Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Calzones offer a fantastic blend of spicy, savory, and cheesy goodness all wrapped up in warm, golden pizza dough. The combination of tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella perfectly balances the heat from the buffalo sauce. With just the right amount of spice and richness, these calzones are a delightful twist on traditional calzone recipes. Whether you’re enjoying them on game night or as a casual dinner, they’re a perfect crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Buffalo wing sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional: sliced green onions and ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the chicken: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook thoroughly until no longer pink in the center (about 6-7 minutes per side). Remove from heat and let it cool.
Shred the chicken: Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and Buffalo wing sauce. Stir in the mozzarella and ricotta cheeses until well mixed.
Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a circle about ¼ inch thick.
Fill the calzones: Cut the dough into four equal portions. Place a generous scoop of the chicken mixture on one half of each dough circle, leaving a margin around the edges.
Seal the calzones: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Egg wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Brush the top of each calzone with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake: Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Cool down: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve: Slice each calzone in half, and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 calzones
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: If you like extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes inside the calzones.
Cheese Add-ins: Add extra cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for more cheesy goodness.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Herb Infusion: Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the filling for added freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: After baking and cooling, you can freeze the calzones for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker reheat.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken for a quicker prep time. Just shred it and mix with the buffalo sauce and cheeses.

Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade pizza dough for a more personal touch.

What can I serve with these calzones?

These buffalo chicken calzones are great on their own, but you can serve them with a side of fresh vegetables, a simple salad, or your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the calzones up to the point of baking, cover them, and refrigerate for a few hours. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven.

Can I freeze these before baking?

Yes! Assemble the calzones, then wrap them tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How can I make the calzones less spicy?

If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild wing sauce instead of a spicy one.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Add vegetables like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I know when the calzones are done?

The calzones are ready when the dough is golden brown, and you can see the cheese bubbling out from the sides.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Conclusion

These Buffalo Chicken Calzones are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo wings with the cheesy, savory goodness of a calzone. Whether you’re serving them at a casual dinner or as part of a game-day spread, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, customizable, and packed with bold flavors, this recipe is a must-try for any buffalo sauce fan!

Buffalo Chicken Calzones: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

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Buffalo Chicken Calzones are a bold and flavorful meal combining the irresistible taste of buffalo wings with cheesy comfort. Filled with tender chicken, mozzarella, ricotta, and buffalo sauce, these calzones are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 4 calzones
Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until no longer pink in the center (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let it cool.
Shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and Buffalo wing sauce. Stir in mozzarella and ricotta cheeses until well mixed.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
Cut the dough into four equal portions. Place a scoop of chicken mixture on one half of each dough circle, leaving a margin around the edges.
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for decoration.
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the calzones with the egg wash.
Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the calzones to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Slice each calzone in half and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.