Chicken Parmesan Calzone

 

Chicken Parmesan Calzone: A Comfort Food Classic with a Delicious Twist

If you love the hearty flavors of Chicken Parmesan and the irresistible appeal of a warm, cheesy calzone, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together. The Chicken Parmesan Calzone takes everything you adore about the Italian-American classic—crispy chicken, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella—and wraps it all in a golden, oven-baked pizza dough pocket. It’s comfort food perfection in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This calzone is hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or as a make-ahead freezer meal. The combination of crispy chicken and melted cheese tucked inside freshly baked dough is the kind of magic that satisfies every craving.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup cooked chicken cutlets, breaded and sliced

• 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Filling:
   In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken with marinara sauce until evenly coated. Add Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

3. Roll Out the Dough:
   Divide the pizza dough into two or four portions (depending on your desired calzone size). Roll each piece into an 8-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.

4. Assemble the Calzone:
   Spoon the chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

5. Seal and Crimp:
   Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.

6. Bake to Perfection:
   Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

7. Serve:
   Let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Crispy Chicken Shortcut: Use leftover breaded chicken tenders or store-bought cutlets to save time.

• Cheese Lovers: Add a few spoonfuls of ricotta for an extra creamy texture.

• Make Ahead: Assemble calzones and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen—just add 5 extra minutes.

Why It Works

This Chicken Parmesan Calzone combines familiar flavors in a new, handheld form that’s easy to eat and share. The crispy chicken adds texture, the melted cheese brings richness, and the marinara ties it all together in one satisfying bite. It’s comfort food reimagined—a fun twist on a classic Italian favorite.

The Takeaway

Whether you’re making dinner for the family or hosting friends, this Chicken Parmesan Calzone is guaranteed to impress. It’s warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting—everything a weeknight meal should be. Pair it with a simple salad or roasted veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love.