Servings 4 calzones
Ingredients
- 1 pound homemade or store-bought pizza dough
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 1/2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your work surface. Divide the pizza dough into 4 portions then roll each portion into a circle about 7 inches wide.
- In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chives, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir in the chicken then divide mixture evenly between the four circles of dough, spreading the mixture on one half of the circle and leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
- Fold the non-filled side of the dough over the filling to form a half-circle shape then pinch and seal the edges together. Transfer the calzones to the baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Brush the tops of the calzones with the melted butter then sprinkle them with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the calzones for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Remove the calzones from the oven and serve them with the marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature for easier handling. If it's too cold, it might be less pliable and prone to tearing.
- Press the edges of the dough firmly to create a tight seal. A well-sealed calzone prevents filling leakage during baking.
- Store leftover baked calzones in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Fully Baked Calzones: Once fully baked, allow the calzones to cool completely. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Freezing Unbaked Calzones: If you've assembled the calzones but haven't baked them, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Baking Frozen Calzones: When ready to enjoy, there's no need to thaw the frozen calzones. Preheat your oven as usual and place the frozen calzones directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at the same temperature (400°F) for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, ensuring the cheese is fully melted, and the crust achieves golden-brown perfection.
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