?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken is a delightful dish that makes use of leftover chicken and pizza dough, transforming them into delicious calzones filled with Italian flavors. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet easy to prepare. By combining tender chicken meat with ricotta and mozzarella cheese, along with fresh mushrooms, you create a comforting meal that will please both family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken
This recipe is not only quick to make, but it also offers a variety of benefits:
- Uses leftover chicken, minimizing waste.
- Incorporates fresh ingredients like mushrooms and basil.
- Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite fillings.
- Low-calorie option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Easy to prepare in under 50 minutes, fitting into any busy schedule.
- Provides a delicious way to enjoy chicken, a popular protein.
With its Italian cuisine roots, this dish is a great way to indulge in comforting food without guilt.
Ingredients for ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken
Gather these items:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (6 ounces)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken breast (about 3 ounces)
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (about 2 ounces)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (16-ounce) ball of pizza dough (brought to room temperature)
- flour (for rolling out dough)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
- fresh chopped basil, for garnish
- grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
How to Make ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheese, ricotta cheese, chicken, mushrooms, 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning, and the salt. Mix well. Cover and chill until ready to fill the calzones.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Punch the dough down and divide it into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into an 8×10-inch oval. Lightly coat each oval with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise. Spoon half of the chicken mixture onto one-half of each oval.
- Step 4: Fold a short end of each dough oval over its filling, forming 2 half-moon shaped calzones. Roll the bottom edge up and over, twisting and pressing with your thumb to seal as you go. Prick the top of each calzone in a few places with a fork to vent.
- Step 5: Transfer the calzones to your prepared baking sheet, spacing at least 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with egg wash and apply a sprinkling of Italian seasoning, using the remaining 1/2 teaspoon.
- Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool until not-too-hot to handle. Cut each calzone into four wedges. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips for the Best ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients for better flavor.
- Don’t skip the venting step to prevent soggy calzones.
- Experiment with different fillings like spinach or peppers.
- For a crispy crust, bake on a pizza stone if available.
Best Ways to Serve ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken
Pair these calzones with a simple salad or marinara sauce for dipping. They also go well with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables. You could even serve them with a light Italian white wine for a special touch.
How to Store and Reheat ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This is a great meal prep option for busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions About ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken
What’s the secret to perfect ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken?
The key is to ensure your dough is well-prepped and your filling is not too watery. Using cooked, seasoned chicken helps keep the flavor rich and delicious.
Can I make ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the calzones ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.
How do I avoid common mistakes with ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken?
To prevent soggy calzones, avoid overfilling them and ensure to vent the tops before baking. This allows steam to escape and keeps the crust crispy.
Variations of ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken You Can Try
Feel free to get creative! You can substitute chicken with other proteins like ground beef or turkey. Try adding different vegetables or even cheese types to personalize your calzones. For a more indulgent treat, consider adding some spicy pepperoni or olives.
For more tips on using leftovers, check out this article. If you’re looking for more Italian recipes, visit this page. You can also learn about meal prepping at this resource.
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?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=chicken Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 calzones 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Use purchased pizza dough and leftover chicken to make this yummy treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (6 ounces)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken breast (about 3 ounces)
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (about 2 ounces)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (16-ounce) ball of pizza dough (brought to room temperature)
- flour (for rolling out dough)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
- fresh chopped basil, for garnish
- grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheese, ricotta cheese, chicken, mushrooms, 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning and the salt. Mix well. Cover and chill until ready to fill the calzones.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch the dough down and divide it into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into an 8×10-inch oval. Lightly coat each oval with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise. Spoon half of the chicken mixture onto one-half of each oval.
- Fold a short end of each dough oval over its filling, forming 2 half-moon shaped calzones. Roll the bottom edge up and over, twisting and pressing with your thumb to seal as you go. Prick the top of each calzone in a few places with a fork to vent.
- Transfer the calzones to your prepared baking sheet, spacing at least 2-inches apart. Brush the tops with egg wash and apply a sprinkling of Italian seasoning, using the remaining 1/2 teaspoon.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool until not-too-hot to handle. Cut each calzone into four wedges. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, calzones, pizza dough, Italian, mushroom