When I think of comfort food that makes me feel at home, Chicken Alfredo Calzone always comes to mind. The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and soft golden dough is one of those dishes that never fails to satisfy. I still remember the first time I baked this recipe for my family; the smell filled the kitchen, and everyone rushed to the table, eager for that first slice. It quickly became a household favorite, and now, I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about bringing together flavors you already adore in a fun and unique way. If you love classic Chicken Alfredo, then turning it into a warm calzone will surprise you in the best way possible. The creamy filling wrapped in soft, golden crust creates a delicious contrast in every bite. It feels like restaurant-quality food, yet it’s easy enough to prepare in your own kitchen.
Another reason you’ll love it is the practicality. It makes a satisfying dinner, but it also works as a great lunch or even as a portable meal for busy days. It reheats beautifully, so leftovers never go to waste. It’s a meal that brings comfort without being complicated.
Versatile
One of the best parts of this Chicken Alfredo Calzone recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it with store-bought dough for a quick version or prepare homemade dough if you have more time. The filling can also be adjusted to suit your taste. Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to boost the nutrition, or switch up the cheese to give it a new flavor twist. You can even prepare smaller versions to serve as party appetizers.
Affordable
This recipe is budget-friendly, which makes it perfect for families. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or affordable items you can find easily at the grocery store. A little chicken goes a long way when combined with Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and ricotta, making it both filling and economical. It’s proof that you don’t need expensive ingredients to create something indulgent and impressive.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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Cooked chicken breast, shredded
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Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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Mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Ricotta cheese
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Parmesan cheese, grated
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Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
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Garlic powder
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Dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
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Olive oil
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Salt and black pepper
How to Prepare This Recipe
Making a Chicken Alfredo Calzone may sound fancy, but I promise it is much easier than it looks. With just a few simple steps, you can create a golden, crispy crust filled with creamy Alfredo and tender chicken. I love that it feels like a special dish, yet it comes together quickly on a weeknight.
The process begins with preparing your filling. Shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, and cheeses are combined to make a creamy mixture that melts beautifully inside the dough. Then, you’ll roll out the dough, stuff it generously, and fold it into a half-moon shape. Once baked, the calzone is golden brown with a gooey center that is impossible to resist.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
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Prepare the chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for the filling. I usually roast or poach chicken ahead of time, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use leftover chicken, which makes the process faster.
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Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta, and a touch of Parmesan. Add garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
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Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Shape it into circles or ovals, depending on how large you want your calzones. Each circle should be thin enough to fold easily but not so thin that the filling breaks through.
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Add the filling: Spoon the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one side of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Be generous, but make sure you don’t overfill, or the calzone might burst while baking.
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Seal the calzone: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together, then crimp them with a fork or roll them slightly to ensure a tight seal. This step is important to keep the filling inside while baking.
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Brush with olive oil: Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with a little garlic powder and Parmesan for extra flavor.
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Bake until golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 18–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and firm to the touch.
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Cool before serving: Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes before slicing into them. This resting time lets the filling set slightly so it doesn’t spill out when cut.
Quick and Easy
This calzone recipe is wonderfully quick. If you use store-bought dough and pre-cooked chicken, you can have everything ready in under 40 minutes. It’s one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights when I want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable
The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition. If you love spice, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. For a richer taste, use smoked mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses. You can even make mini versions for kids or parties, adjusting the filling to suit different preferences.
Popular with Many People
Whenever I serve these Chicken Alfredo Calzones, they disappear fast. They’re perfect for family dinners because everyone gets their own golden pocket of creamy goodness. Friends love them at gatherings, too, especially when I make smaller, appetizer-sized portions. The combination of Alfredo sauce and melty cheese appeals to both kids and adults, making it one of those universally loved recipes.
Chicken Alfredo Calzone has become a recipe I return to again and again. It’s simple, versatile, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.
PrintChicken Alfredo Calzones
This Chicken Alfredo Calzone combines tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and a blend of cheeses, all wrapped in a golden, crispy dough. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even parties when made as mini calzones. Quick, customizable, and loved by everyone, this recipe is both comforting and versatile.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded
- Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Garlic powder
- Dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into circles or ovals.
- Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press edges together and crimp with a fork.
- Place calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Parmesan.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Allow calzones to cool for 3–5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For added vegetables, sauté spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli before adding to the filling.
Mini calzones can be made by dividing the dough and filling into smaller portions; reduce baking time to 12–15 minutes.
Calzones can be frozen unbaked for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
FAQs
Q: Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and mix it with the Alfredo sauce and cheeses. It’s a great way to make this recipe even quicker.
Q: Can I freeze the calzones?
Yes, you can. Prepare the calzones but don’t bake them. Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I make the dough from scratch?
Definitely. Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully for calzones. Just roll it out to the desired size and follow the same instructions for filling and baking. Fresh dough gives a slightly chewier texture and enhances the flavor.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile. Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers work well. Make sure to sauté any vegetables that release water first, so your calzone doesn’t become soggy.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the crust crispy while ensuring the filling is heated evenly.
Q: Can I make mini calzones?
Absolutely. Mini calzones are perfect for parties or kids. Just divide the dough and filling into smaller portions and adjust the baking time slightly, usually 12–15 minutes depending on size.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. You can mix cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they melt well to maintain the creamy filling texture.