minutes for that perfect crunch!
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
Now that you’ve got those delicious buffalo chicken calzones ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them to create a complete meal experience! Trust me, the right accompaniments can take your dish from good to absolutely fantastic!
- Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect balance to the rich flavors of the calzones. Try a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad for that extra crunch.
- Dipping Sauces: Don’t forget about the dipping sauces! A side of creamy ranch or zesty blue cheese dressing is a must-have to complement the spicy buffalo flavor. You can even whip up a homemade dipping sauce by mixing sour cream with a splash of buffalo sauce for a fun twist!
- Vegetable Platter: For a lighter side, serve a colorful platter of fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. It’s a great way to add some crunch and freshness to your meal.
- Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: If you’re feeling indulgent, crispy fries or sweet potato fries make a fantastic side dish! They’re fun to share and perfectly complement the calzones.
- Pickles or Jalapeños: For those who love a bit of tang and spice, serve some pickles or sliced jalapeños on the side. They add a nice contrast and can amp up the flavor even more!
- Beer or Sparkling Water: And let’s not forget about beverages! A chilled beer pairs beautifully with these calzones, but sparkling water with a squeeze of lime works wonderfully too, especially if you’re looking for something refreshing.
With these serving suggestions, your buffalo chicken calzones will be the star of the show, and your guests will be raving about the meal long after the last bite! Enjoy every moment of your delicious feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
So, you’ve made a batch of these scrumptious buffalo chicken calzones, and now you’re wondering what to do with the leftovers. No worries—I’ve got you covered! First, let them cool completely after baking, which helps prevent sogginess when stored. Then, wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure that they’re sealed up tight to keep that deliciousness intact!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I highly recommend using the oven to maintain that crispy crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the calzones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the crust is nice and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be careful—it can make the crust a bit soft. If you go that route, heat them in 30-second intervals until warmed, and maybe pop them in a toaster oven for a minute afterward to get that crunch back.
And if you have any leftover calzones that you want to keep for longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow the reheating instructions above. Trust me, they’ll still taste amazing!
Drucken
Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe: 6 Tips for Unmatched Flavor
- Gesamtzeit: 35 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 calzones 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A delicious buffalo chicken calzone filled with spicy chicken and cheese.
Zutaten
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Cut the dough into circles, about 6 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on one half of each circle.
- Add mozzarella and ricotta cheese on top of the chicken.
- Fold the dough over to cover the filling and press the edges to seal.
- Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with olive oil and egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your spice preference.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 20 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 calzone
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 18g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken calzone recipe
