BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe
Description:
BBQ Chicken Calzones are a fun and delicious twist on traditional calzones, stuffed with tender, shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and fresh toppings like red onion and cilantro. These pocket-sized pizzas are perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day, or a casual get-together. The crispy dough on the outside gives way to the flavorful BBQ chicken filling on the inside, making each bite a delightful experience. Serve them with a side of extra barbecue sauce or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4 calzones
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Prepare the Chicken Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Prepare the Pizza Dough:
Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a floured surface. Cut it into 4 equal pieces. - Assemble the Calzones:
Divide the BBQ chicken mixture evenly among the 4 pieces of dough. Top each with shredded mozzarella cheese, a few slices of red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. - Seal the Calzones:
Fold each piece of dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges tightly to seal the calzones, making sure no filling escapes during baking. - Bake:
Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the calzones cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them hot, served with a side of extra barbecue sauce or a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- Storage:
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the calzones to cool completely before storing them. - Reheating:
Reheat the calzones in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the crust will not be as crispy. For a crispier crust, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat.
Serving Tips & Variations:
- Serving Tips:
Serve these BBQ chicken calzones with extra barbecue sauce for dipping or pair them with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a complete meal. They also go great with a side of roasted vegetables or fries. - Variations:
- Cheese Variations: You can mix in other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even cream cheese for a creamier filling.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for roasted vegetables or even a combination of beans and corn for a southwestern twist.
- Add Spice: Add a diced jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to the chicken filling for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Sauce Variations: Try different barbecue sauces, such as smoky, honey mustard, or spicy barbecue sauce, to change the flavor profile.
- Buffalo Chicken: Substitute barbecue sauce with buffalo sauce for a spicy buffalo chicken calzone.
20 FAQs:
- Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and will save you time in shredding the chicken. - Can I freeze these calzones?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To bake, simply thaw and bake as instructed. - Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! You can make your own pizza dough if you prefer, but refrigerated dough is much quicker and convenient. - How can I make the calzones more crispy?
For extra crispiness, brush the calzones with olive oil before baking, or bake them on a pizza stone. - What type of barbecue sauce should I use?
Choose your favorite barbecue sauce. Sweet, tangy, or smoky varieties work well with this recipe. - How can I make these calzones spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes to the chicken mixture for a spicier version. - Can I add other veggies to the filling?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn to the filling for more flavor and texture. - Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! You can use cheddar cheese, gouda, or provolone for a different flavor. - Can I add bacon to the filling?
Yes, adding cooked bacon pieces would give an extra smoky flavor and crunch. - What can I serve with the calzones?
Serve them with a side of fries, a green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. - How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain excess liquid from the barbecue sauce and chicken mixture. Also, baking the calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet helps prevent sogginess. - Can I make mini calzones?
Yes, you can make smaller versions of these calzones by dividing the dough into smaller pieces and adjusting the filling accordingly. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the calzones ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. - How can I add more flavor to the dough?
Brush the dough with garlic butter or sprinkle some dried herbs on the dough before baking for added flavor. - Can I add ranch dressing to the filling?
Yes, adding ranch dressing to the chicken filling will create a creamy and tangy flavor that complements the barbecue sauce. - Can I use gluten-free pizza dough?
Yes, gluten-free pizza dough is a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities. - What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
You can bake the calzones on a regular baking sheet, just make sure it’s lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables or black beans for a delicious vegetarian option. - Can I freeze the leftover filling?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover BBQ chicken filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat before using it in future calzones or as a topping. - Can I add a dipping sauce on the side?
Absolutely! Serve the calzones with ranch dressing, extra barbecue sauce, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for dipping.
20 Best Tips to Make BBQ Chicken Calzones:
- Use a good-quality barbecue sauce for the best flavor.
- Don’t overfill the calzones – leave some space at the edges to ensure they seal properly.
- Preheat the oven thoroughly to ensure the calzones bake evenly.
- Brush the dough with olive oil before baking for a golden, crispy crust.
- Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before cutting to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Use parchment paper to line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Roll the dough out evenly to ensure consistent cooking times and avoid overcooked or undercooked areas.
- Make sure your chicken filling is not too wet – drain any excess liquid.
- Add a layer of cheese directly on the dough before adding the chicken mixture for a cheesy base.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the chicken mixture.
- Freeze unbaked calzones for a quick meal later – just bake them straight from frozen.
- Serve with a fresh side salad to balance out the richness of the calzones.
- To make cleanup easier, line your baking sheet with foil.
- Serve the calzones immediately for the best texture, or allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Use a pizza stone if you have one for an extra crispy bottom.
- Try different types of cheese – cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack will give the calzones a unique twist.
- Cut slits on top of the calzones before baking to help steam escape and avoid them puffing up too much.
- Experiment with different barbecue sauces – smoky, tangy, or sweet.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the calzones once they’re done for clean slices.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the dough thoroughly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
