Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
Buffalo Chicken Calzones are delicious stuffed pastries filled with spicy shredded chicken and cheese, perfect for gatherings and cold weather.
As the crisp autumn air settles in New York City and the scent of roasted pumpkin begins to waft through the streets, I find myself gravitating towards heartwarming, cozy dishes. This season is perfect for gathering with friends and family, and what better way to celebrate than with a flavorful Buffalo Chicken Calzone? It’s a dish that not only warms my heart but also delivers a kick of spice, making it ideal for upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cozy flavors that warm the heart and perfect for fall gatherings.
- A delightful combination of spicy Buffalo chicken and gooey cheese.
- Easy to make and a fantastic way to impress friends and family.
- Customizable filling options for personal taste and dietary preferences.
- Great for meal prep; freeze uncooked calzones for a quick meal later.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your Buffalo Chicken Calzones:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (about 2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup Buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Calzone (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Buffalo Chicken Calzones:
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the olive oil, salt, and flour, mixing until a dough begins to form. I like to use my hands to knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let it Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Watching the dough puff up is a joyful reminder that patience pays off in the kitchen.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce, mozzarella, blue cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Its creamy, spicy scent will have your mouth watering in no time.
Step 4: Shape the Calzones
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch the dough down and divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch circle. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling onto one half of each circle, leaving the edges clear. Fold the other half over and press the edges to seal, crimping with a fork for extra security.
Step 5: Bake the Calzones
Place the calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little olive oil for a golden finish and cut a few small slits in the tops to allow steam to escape. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown — just wait until those homemade calzones fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let them cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color. Serve with a side of extra Buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Dough Rising Time: Don’t rush through the rising process; it’s essential for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
- Overfilling the Calzones: It’s tempting to heap on that delicious filling, but overstuffed calzones can burst while baking, making a mess in the oven.
- Not Brushing with Oil: Don’t skip the olive oil brush on top; it gives that beautiful golden crust and adds flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- If you prefer less heat, feel free to adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce or even use a milder sauce.
- Try adding vegetables like sautéed bell peppers or onions into your filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- To make it a complete meal, serve with a side salad or roasted veggies for a lovely balance.
Variations
- Use different sauces such as barbecue or teriyaki for a unique flavor twist.
- Substitute cooked ground turkey or beef for the chicken filling.
- Add different types of cheese like pepper jack or cheddar for a diverse flavor profile.
- Incorporate spinach or kale into the filling for added nutrients.
How to Serve
- Serve with a side of extra Buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Include a platter of vegetable sticks as a crunchy accompaniment.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked calzones for up to a month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing this recipe, I discovered how satisfying it is to see a simple dough transform into something so delicious and crowd-pleasing. Plus, now I have the ultimate go-to recipe for my holiday gatherings, ready to impress my friends and family with each warm, cheesy bite!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 calzones · Serving Size: 1 calzone
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~400 calories · 25g protein · 30g carbs · 20g fat
Delicious Buffalo Chicken Calzones for Fall
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy. Add olive oil, salt, and flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a separate bowl, mix shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce, mozzarella, blue cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Once dough has risen, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down dough and divide into four pieces. Roll each into a 6-inch circle, spoon filling onto one half, fold over, and crimp edges.
- Place calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush tops with olive oil, cut slits for steam, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve with extra Buffalo sauce or ranch dressing.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought dough to save time. Just follow the instructions on the package for rolling and baking.
2. How do I prevent my calzones from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to let your filling cool before assembling the calzones and avoid overfilling them.
3. Can I make these calzones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the calzones in advance and either refrigerate or freeze them. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
4. What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Calzones?
They pair wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or dipping sauces like ranch or extra Buffalo sauce.
5. How can I customize the filling for these calzones?
You can customize the filling by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, or even using different types of cheese.
