Homemade Chicken Calzones

There's something incredibly satisfying about a handheld meal, especially one bursting with flavor and warmth. Forget delivery pizza for a night and welcome the charm of a homemade calzone! Imagine a golden, crispy crust encasing tender chicken, gooey cheese, and savory sauce – it's like a personalized pizza pocket, but even better. Making calzones at home is not only fun but allows you to customize every bite. Today, we're diving into the delicious world of Chicken Calzones, a recipe that promises to become a regular in your rotation. Get ready for some serious comfort food!

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Dough (or use 1 lb store-bought pizza dough):

• 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup marinara sauce, plus extra for serving
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 large egg, whisked (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add olive oil, salt, and gradually stir in the flour until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   While the dough is rising, in a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, marinara sauce, garlic powder, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined.

3. Assemble the Calzones:

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into an 8-9 inch circle.

4. Fill and Seal:

   Spoon about a quarter of the chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Avoid overfilling. Dampen the edges of the dough with a little water. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press firmly along the edges to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for an extra secure seal and a decorative touch.

5. Bake:

   Place the assembled calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Cut a few small slits on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with the whisked egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Tips and Variations:

• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to your chicken filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Cheese Please: Experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for different textures and tastes.
• Sauce Swap: Try Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy chicken calzone, or a spicy buffalo sauce for a kick!
• Make Ahead: Calzones can be assembled and frozen unbaked. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until golden and heated through.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve your hot calzones with extra warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. A simple green salad makes a perfect accompaniment.

These homemade chicken calzones are more than just a meal; they're an experience. The effort of making them from scratch pays off with every cheesy, savory bite. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a fun gathering with friends, or even meal prepping, these calzones are sure to satisfy. So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and prepare to impress your taste buds! Enjoy!