If you’re a fan of classic Italian dishes with a twist, the Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a must-try! Combining the best of two favourites — crispy, cheesy chicken Parmesan and a warm, flaky calzone — this dish is a delicious, handheld meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.
Unlike the traditional Chicken Parmesan served on a plate, this calzone version wraps the savoury filling inside golden pizza dough, making it easy to enjoy on the go. With tender breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, every bite is packed with comforting flavours that will leave your family asking for more.
In this post, I’ll show you how to make the best Chicken Parmesan Calzone at home, with step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and creative variations to make the recipe your own. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a homemade Italian feast, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients to make a Chicken Parmesan Calzone that’s crispy on the outside and packed with flavorful, cheesy goodness inside.
Calzone Dough
- Use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or make your homemade dough.
- Ensure the dough is at room temperature before rolling it out to prevent tearing.
Chicken Filling
- Breaded and cooked chicken breast pieces, either fried or baked.
- Use pre-cooked chicken to speed up the process, or make fresh breaded chicken for a more traditional taste.
Cheeses
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savoury flavour.
- Optional Ricotta Cheese: For a creamy, rich filling.
Sauce
- Marinara sauce or pizza sauce for a rich, tangy tomato flavour.
- Use your favourite brand or make your own for a homemade touch.
Seasonings
- Italian seasoning for a classic herb blend.
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhance the overall flavour.
Optional Add-Ins
- Fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Spinach for added greens and nutrients.
- Mushrooms for a hearty, earthy flavour.
Pro Tip
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a richer taste and better texture in your calzone. It melts better and enhances the flavour profile of the dish.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Follow these simple steps to create a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Chicken Parmesan Calzone at home.
Prepare the Dough
- Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle or rectangle on a floured surface.
- Aim for about ¼-inch thickness to ensure it bakes evenly.
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten and avoid shrinking during baking.
Cook the Chicken
- If using raw chicken, bread and fry it to achieve that classic Chicken Parmesan crust.
- Dip the chicken in flour, wash it with egg, and coat it with breadcrumbs before frying.
- For a healthier version, use grilled or baked chicken.
- Once cooked, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Calzone
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on one side of the rolled-out dough.
- Add the chopped chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, and any optional fillings like basil or spinach.
- For flavour, season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges with your fingers or a fork to avoid leaks during baking.
Bake the Calzone
- Brush the top with an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) to give it a golden, glossy finish.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the calzone for 20–25 minutes until it’s golden brown and crispy.
- Please remove it from the oven and rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Pro Tip
For a professional presentation, use a pizza cutter to create clean, even slices after baking.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan Calzones
Follow these tips to ensure your Chicken Parmesan Calzones turn out perfectly every time, with a crispy crust, flavorful filling, and no soggy dough.
Preventing Soggy Dough
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and patted dry before adding it to the calzone to avoid excess moisture.
- Limit the marinara sauce to prevent the dough from becoming too wet inside. Spread a thin layer for flavour without making it soggy.
Achieving a Crispy Crust
- Brush the outside of the calzone with an egg wash or olive oil before baking to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake the calzone on a preheated pizza stone or baking steel to replicate a pizzeria-style crust for an even crispy bottom.
Customizing the Filling
- Swap marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce if you prefer a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic recipe.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for nutrition and flavour.
- Mix different cheeses like ricotta or pepper jack to create unique flavour profiles.
Pro Tip
Let the calzone cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the hot filling from spilling and help the cheese set correctly for cleaner cuts.
Creative Variations for Chicken Parmesan Calzones
Looking to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations that give the classic chicken parmesan calzone a unique twist.
Spicy Chicken Calzone
- Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy twist.
- Serve it with pepper jack cheese for an extra burst of spice.
BBQ Chicken Calzone
- Swap out the marinara sauce for BBQ sauce to create a sweet and smoky flavour profile.
- Add caramelized onions and cheddar cheese to complement the BBQ chicken.
Vegetarian Calzone
- Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Season with Italian herbs for a burst of flavour.
Gluten-Free Calzone
- Use a gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Verify that all additional ingredients, including sauces and seasonings, are gluten-free.
Pro Tip
Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, gouda, or provolone, to create unique flavour combinations and elevate your calzones to the next level!
FAQs and Storage Tips for Chicken Parmesan Calzones
Do you have questions about making, storing, or reheating Chicken Parmesan Calzones? Here are some helpful FAQs and storage tips to keep your calzones tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make the calzones ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the calzones and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze calzones?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked calzones. You can bake them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
What’s the best way to reheat calzones?
Calzones should be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to maintain their crispy crust. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to result in a soggy crust.
Storage Tips
- Keep any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- To keep the crust crispy, reheat it in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.
- Freeze unbaked calzones for up to 3 months and bake fresh when needed.
Pro Tip
Keep some extra marinara sauce on hand for dipping—it takes your calzones to the next level!
Conclusion
Making Chicken Parmesan Calzones at home is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a restaurant-style meal without leaving your kitchen. These calzones will impress family and friends with their crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful chicken filling.
The recipe is easy to customize with different fillings and sauces, making it perfect for any taste preference or dietary need. Whether prepping a quick weeknight dinner or planning meal prep, these calzones are a versatile and satisfying option.
Give the recipe a try, and get creative with your variations! In the comments section below, we’d love to hear about your calzone creations, tips, or questions. Don’t forget to tag us on social media—we can’t wait to see what you make!
Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups breaded and cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- 1 cup spinach (optional)
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to prevent shrinking during baking.
Cook the Chicken (if not pre-cooked):
- Bread and cook the chicken breast by dipping in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
- Fry or bake until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Calzone:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one side of the rolled-out dough.
- Add the chopped chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and any optional fillings.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the filling.
Fold and Seal:
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal the calzone.
Bake:
- Brush the top of the calzone with egg wash to achieve a golden crust.
- Place the calzone on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the calzone is golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the calzone rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
