You’ll love this Buffalo Chicken Calzone recipe! Imagine the irresistible combination of spicy Buffalo chicken and gooey melted cheese tucked inside a warm, golden-brown crust – that’s the magic of Buffalo Chicken Calzone! If you’re a fan of the classic flavors of Buffalo chicken wings, then this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
The process is straightforward – you simply mix the buffalo chicken filling, assemble the calzones, and bake them until golden brown and bubbling. Plus, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer extra spicy, extra cheesy, or loaded with your favorite toppings.
Not only are these calzones perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but they also make a fantastic appetizer or game-day snack. You can even make them ahead of time and reheat them for a convenient meal option throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions to complement your Buffalo Chicken Calzone:
- Side Salad: Serve your Buffalo Chicken Calzone with a crisp, refreshing side salad tossed with your favorite dressing. A simple mixed green salad or a Caesar salad pairs well and adds some extra freshness to the meal.
- Celery Sticks and Carrot Sticks: Serve some fresh celery and carrot sticks on the side with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. This classic combination complements the flavors of the Buffalo chicken and adds some crunch to the meal.
- Fruit Platter: Balance out the heat of the Buffalo chicken with a colorful fruit platter. Sliced apples, grapes, pineapple chunks, and strawberries make for a tasty and refreshing accompaniment.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with salt and pepper make a delicious and satisfying side dish. Serve them alongside your Buffalo Chicken Calzone for a hearty and comforting meal.
- Garlic Bread: Serve some garlic bread or cheesy garlic breadsticks on the side for an extra indulgent touch. The garlic flavor complements the Buffalo chicken flavors and adds some extra savory goodness to the meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side for extra flavor. Additional buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even barbecue sauce are all excellent choices for dipping your calzone slices.
These serving suggestions will help round out your meal and enhance the overall dining experience. Enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Calzone!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to ensure your Buffalo Chicken Calzone turns out perfectly:
- Proper Dough Handling: When working with the dough, make sure it’s well-kneaded and rolled out evenly. This ensures that your calzone cooks evenly and has a uniform texture.
- Thorough Sealing: When assembling the calzones, ensure that you seal the edges tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or fold and pinch them together.
- Steam Vents: Making small slits or cuts on the top of the calzone before baking allows steam to escape, preventing the calzone from becoming soggy and helping it cook evenly.
- Even Heating: Place the calzones on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone to ensure even heating from the bottom. This helps the crust cook properly and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Baking Temperature and Time: Bake the calzones in a hot oven (around 425°F or 220°C) for the best results. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent overcooking or burning.
- Resting Time: Allow the calzones to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This gives the filling a chance to set and makes them easier to handle.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce, add additional toppings like diced bell peppers or jalapeños, or use a different type of cheese.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll be able to make delicious and satisfying Buffalo Chicken Calzones with ease. Enjoy your homemade creation!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just follow the package instructions for thawing and rolling out the dough.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe. Simply shred or dice the chicken and mix it with the buffalo sauce and dressing as directed.
What dipping sauces go well with Buffalo Chicken Calzones?
Popular dipping sauces include extra buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, barbecue sauce, or even honey mustard. Serve a variety of dipping sauces to cater to different tastes.
Can I make the calzones ahead of time and reheat them later?
Yes, you can make the calzones ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or diced
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley optional
- Extra buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Calzones:Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion out into a circle, about 8-10 inches in diameter, on a lightly floured surface.Spoon half of the buffalo chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges.Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture, followed by diced red onion and chopped cilantro or parsley, if using.Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, and crimp with a fork to secure.
- Bake the Calzones:Transfer the assembled calzones to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.Serve with extra buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.