The Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Calzone Delight is a crowd-pleasing twist on a classic dish. With crispy chicken tenders, gooey mozzarella, savory parmesan, and a pizza-inspired crust, this calzone is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a comforting dish that combines the best of pizza and chicken parmesan in one delicious pocket.
INGREDIENTS- Pizza dough: 16-20 oz, store-bought or homemade, for the base of the calzone.
- Crispy chicken tenders: 6-7, fully cooked and sliced into strips.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 8 oz, for a melty, cheesy filling.
- Grated parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup, for a savory boost.
- Pizza sauce: 3/4 cup, divided for layering and topping.
- Melted butter: 2 tbsp, to baste the crust for a golden finish.
- Flour: For rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. If using frozen chicken tenders, cook according to package directions, slice into strips, and set aside.
- Step 2:
- On a floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Step 3:
- Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce over one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Layer 1 cup mozzarella, grated parmesan, and sliced chicken tenders on top.
- Step 4:
- Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings and pinch the edges together to seal, forming a half-moon shape.
- Step 5:
- Place the calzone on a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter and make three small slits to allow steam to escape.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 7:
- Remove from the oven and spread the remaining 1/4 cup pizza sauce and 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top of the calzone. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Step 8:
- Let the calzone cool for 5-7 minutes before slicing into strips. Serve and enjoy!
- Serve warm with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.
- Customize your calzone with additional fillings like sautéed vegetables or extra cheese.
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes inside the filling or on top.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Brush the crust with garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use a pizza stone for an evenly crispy crust.