I’ve got to say, there’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, golden calzone oozing with creamy Chicken Alfredo. Who doesn’t love the combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and gooey cheese? The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, even for someone like me who nearly burned water last week. Let’s talk about how to whip these up and maybe even surprise your taste buds along the way. Ready to get cooking?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you think about comfort food, who can resist a warm, bubbly pot pie packed with seafood? I know I can’t, especially when it’s a cheddar bay biscuit seafood pot pie.
Just picture the rich, creamy filling loaded with shrimp, crab, and a hint of garlic. It’s straight-up cozy vibes in every bite.
The best part? Those Cheddar Bay biscuits on top. They’re like little clouds of buttery goodness, perfectly golden, and just begging to be immersed in that luscious filling.
I’m telling you, this recipe brings a smile to my face every time. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Who wouldn’t want to plunge into a dish that smells this good? So, let’s chat more about how to make this pie irresistible.
Equipment List
To whip up this delightful dish, I grab a sturdy cast iron skillet. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for even cooking. I also reach for a good sharp knife and a cutting board for chopping my veggies.
Mixing bowls? Absolutely essential, especially when I’m layering flavors. A wooden spoon helps me stir without scratching my beloved skillet. And, let’s not forget measuring cups for precise biscuit mix—no guesses here. Having essential kitchen shears on hand also makes it easy to cut through herbs and other ingredients smoothly.
Last but not least, I keep my oven mitts handy. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve burned my hands. Cooking is an adventure, right?
Our Ingredients
When you’re ready to make those mouthwatering Chicken Alfredo Calzones, let’s not forget that the ingredients are the heart of the dish.
Sure, the technique matters, but without the right flavors and textures going into your calzones, you’re just making glorified bread pockets.
And while we’re focused on that comforting creamy goodness, let’s gather everything we’ll need!
Here’s our ingredient list, straight from the treasure trove of flavors:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough or dough for calzones
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Now, here’s something to think about.
When it comes to the chicken, you can totally use leftovers (yep, that’s right, cook once, eat twice).
Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, think about spicing up your Alfredo sauce with a pinch of nutmeg or some fresh herbs. You could even throw in some fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for that extra gourmet touch.
After all, calzones are like little surprises waiting to be discovered, right?
And when it comes to cheese, who doesn’t want that perfect melty goodness? Just try to resist the urge to add too much, or you’ll have a calzone explosion—and not the tasty kind.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Chicken Alfredo Calzones is like wrapping up a warm hug of flavors in dough—delicious! You’re about to step into a fun, rewarding culinary adventure that’s both easy and satisfying. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get to work.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of Alfredo sauce. Stir until everything is well coated. Ah, the creamy goodness of Alfredo—what a way to start.
- Add the Cheeses: To your chicken mixture, fold in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently to blend all those luscious flavors (don’t worry if it’s a bit chunky; that just adds character).
- Roll Out the Dough: If you’re using refrigerated pizza dough, take it out of the package and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for about a 1/8-inch thickness. Yes, you want it nice and thin, but remember, we’re making calzones, not paper-thin crackers.
- Fill the Calzones: Cut the rolled dough into rounds (about 6 inches in diameter is a good size). Spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling onto one half of each round, leaving a little room at the edges for sealing. Just imagine the magical gooeyness that awaits—so tempting!
- Seal ‘Em Up: Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Press the edges to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra secure closure. This isn’t just for show; it helps keep all that cheesy goodness inside.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, take 1 egg and whisk it in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush (or even your fingers if you like a little mess), brush the egg wash over the tops of the calzones. This will give them that beautiful golden-brown color. Who doesn’t want their food to look as good as it tastes?
- Bake: Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and puffed up nicely. Can you smell that? It’s the aroma of comfort food calling your name.
- Finish With Some Love: Once your calzones are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little olive oil on top or serve with some extra Alfredo sauce for dipping. Because why not take it up a notch?
And there you have it—the wonderful journey of creating Chicken Alfredo Calzones, from gathering ingredients to savoring each bite. With the right tools, like premium cookware sets, you can elevate your cooking experience even further!
Tips & Variations
While I’ve whipped up plenty of calzones in my time, there’s always room to play around and make them uniquely yours.
One tip? Don’t shy away from mixing in different cheeses; mozzarella and provolone are both fantastic. You could even throw in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a zesty twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try using a store-bought pizza dough instead of making your own? It saves time, and who doesn’t love that?
Oh, and remember, a little seasoning on the inside goes a long way. I’ve had my share of bland calzones before—never again.
Finally, brush the outside with garlic butter right before baking; it’s like a little hug for your calzones. Enjoy the process!
How to Serve?
Serving up your Chicken Alfredo Calzones is almost as fun as making them, especially when you think about all the delicious possibilities. I love to serve them warm, right out of the oven, so the cheesy goodness is at its peak.
You can slice them in half to showcase that creamy filling, or just let everyone grab a whole calzone. Pair them with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal, but honestly, they’re so satisfying on their own.
A sprinkle of parsley on top adds a nice touch, and don’t forget a side of marinara for dipping. Trust me, you’ll be the star of dinner, even if you still have flour on your shirt.
Storage & Reheating Guide
After you’ve whipped up those delectable Chicken Alfredo Calzones, you might wonder how to store any leftovers—or if you even have any.
If you do, I recommend placing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about three days, but let’s be honest, leftovers can be tricky. You might find yourself sneak-eating them at midnight.
When it’s time to reheat, I opt for the oven to keep that crust nice and crispy. Just wrap them in foil and warm them at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. No soggy calzones here.
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just don’t blame me if it ends up a bit chewy. For extra convenience, consider using silicone lids to cover your containers, keeping your leftovers fresher for longer. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on whipping up those glorious Chicken Alfredo Calzones, I can’t help but smile at how simple yet delightful they are. Seriously, who knew I could indulge without too much effort?
The creamy filling wrapped in golden dough is comfort food at its finest. Beyond the flavor, the fun of folding calzones puts a smile on my face; it feels almost like a culinary hug.
I enjoy playing with fillings or adding extras—maybe even a sprinkle of spinach for color. And, let’s be real, even if they’re not Pinterest-perfect, they disappear fast at the dinner table.
