If you're craving a warm, comforting meal with a crispy crust and ooey-gooey cheesy goodness inside, you're going to love this Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe. It's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend treat when you want something indulgent but fuss-free. The creamy Alfredo sauce mingling with tender chicken and melty cheese inside a golden, crisp dough just hits all the right spots. Let me walk you through making these delicious calzones step-by-step - you'll notice how approachable and rewarding the whole process is.
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Why This Recipe Works
This Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe nails the balance between indulgence and simplicity, delivering a meal that's both satisfying and straightforward to make. The combination of creamy cheeses and savory chicken wrapped in a perfectly golden crust creates a comforting bite every time.
- Consistent Texture: The dough crisps up beautifully on the outside while the filling stays creamy and cohesive inside.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: Garlic and Italian seasoning add just enough savory depth to complement the rich Alfredo sauce without overpowering it.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and store-bought pizza dough to get this on your table fast.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: You'll finish assembling and baking these calzones within 45 minutes, making them an ideal quick comfort meal.
Ingredient Game Plan
When it comes to the ingredients for this Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe, quality goes a long way. Choosing fresh cheeses and pre-cooked chicken you trust helps the flavors really shine without extra hassle.
- Shredded cooked chicken breast: Opt for moist, tender chicken; leftover rotisserie works perfectly here and saves time.
- Alfredo sauce: Choose a creamy sauce with good flavor-homemade or a quality jarred variety will both work fine.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded thanks to fewer additives.
- Ricotta cheese: Look for whole milk ricotta for a richer, silkier filling texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty sharpness that's hard to beat.
- Pizza dough rounds: Store-bought dough rounds keep things simple; just make sure they're thawed fully before shaping.
- Olive oil: A light brush on the crust before baking keeps the calzones golden and crisp.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by combining your shredded cooked chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce in a medium bowl. This coating helps keep every bite silky and flavorful. Next, stir in shredded mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to mix gently so the cheese and herbs distribute evenly without breaking the chicken up too much. You'll quickly notice how this cheesy mixture already looks and smells inviting. Set it aside while you prepare the dough.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Place your store-bought pizza dough rounds on a lightly floured surface-this keeps them from sticking but won't dry them out. Gently stretch or roll each one into an 8-10 inch circle. You don't have to be perfect here; just aim for even thickness to avoid soggy spots. Spoon half of the cheesy chicken filling onto one side of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. The border is your sealing zone, so keep it clear. This step is where the creamy filling meets the crispy exterior, giving you that luscious contrast in every bite.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to create a neat semicircle. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork for a secure hold and a charming pattern. This sealing step ensures none of your cheesy Alfredo goodness escapes during baking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and transfer your calzones gently. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil for a shiny, golden crust. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, watching for that perfect golden-brown color and puffiness. Your kitchen will fill with a toasty, inviting aroma that's hard to resist.
Pro Moves I Swear By
Through all my cooking adventures, I've found these tips make a huge difference with a Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe - giving you a perfect, restaurant-worthy result every time.
- Doneness Cue: Look for a golden-brown crust that's puffed but not burnt; a gentle tap should sound hollow.
- Temperature Trick: Keep oven temperature steady at 400°F to crisp crust without over-drying the filling.
- Make-Ahead Move: Assemble calzones ahead and freeze uncooked; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't overload with filling-it can cause breakage or sogginess if the dough can't seal well.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
I like to serve these calzones hot with a small bowl of extra Alfredo sauce on the side for dipping. The additional sauce boosts that creamy, garlicky richness and invites everyone to customize their bites. Sometimes a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top brightens the plate and adds a fresh note that contrasts wonderfully with the cheese and chicken.
Great Pairings
Since these calzones are rich and filling, balance them with a crisp green salad, maybe with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. I also enjoy pairing them with roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus for some fresh texture and color contrast.
Easy Plating Wins
For a casual weeknight, just place each calzone on a colorful plate with dipping sauce and salad on the side. For a special occasion, slice calzones in half to showcase that molten cheesy interior, stack them artfully, and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil. Simple yet impressive!
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, wrap leftover calzones tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They stay tasty in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the crust softens a bit in the fridge, but reheating will help crisp it back up nicely.
Freezer Notes
This recipe freezes well when wrapped individually in foil and placed in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer to the fridge overnight. This way, you get a freshly baked texture when reheated, almost as good as just-made.
Reheating Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe Without Drying Out
For best results, reheat your calzones in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or use an air fryer at 320°F for about 8 minutes to restore the crispness without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving alone-it tends to make crust rubbery. If you must microwave, wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel, then crisp up in a toaster oven for a minute or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch and can be tailored for your preferred texture. Just make sure it's rolled evenly to avoid uneven baking and sogginess.
You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese or extra mozzarella for a similar creamy texture, though ricotta gives that signature softness and subtle tang.
Be sure to leave a clear 1-inch border around the filling and press the edges firmly. Crimping with a fork seals the dough well, minimizing spill during baking.
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes for delicious cheesy vegetarian calzones.
Final Thoughts
I love how this Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe combines familiar favorite flavors into something a little different that feels special enough for company but easy enough for any night. The crispy outside with the creamy, cheesy filling is a combo that never gets old in my kitchen. Give it a try-you might find yourself making these calzones on repeat for a cozy, delicious meal everyone will enjoy.
PrintComplete Recipe
Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
This Crispy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Calzones recipe combines tender shredded chicken and rich Alfredo sauce with a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses inside a golden, crispy pizza dough. Perfect for an easy dinner or snack, these calzones are baked to perfection and served with extra Alfredo sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 Minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound shredded cooked chicken breast
- ½ cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dough and Finishing
- 2 store-bought pizza dough rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
- Extra Alfredo sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken breast with Alfredo sauce. Add shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the calzones: Lay two store-bought pizza dough rounds on a lightly floured surface. Gently stretch or roll each dough round into an 8-10 inch circle. Divide the filling equally between the two dough rounds, spooning it onto one half of each, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Fold and seal: Fold the unfilled half of each dough round over the filling to create a semi-circle. Gently press down on the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with the tines of a fork for a secure seal and decorative touch.
- Bake to golden perfection: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully transfer the assembled calzones. Brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil.
- Baking and serving: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and puffed up. Let the calzones rest for a few minutes before serving hot with extra Alfredo sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken breast, shredded, to save time and ensure tender chicken filling.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, add crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Brush the calzones with olive oil to achieve a crispy and golden crust.
- Serve immediately after resting to enjoy the cheese melted inside.
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