If you’re craving the ultimate fusion of comfort food, look no further than this Chicken Parmesan Calzone. Imagine biting into a golden, buttery crust that gives way to a gooey explosion of melted mozzarella, savory Parmesan, tender slices of crispy chicken tenders, and zesty pizza sauce. It’s everything you love about classic Chicken Parmesan, perfectly wrapped in a handheld pocket of joy. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this calzone promises to deliver big on flavor and satisfaction.
Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Ingredients
- 16-20 ounces pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 6-7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders, sliced (I like Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips)
- 8 ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- flour for dough
Instructions
1Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F. If you’re using frozen chicken tenders, cook them according to the package instructions, then slice them into smaller strips and set them aside.
2Prepare the Dough: Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, just like a pizza crust.
3Add the Filling: Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce on one half of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Layer the sauced side with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, all the grated Parmesan cheese, and the sliced chicken tenders.
4Shape the Calzone: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pinching them together securely.
5Bake the Calzone: Place the calzone on a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter, then make three small slits (about 1/2 inch) in the dough to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20 minutes.
6Top and Finish Baking: Remove the calzone from the oven and spread the remaining 1/4 cup of pizza sauce on top, leaving the edges bare. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7Cool and Serve: Let the calzone cool for 5-7 minutes before slicing it into strips. Serve warm and enjoy!
