Buffalo Chicken Calzone is a delightful twist on traditional calzones, blending the spicy flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting warmth of baked dough. This recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s an ideal dish for game days, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress. With its crispy exterior and gooey filling, this calzone is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a savory snack, Buffalo Chicken Calzone is the perfect choice.
Why We Love This Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
This recipe stands out because it combines bold flavors with an easy preparation process. The idea of taking the beloved buffalo chicken flavor and encapsulating it in a calzone elevates the classic dish to new heights. You’ll appreciate the balance of spice from the buffalo wing sauce and the cool creaminess from the ranch or blue cheese dressing. Furthermore, the melted mozzarella cheese adds an indulgent touch. It’s a complete meal in a portable form, making it easy to serve for gatherings or enjoy on a casual night in. You’ll find that this recipe appeals to both buffalo chicken enthusiasts and newcomers to the dish.
Ingredients about Buffalo Chicken Calzone
To create the perfect Buffalo Chicken Calzone, gathering the right ingredients is essential. Here’s what you will need:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
These ingredients come together to make a flavor-packed meal that you’ll be proud to serve.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Calzone Directions
Making Buffalo Chicken Calzone is straightforward, and with just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a large oval or circle about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness ensures that your calzone will bake evenly while providing a satisfying texture.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated; this step is crucial for achieving that signature buffalo flavor.
Now, spread your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing over one half of the rolled-out dough, carefully leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This will help seal the calzone later.
Next, spoon the buffalo chicken mixture over the dressed side of the dough, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and chopped green onions if you’re using them. This layering creates a delightful mix of flavors and textures once baked.
Gently fold the dough over to cover the filling, and press the edges to seal. If you want extra security, crimp the edges with a fork to strengthen the seal.
Before baking, brush the top with the beaten egg. This egg wash will create a lovely golden crust as it bakes. Don’t forget to cut a few small slits in the calzone to vent steam; this helps achieve a perfectly cooked interior without exploding the calzone.
Bake your creation in the preheated oven for about 18 to 22 minutes, or until the calzone is golden brown and bubbling. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The anticipation will be worth it!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Calzone
Buffalo Chicken Calzone is as versatile in serving as it is delicious. Start by slicing the calzone into generous pieces; this makes it easy for everyone to grab a slice. You can serve it warm, which enhances the flavors and allows the gooey cheese to shine.
For a fun touch, pair your calzones with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. This complements the spice of the buffalo sauce and adds a creamy contrast. Additionally, consider a side of celery or carrot sticks to balance the heat with some freshness.
If you’re hosting a party, you can create a calzone platter with various dips. This allows your guests to customize their experience, making it an interactive and enjoyable meal.
For casual dinners, serve the calzones alongside a light salad or vegetable platter to round out the meal without overwhelming the palate.
Expert Tips: Buffalo Chicken Calzone
To ensure your Buffalo Chicken Calzone turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Dough Thickness: Make sure your pizza dough is rolled out evenly. A consistent thickness ensures that the calzone bakes uniformly. Too thick, and it may remain doughy inside; too thin, and it can tear during filling.
- Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce according to your heat preference. If you enjoy a milder taste, consider mixing it with a little extra ranch or blue cheese dressing to cut the spiciness.
- Avoid Overfilling: While it’s tempting to load up on filling, overfilling can lead to a messy calzone. Stick to a moderate amount that allows for proper sealing.
- Seal the Edges: A well-sealed calzone prevents fillings from leaking out during baking. Make sure to crimp the edges firmly and thoroughly.
- Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash; it’s what gives your calzone that beautiful golden brown finish. If you want a vegan option, you can use non-dairy milk as a wash.
Following these simple tips will help you achieve a calzone that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing and perfect for sharing.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Calzone
If you find yourself with leftover Buffalo Chicken Calzone, storage is simple. Allow the calzone to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its freshness.
For short-term storage, you can keep the calzone in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for a more extended period, consider freezing it. Wrap the calzone tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored calzones, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For the best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispy texture of the crust.
Variation of Buffalo Chicken Calzone
While the traditional Buffalo Chicken Calzone is incredibly tasty, experimenting with variations can yield delicious surprises. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Veggie Addition: Add some diced vegetables such as bell peppers, jalapeños, or diced celery for extra flavor and crunch. These can be mixed into the buffalo chicken filling.
- Cheese Substitutes: Experiment with different types of cheese. Adding cream cheese to the mixture can lend a rich, creamy texture. Alternatively, blend in some cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
- Meat Alternatives: For a lighter option, substitute shredded chicken with shredded rotisserie turkey. If you want to go meatless, try using cauliflower florets mixed with buffalo sauce as a fantastic vegetarian alternative.
- Spicy Variations: If you love heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into your chicken mixture to ramp up the spice level.
- Crispy Calzone: Try frying your calzone instead of baking it for a more decadent, crispy texture. Just be cautious to not overcrowd the pan while frying.
These variations enable you to tailor the Buffalo Chicken Calzone to your taste preferences while keeping the essence of the dish intact.
FAQ
What is a Buffalo Chicken Calzone?
A Buffalo Chicken Calzone is a stuffed dough pastry filled with shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and cheese, often accompanied by ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Calzone in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the calzone ahead of time. Assemble the calzones, then wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them.
What can I use instead of chicken in a calzone?
You can use tofu, tempeh, or even vegetables like mushrooms and cauliflower for a plant-based alternative in a Buffalo Chicken Calzone.
How do I make the calzone crispy?
To achieve a crispy calzone, roll the dough thinly and ensure the oven is preheated properly before baking. An egg wash can enhance the browning of the crust.
What type of sauce is best for dipping?
Both ranch and blue cheese dressing complement the spice in the Buffalo Chicken Calzone, making them ideal dipping sauces. You can also try a creamy garlic dip for a different twist.
Buffalo Chicken Calzone
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 0.5 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 each egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large oval or circle about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until thoroughly coated.
Assembly
- Spread the ranch or blue cheese dressing over one half of the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture over the dressed side of the dough and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and green onions.
- Fold the dough over to cover the filling, press the edges to seal, and crimp the edges with a fork for extra security.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg and cut a few small slits in the calzone to vent steam.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 to 22 minutes, or until the calzone is golden brown and bubbling.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.