Introduction
Buffalo chicken calzone is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the comforting embrace of a calzone. This mouth-watering recipe is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals and enjoy the convenience of a handheld, portable pizza-like treat. Whether you’re hosting a game night, craving a hearty snack, or simply looking to switch up your dinner routine, this buffalo chicken calzone is sure to satisfy your cravings.
With a crispy golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and a zesty buffalo chicken filling, this calzone offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The spicy buffalo sauce adds a tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy melted cheese and tender chicken, creating a delightful culinary experience with every bite.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients you’ll need, the step-by-step process to create this delectable dish, some variations to customize it to your liking, helpful tips for success, and finally, answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your buffalo chicken calzone turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
To make a mouth-watering buffalo chicken calzone, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– Pizza dough – Cooked chicken, shredded – Buffalo sauce – Mozzarella cheese, shredded – Blue cheese dressing – Red onion, thinly sliced – Celery, diced – Butter – Garlic powder – Salt – Pepper
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying buffalo chicken calzone that will impress your family and friends.
Steps
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a delicious buffalo chicken calzone:
1. Preheat your oven to the specified temperature. 2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. 3. In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated. 4. Spread the chicken mixture over half of the rolled-out dough. 5. Top the chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced red onion, and diced celery. 6. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal. 7. In a small bowl, melt butter and mix in garlic powder. 8. Brush the top of the calzone with the garlic butter mixture. 9. Make small slits on the top of the calzone to vent steam while baking. 10. Bake the calzone in the preheated oven until golden brown and bubbly. 11. Serve hot with a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Variations
There are several ways to customize your buffalo chicken calzone to suit your preferences:
– Add extra toppings such as diced bell peppers or jalapenos for added flavor and heat. – Substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled tofu for a vegetarian version. – Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles. – Drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top before serving for an extra kick of heat.
Feel free to get creative and make this buffalo chicken calzone your own by trying out different variations and ingredients.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect buffalo chicken calzone:
– Make sure to fully cook the chicken before assembling the calzone to ensure it’s tender and juicy. – Use a good-quality buffalo sauce for authentic flavor and heat. – Let the calzone rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and prevent it from oozing out when sliced. – Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste preferences.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying buffalo chicken calzone every time.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken calzone is a delightful dish that brings together the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting goodness of a calzone. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and zesty filling, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a tasty meal, the buffalo chicken calzone is a versatile and satisfying option that never fails to impress.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the buffalo chicken calzone ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the calzone ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This can be a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
Q: Can I freeze leftover buffalo chicken calzone? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover calzone in an airtight container for up to three months. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe? A: Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well for this recipe, but you can also make your own dough if desired for a homemade touch.
Q: How can I make the calzone spicier? A: To make the calzone spicier, you can increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add additional hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the filling.
Buffalo Chicken Calzone
Buffalo chicken calzone is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the comforting embrace of a calzone. With a crispy golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and a zesty buffalo chicken filling, this calzone offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Cooked chicken, shredded
- Buffalo sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Blue cheese dressing
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Celery, diced
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to the specified temperature.
-
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
-
In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
-
Spread the chicken mixture over half of the rolled-out dough.
-
Top the chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced red onion, and diced celery.
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Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
-
In a small bowl, melt butter and mix in garlic powder.
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Brush the top of the calzone with the garlic butter mixture.
-
Make small slits on the top of the calzone to vent steam while baking.
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Bake the calzone in the preheated oven until golden brown and bubbly.
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Serve hot with a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping.
