There’s something unforgettable about the first bite of a perfectly baked chicken parmesan. The crispy breaded chicken, the rich marinara sauce, and the gooey, melted cheese—it’s comfort food at its finest. But what if you could take those familiar flavors and wrap them in a golden, handheld crust? That’s exactly what you get with a Chicken Parmesan Calzone.
This calzone gives you all the comfort of the original dish, plus the fun of crispy, golden pizza dough. It’s perfect for busy nights, family dinners, game days, or anytime you want something delicious and satisfying.
What Is a Chicken Parmesan Calzone?
A Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a folded pizza dough stuffed with crispy chicken, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and classic Italian seasonings. It’s basically the best parts of chicken parmesan and pizza combined into a convenient, grab-and-go meal.
While traditional calzones are typically filled with cheese, meats, and veggies, this version highlights the crispy, saucy goodness of chicken parmesan. It’s hearty, portable, and endlessly customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Calzone
All the Classic Flavors in Every Bite
When you sink your teeth into this calzone, you’ll get that perfect mix of crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, stretchy mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan. The golden, flaky crust provides the perfect touch of crunch.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you need a weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or a game day snack, this calzone fits the bill. It’s easy to reheat and always a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable for the Whole Family
You can easily make these calzones your own. Add sautéed spinach, spicy pepperoni, extra cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to suit your tastes.
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, homemade calzone:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cooked breaded chicken cutlets (you can use leftovers or pre-cooked frozen cutlets)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional fillings: sautéed mushrooms, spinach, pepperoni
- Optional toppings: garlic butter, extra Parmesan, fresh basil
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking or reheating breaded chicken cutlets. Slice them into thin strips for easy stuffing.
Roll Out the Dough
Divide the pizza dough into two large or four smaller portions. Roll each piece into a circle on a floured surface.
Assemble the Calzone
Spread marinara sauce on half of each dough circle. Top with sliced chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Make sure to leave space around the edges to seal properly.
Seal and Bake
Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal. Brush each calzone with an egg wash to help the crust turn golden and crisp. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Add Finishing Touches and Serve
Once baked, you can brush the calzones with garlic butter and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for even more flavor. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan Calzone
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the calzone to burst while baking. Keep it balanced.
- Use Egg Wash: This gives your calzone a beautiful, golden finish.
- Let It Rest: Allow your calzone to cool for a few minutes before cutting. This allows the cheese to set and helps prevent burning.
- Get Creative: Try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or spicy pepperoni to mix things up.
Delicious Variations of Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Classic Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Stick to the basics with breaded chicken, marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Add crushed red pepper flakes, spicy marinara, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick.
Chicken and Veggie Calzone
Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add more texture and nutrition.
Grilled Chicken Calzone
Swap out the breaded chicken for grilled chicken if you want a lighter, less crispy version.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Calzone
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Always offer extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
- Pair with a Salad: A crisp green salad with Italian dressing complements the richness of the calzone.
- Add Garlic Bread: For the ultimate comfort meal, serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
- Include Roasted Veggies: Roasted zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus make a great side dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate:
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze:
Baked calzones freeze well. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months.
Reheat:
For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This keeps the crust crisp.
FAQs
Can I Make Chicken Parmesan Calzone Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the calzones and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for meal prepping or hassle-free weeknight dinners.
Can I Freeze Chicken Parmesan Calzones?
Absolutely. Baked calzones freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly and bake from frozen at 350°F until heated through.
Do I Have to Use Breaded Chicken?
No, you can use grilled or rotisserie chicken for a lighter version if you prefer.
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Yes, using store-bought dough is a huge time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe.
What’s the Best Cheese for Chicken Parmesan Calzone?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but provolone, fontina, or even ricotta can add a fun twist.
Chicken Recipes You May Like
The Chicken Parmesan Calzone is more than just a quick meal—it’s a handheld twist on a comfort food classic that you can enjoy anytime. Whether you’re making it for your family, your friends, or just yourself, this calzone is satisfying, easy to customize, and packed with the flavors you love.
Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- 2 cooked breaded chicken cutlets pre-cooked or leftovers
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg for egg wash
- sautéed spinach, mushrooms, pepperoni Optional fillings
- garlic butter, extra Parmesan, fresh basil Optional toppings
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook or reheat breaded chicken cutlets. Slice into thin strips.
- Roll Out the Dough: Divide pizza dough into two large or four smaller portions. Roll each into a circle on a floured surface.
- Assemble the Calzone: Spread marinara sauce on half of each dough circle. Add sliced chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Leave space around the edges for sealing.
- Seal the Calzone: Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork. Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Optional Finish: Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with extra Parmesan after baking.
- Serve: Serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Don’t overfill the calzones to prevent bursting while baking.
- You can use grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for a lighter version.
- Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe.
