Quick & Crispy Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe You’ll Love

Chicken parmesan calzones blend classic Italian-American comfort flavors into a delightful handheld meal that crafts traditional expectations.

Crispy, golden edges cradle melted cheese and savory chicken wrapped in soft, pillowy dough.

This crowd-pleasing pocket crafts ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary with minimal kitchen effort.

Robust seasonings and carefully layered components elevate the simple concept beyond standard fare.

Melted mozzarella creates a gooey interior that perfectly complements the tender, seasoned chicken nestled inside.

Each bite promises a harmonious combination of textures and rich, satisfying tastes that delight the palate.

Homemade calzones offer a superior alternative to takeout, delivering restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.

Why Chicken Parmesan Calzone Is Worth Making

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic chicken parmesan into a portable, handheld calzone that delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness in every delicious bite.
• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in under 40 minutes using simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills, perfect for busy families and hungry individuals.
• Customizable Flavor Explosion: Easily swap chicken tenders for rotisserie chicken, add fresh herbs, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its irresistible appeal.

Chicken Parmesan Calzone Ingredient Guide

• Pizza Dough: A soft, stretchy base that holds all the delicious fillings in a perfect pocket.
• Flour: Helps prevent the dough from sticking while rolling out.

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, juicy protein that adds a hearty texture to the calzone. Choose fresh or frozen tenders with minimal additives.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty cheese that creates a gooey, stringy texture. Opt for whole milk mozzarella for the best flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and complexity to the filling.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when brushed on top of the calzone.

• Pizza Sauce: Tangy tomato base that brings moisture and classic Italian flavor to the calzone.

Instructions for Making a Chicken Parmesan Calzone

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Chicken

Crank up the oven to a sizzling 400°F. If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them according to package directions. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized strips and set aside.

Step 2: Roll Out Dough

Dust your work surface with flour. Gently stretch the pizza dough into a beautiful 12-inch circle, using smooth rolling motions to create an even thickness.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Fillings

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Sliced chicken strips

Step 4: Fold and Seal

Carefully fold the bare dough half over the loaded side, creating a half-moon shape. Press and crimp the edges firmly to seal in all the yummy goodness.

Step 5: Prep for Baking

Transfer the calzone to a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter and make three small slits to allow steam to escape.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Slide the calzone into the oven and bake for 20 minutes until it starts turning golden.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Remove from oven and drizzle remaining pizza sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 8: Final Bake and Serve

Return to oven for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5-7 minutes, then slice into delectable strips and serve hot.

Smart Tips for the Best Calzone Texture

• Seal Edges Perfectly: Press down firmly with a fork to create a tight seal and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of cornmeal on the baking sheet to help absorb moisture and create a crispy crust.
• Maximize Cheese Flavor: Mix different types of cheese like provolone or fontina with mozzarella for a more complex flavor profile.
• Enhance Browning: Brush the calzone with an egg wash before baking to achieve a golden, glossy exterior that looks professionally made.
• Control Moisture: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels before slicing to reduce excess liquid that could make the calzone soggy.

Storing and Reheating Your Calzone

• Refrigerate: Store leftover calzone in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place calzone on a baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place calzone on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to avoid soggy texture. Best used when you need a fast meal.

Tasty Add-Ons for Chicken Parmesan Calzone

• Pair with Zesty Italian Salad: Toss together crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the calzone's richness.
• Complement with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the tomato sauce and cheesy flavors of the calzone.
• Refresh with Sparkling Lemonade: Craft a homemade lemon drink with fresh mint to balance the heavy, cheesy dish and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve Alongside Garlic Bread: Create crispy garlic bread with herbs to provide a crunchy texture that perfectly matches the soft, cheesy calzone interior.

Calzone Variations Inspired by Parmesan Chicken

• Spicy Southwestern Calzone: Replace chicken tenders with seasoned ground beef, add black beans, corn, and jalapeños. Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese and mix in taco seasoning for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Calzone: Use grilled chicken, incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle oregano and basil inside the calzone for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Veggie Supreme Calzone: Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Add ricotta cheese and a blend of Italian herbs for extra richness and depth.
• Buffalo Chicken Calzone: Toss chicken tenders in buffalo sauce before adding to the calzone. Mix blue cheese crumbles with mozzarella and drizzle ranch dressing after baking for a classic buffalo wing experience.

Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken parmesan calzone wraps classic Italian flavors into a crispy, golden-brown pocket of deliciousness. Melted mozzarella, tender chicken, and marinara sauce combine to make each bite a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 6–7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders (such as Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips), sliced

Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Dough and Extras:

• 16–20 ounces (454–567 grams) pizza dough
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) pizza sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, melted
• Flour (for dusting the dough)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 400°F (200°C), ensuring a perfectly crisp exterior for the calzone.
2. If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them thoroughly according to package instructions, then slice into bite-sized strips for optimal distribution throughout the calzone.
3. Dust a clean work surface with flour and carefully stretch the pizza dough into a generous circular shape, approximately 12 inches in diameter.
4. Spread pizza sauce generously on one half of the dough, maintaining a small border around the edges to prevent leakage during baking.
5. Layer the sliced chicken strips evenly across the sauced dough, creating a consistent protein base for the calzone.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage for a rich, melty texture.
7. Gently fold the bare half of the dough over the filled side, creating a classic half-moon shape.
8. Carefully seal the edges by pressing and crimping with your fingers, preventing any filling from escaping during baking.
9. Transfer the assembled calzone to a lightly greased baking sheet, then brush the surface with melted butter for a golden, glossy finish.
10. Create three small strategic slits on the top to allow steam to escape and prevent potential burst-outs.
11. Bake the calzone for 20 minutes until the dough turns a beautiful golden brown.
12. Remove from the oven and delicately spread additional pizza sauce across the top, leaving a small border.
13. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce, creating an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
14. Return to the oven for a final 10-minute bake, allowing the cheese to melt completely and become irresistibly bubbly.
15. Once removed, let the calzone rest for 5-7 minutes to allow the filling to settle and cool slightly.
16. Slice into strips and serve immediately, revealing the delectable layers of chicken, sauce, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Perfectly seal the edges to prevent cheese and sauce from leaking during baking, ensuring a deliciously intact calzone.
• Create slits on top to allow steam to escape, which helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust without soggy dough.
• Use pre-cooked chicken tenders for a quick and convenient meal that saves time without compromising on flavor.
• Brush the calzone with melted butter before baking to enhance the golden color and add a rich, buttery taste to the crust.
• Let the calzone rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make slicing easier without burning your mouth.
• Customize the filling by adding your favorite herbs like basil or oregano, or include additional vegetables for extra nutrition.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1300 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg