Ingredients
Dough and Dough Prep
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large oval or circle approximately 1/4 inch thick to create the base for the calzone.
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce until it is evenly coated with a spicy, tangy flavor.
- Assemble Calzone: Spread the ranch or blue cheese dressing evenly over one half of the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Layer the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the dressing, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and optional chopped green onions over the filling.
- Seal Calzone: Fold the unfilled half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal in the filling, and crimp with a fork for a decorative edge if desired.
- Add Egg Wash and Vent: Brush the top surface of the calzone with the beaten egg to promote browning during baking. Cut a couple of small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Place the calzone onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the inside is bubbly and hot.
- Serve: Let the calzone cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or substitute with a milder hot sauce.
- The calzone can be customized with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms if desired.
- Use a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet for an even crispier crust.
- Leftover calzones can be reheated in the oven for best results instead of the microwave to maintain crispiness.
- Brush the edges with a little water before sealing to help the dough stick better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American