The first time I made Buffalo Chicken Calzones, I was looking for a way to elevate my usual weeknight dinner, and let me tell you, this dish knocked it out of the park! Picture this: a crispy, golden-brown crust encasing luscious shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and gooey mozzarella. The balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness from green onions was nothing short of a flavor explosion that had my family cheering for seconds.
Whether it’s a Quick dinner after a long day, a game-day snack that will steal the show, or even a fun twist for a lunch break, these calzones bring comfort and satisfaction to the table. And the best part? They are surprisingly easy to whip up, allowing you to reclaim your evenings from fast food monotony. So, roll up your sleeves, and let me guide you to creating a mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Calzone that’s sure to impress!
Why is Buffalo Chicken Calzone a must-try?
Comforting, Cheesy Goodness: This Buffalo Chicken Calzone delivers a hearty, cheesy experience you’ll crave again and again.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, these calzones come together in no time, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without the fuss.
Flavor Explosion: The spicy buffalo sauce beautifully complements the creamy mozzarella, creating a taste that’s simply irresistible.
Customizable Delights: Feel free to swap out ingredients and make it your own—veggie lovers, add some greens or substitute chicken for plant-based options!
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, these calzones will have your guests asking for the recipe, making it your new go-to dish for parties.
Ditch the takeout and elevate your meals—start making your Buffalo Chicken Calzone today!
Buffalo Chicken Calzone Ingredients
Ready to dive into creating the perfect Buffalo Chicken Calzone? Below are the essential ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish!
For the Dough
- Pizza Dough – Use homemade or store-bought for convenience; it’s the sturdy vessel for your filling.
- All-Purpose Flour – A little dusting on your surface will help prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.
For the Filling
- Shredded Chicken – Lean, protein-packed goodness; rotisserie chicken works wonders here for a quick meal.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce – This is the star of the show, adding that signature spicy kick—adjust to your heat preference!
- Cream Cheese – Mixes beautifully with the chicken and buffalo sauce for a rich, creamy backdrop.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Provides melty, gooey goodness that binds the filling together; cheddar is a tasty substitute!
- Chopped Green Onions (optional) – Adds a fresh burst of flavor and a nice pop of color on top.
For Serving
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing – A delightful dip that complements the flavors; choose according to your taste.
- Egg (for egg wash) – Brush over the calzones before cooking for a beautiful golden-brown finish.
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying the most comforting Buffalo Chicken Calzone!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Calzone
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Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, stir together shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and cream cheese until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the spice level based on your preference.
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Prepare Dough: Lay the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into equal pieces, then roll each out. Spoon half of the chicken mixture onto one side, sprinkle with mozzarella, and fold to seal.
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Cook Calzones: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush the bottom with melted butter. Place the calzones in the skillet and sprinkle with garlic powder. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the calzones to a cutting board. Let them cool slightly before slicing. Finishing off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions, serve them warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Optional: Add a dash of hot sauce on top for an extra kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Buffalo Chicken Calzone Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and personalize it to your taste! Each variation adds a unique twist that will delight your taste buds.
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Vegetarian: Replace the shredded chicken with cooked cauliflower or chickpeas for a hearty, meatless alternative. This swap not only caters to vegetarians but also brings a delightful texture to your calzone.
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Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or a blend of Italian cheeses to enhance flavor. Each cheese brings its own unique taste that can complement the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully.
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Spicy Touch: Add diced jalapeños or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick. Layers of flavor will dance on your palate with this fiery addition!
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Hidden Veggies: Toss in diced veggies such as bell peppers or spinach into the chicken mixture for a nutritious boost. Not only do they add color, but they enhance the overall flavor profile—truly a win-win!
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Herbal Notes: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the filling for a refreshing burst of flavor. This subtle addition can elevate your calzone to new culinary heights!
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Creamy Swap: For a less spicy option, swap buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy twist. The contrast creates a delightful fusion that everyone will enjoy.
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Crunch Factor: Mix in some crispy bacon bits with the chicken filling for a smoky flavor twist. It adds a satisfying crunch that will keep everyone coming back for more!
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Dough Alternatives: Try using whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas for a different base. This way, you can cater to dietary needs without compromising on taste!
How to Store and Freeze Buffalo Chicken Calzone
Fridge: Store leftover calzones in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for a crispy texture.
Freezer: Freeze calzones individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, bake from thawed at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Assemble and cook calzones when you’re ready for a quick and satisfying meal!
Expert Tips for Buffalo Chicken Calzone
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Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps in your filling.
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Dough Thickness: If using pizza dough instead of tortillas, roll it out thinly to ensure a crispy texture. Avoid thick dough, which can lead to undercooked centers.
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Heat Level Control: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce in your filling based on your preferred spice level. Starting with less can help avoid overwhelming heat.
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Storing Leftovers: Leftover calzones can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy finish rather than the microwave.
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Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize your Buffalo Chicken Calzone by adding diced vegetables or different cheeses for unique flavors that your family will love!
Make Ahead Options
These Buffalo Chicken Calzones are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor and quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply roll out the pizza dough, fill with the prepped mixture, and seal the calzones. Cook them fresh in a skillet for 2–3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown, ensuring that the gooey mozzarella stays melted and delicious. This way, you’ll have quick, homemade comfort food at your fingertips, ready to delight your family with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Calzone?
Looking to create an unforgettable meal around your spicy, cheesy delights? Let’s explore the perfect pairings that will elevate your dining experience.
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Crispy Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and tangy vinaigrette complements the calzone’s richness, cutting through the heat delightfully.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks provide a wonderful contrast to the crispy calzone, perfect for dipping in ranch or blue cheese dressing.
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Roasted Veggies: Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini roasted with a dash of olive oil add a colorful and nutritious side, balancing flavors while incorporating freshness.
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Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness and slight crisp of these fries beautifully contrast the spicy and savory notes of the calzone. A dip in ranch can make them even more enticing!
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Creamy Coleslaw: The crunch and creamy tanginess of coleslaw are refreshing and will ground the warmer flavors of the calzone, making each bite satisfying.
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Sparkling Lemonade: A fizzy, citrusy drink will cleanse the palate and add a touch of refreshing brightness to the hearty meal.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with warm cookies that offer a comforting classic, sure to please everyone at the table.
Pair these delightful sides with your Buffalo Chicken Calzone for a meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to choose ripe ingredients for my Buffalo Chicken Calzone?
Absolutely! When selecting shredded chicken, you want to ensure it’s cooked through and moist—using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic choice for flavor and convenience. For the buffalo sauce, look for one that isn’t overly thick and has a good spicy kick tailored to your taste. If you opt for green onions, choose fresh ones with vibrant green tops and firm white bulbs.
How should I store leftover Buffalo Chicken Calzones?
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that crispy texture!
Can I freeze my Buffalo Chicken Calzones?
Yes, of course! To freeze, wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They will keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, and voilà—a delicious meal ready to enjoy again!
What should I do if my calzones seem undercooked in the center?
If you find that your calzones are undercooked, the dough may have been too thick, or the heat might’ve been too high. Next time, roll out your dough thinner and ensure you cook them on medium heat for long enough, usually 2-3 minutes per side. If this happens, you can return them to the skillet or oven for a few more minutes until they’re cooked through.
Are Buffalo Chicken Calzones suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
It’s very easy to customize for dietary needs! For those avoiding chicken, you can substitute it with cooked cauliflower or plant-based chicken strips for a vegetarian option. If you have allergies, always check the labels of your buffalo sauce and cream cheese, as these can sometimes contain allergens. Gluten-free dough options are also available for those with gluten intolerance!
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling, which consists of the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese, up to 2 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble your Buffalo Chicken Calzones, just grab the filling, and you’ll have a quick and satisfying meal ready in no time!
Buffalo Chicken Calzone: Your New Favorite Comfort Food
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, stir together shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and cream cheese until well combined. Taste and adjust spice level.
- Prepare Dough: Lay the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut into equal pieces, roll each out, spoon half of the chicken mixture onto one side, sprinkle with mozzarella, and fold to seal.
- Cook Calzones: Heat skillet over medium heat, brush bottom with melted butter, place calzones in skillet, sprinkle with garlic powder. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer calzones to a cutting board, let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing.