Oh my goodness, let me tell you about buffalo chicken calzones! These little pockets of joy are like a flavor explosion in your mouth! The combination of spicy buffalo chicken and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a warm, golden crust is just irresistible. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma filled my kitchen, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and a kick of heat that just makes you happy. Trust me, once you try this buffalo chicken calzone recipe, you’ll be hooked! They’re super easy to whip up, and you can even customize the spice level to suit your taste. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these delightful buffalo chicken calzones! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut or cook your own for that fresh flavor.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: This is where the magic happens! Adjust the amount based on how spicy you want it—don’t be shy!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey goodness that holds everything together. Make sure it’s freshly shredded for the best melt!
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: This adds a creamy texture that balances the spice. It’s like a little hug for your taste buds!
- 1 package pizza dough: You can buy pre-made dough at the store or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Either way, it’s going to be delicious!
- 1 egg (for egg wash): This gives your calzones that beautiful golden finish. Just beat it up in a bowl before brushing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! A little sprinkle can elevate the flavors even more.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create your buffalo chicken calzones that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is super important because it ensures your calzones will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden and crispy. While the oven heats up, you can get started on the filling!
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. Wow, the smell is already amazing! Mix it all together until the chicken is evenly coated. Then, add in the shredded mozzarella and ricotta cheese. Give it a good stir until everything is fully combined and creamy. You want that delicious filling to be rich and flavorful!
Roll Out the Dough
Now, let’s roll out that pizza dough. Dust your work surface with a little flour to keep everything from sticking. Roll the dough out into a large circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Then, using a round cutter or a bowl, cut out circles that are about 6 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—this is homemade, after all!
Fill and Seal the Calzones
Time to fill those calzones! Place a generous scoop of the chicken mixture on one half of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, or they’ll be a bit tricky to seal. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, and then use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal. This little step helps keep all that delicious filling inside. Trust me, you don’t want any of it escaping!
Apply Egg Wash and Bake
For that beautiful golden finish, beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of each calzone. This is the secret to that shiny, appetizing look! Now, pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the kitchen smells heavenly. You’ll know they’re done when they look irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
Oh boy, let me tell you why this buffalo chicken calzone recipe is an absolute winner! Not only is it super easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with flavor and versatility that you can’t resist. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spicy buffalo chicken and creamy cheeses creates a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for more.
- Versatile: You can customize the spice level to suit your taste, and even switch up the fillings for a different twist—think veggies, different meats, or even a cheese lover’s dream!
- Make Ahead: These calzones can be prepared in advance and frozen before baking, so you can have a tasty meal ready whenever you need it.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether for game day, a casual family dinner, or a fun party, these calzones are always a hit and perfect for sharing (or not, no judgment here!).
- Kid-Friendly: With their fun shape and delicious filling, kids love them! You might just find them asking for these again and again.
Trust me, once you taste these buffalo chicken calzones, you’ll be hooked! They’re a simple yet satisfying meal that never disappoints.
Tips for Success with Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
Now that you’re ready to make these amazing buffalo chicken calzones, let me share some of my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. You want to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this meal with you!
- Adjust the Spice: Don’t hesitate to tweak the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your heat preference. If you like it spicy, go ahead and add more! For those who prefer a milder taste, just use less. You can always serve extra sauce on the side for dipping!
- Dough Thickness: When rolling out the pizza dough, aim for an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures that your calzones cook evenly and have that perfect crispy crust without being too doughy.
- Sealing is Key: Make sure to press the edges firmly and crimp them well with a fork. This not only keeps the filling intact but also gives a lovely decorative touch. You don’t want any of that delicious buffalo filling leaking out while they bake!
- Make-Ahead Magic: If you’re prepping ahead of time, you can assemble the calzones, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer; you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
- Storage Tips: Leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You’ll love how they’re still crispy!
Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll be the star of your kitchen with these buffalo chicken calzones. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for these tasty buffalo chicken calzones! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Each calzone packs a punch of flavor without compromising on nutrition. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g
These calzones are not only delicious but also provide a good balance of protein and carbs, making them a satisfying meal. Enjoy your buffalo chicken calzones without guilt, knowing they’re both tasty and relatively wholesome!
FAQ about Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
I know you might have some questions about making these buffalo chicken calzones, and I’m here to help! Let’s dive into some of the most common queries I’ve come across.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Absolutely! If you don’t have shredded chicken on hand, you can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option, or even leftover grilled chicken. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded for the best results!
What if I don’t like buffalo sauce?
No worries at all! If buffalo sauce isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for BBQ sauce or even a homemade spicy sauce. The key is to find a flavor you love, so feel free to get creative!
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Adding veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your calzones. Just be sure to chop them finely and sauté them a bit to reduce moisture before mixing them in with the chicken.
How do I store leftover calzones?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a crispy texture again!
Can I freeze these calzones?
Yes! These calzones can be frozen before baking. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What do you recommend serving with these calzones?
I love serving these calzones with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. A fresh salad or some crunchy veggies can also complement the meal beautifully. They make for a deliciously satisfying dinner!
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Of course! If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade pizza dough is a fantastic option. Just make sure to let it rise properly for that perfect texture. But no judgment if you want to use store-bought—it’s all about enjoying your cooking experience!
I hope this FAQ clears up any questions you might have had about making these scrumptious buffalo chicken calzones. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite!
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
Now that you’ve got your delicious buffalo chicken calzones ready, let’s talk about what to serve with them! The right sides can really elevate your meal and create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: You absolutely can’t go wrong with a side of creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese for dipping. It perfectly complements the spicy filling and adds that cool contrast!
- Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing side. The crunchiness and freshness balance out the richness of the calzones beautifully.
- Veggie Sticks: Serve some crunchy veggie sticks like carrots, celery, or bell peppers alongside the calzones. They’re perfect for dipping in the leftover dressing and add a healthy crunch!
- Sweet Potato Fries: If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, sweet potato fries are a fantastic choice! Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the spicy buffalo flavor.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw is another great side that adds a nice crunch and a bit of zest, making it a perfect companion to the calzones.
- Garlic Bread: For those who love carbs (and who doesn’t?), a side of garlic bread can be a delightful addition to your meal. It’s great for soaking up any extra sauce!
Mix and match these sides to create your perfect plate! No matter what you choose, these buffalo chicken calzones are sure to be the star of the show, and your guests will be raving about the entire meal. Enjoy!
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Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe: 5 Irresistible Tips Inside
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious buffalo chicken calzone filled with spicy chicken and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 package pizza dough
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Add mozzarella and ricotta cheese to the chicken mixture.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Cut the dough into circles about 6 inches in diameter.
- Place a scoop of the chicken mixture on one half of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape.
- Seal the edges with a fork.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the calzones.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your taste.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- These calzones can be frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken calzone, calzone recipe, buffalo chicken recipe
