Chicken and Pesto Calzones

Enjoy delicious Chicken and Pesto Calzones filled with tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and melted cheese, all wrapped in golden, baked dough. Perfect for any meal!

Chicken and Pesto Calzones are a fantastic choice for a meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. These calzones combine tender chicken, rich pesto sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in a perfectly golden brown pizza dough.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. With just a few straightforward steps, you can create a dish that delights the whole family.

You don’t need to be a professional chef to make these calzones;

Start by cooking the chicken and mixing it with the pesto and cheese. Then, simply stuff the mixture into dough, fold it into a calzone shape, and bake until the crust is crispy and the inside is melted and dreamy. You don’t need to be a professional chef to make these calzones; they’re straightforward enough for even novice cooks to tackle confidently.

Kids, in particular, love these calzones

What truly makes Chicken and Pesto Calzones a standout is their ease of preparation and incredible flavor. The combination of savory chicken, aromatic pesto, and creamy, melted cheese creates an irresistible taste. Kids, in particular, love these calzones, often asking for seconds.

They’re perfect for a family meal, a casual dinner party, or even as a fun cooking project

They’re perfect for a family meal, a casual dinner party, or even as a fun cooking project with older children. Plus, you can customize them to fit your family’s tastes – add some extra veggies, swap the chicken for turkey, or use whole wheat dough for a healthier twist. This versatility, with their outstanding taste and straightforward preparation process, makes Chicken and Pesto Calzones a surefire hit in any household.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 T. olive oil
10 oz. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 garlic cloves, minced
20 oz. pizza dough ball (homemade or store-bought)
1 c. marinara sauce, divided
¼ c. basil pesto
4 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 oz. parmesan cheese, freshly grated
½ c. fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
1 medium egg, beaten
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the garlic is fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper for easy clean up.

Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions and roll out into ¼-inch thick circles.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ¼ cup of marinara sauce, pesto, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Divide the filling between the 4 pizza rounds, spreading it only on one half of the dough. Fold the other side of the dough on top of the filling and pinch the edges to seal.

Arrange the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg.

Transfer into the oven and bake until deeply golden on top, approximately 14-16 minutes.

Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes.

Serve with the remaining marinara as a dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

Helpful Tips and Variations for Making Chicken and Pesto Calzones

Helpful Tips:

1. Prep Ingredients in Advance: To make the process even smoother, prepare your ingredients beforehand. Cook the chicken, shred it, and have it ready for mixing. Mince garlic if you're adding for extra flavor, and ensure all toppings are prepped and within easy reach.
2. Use Store-Bought Dough: For added convenience, you can use store-bought pizza dough. It's a time-saver that still delivers a delicious result. Just make sure to roll it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
3. Seal Calzones Properly: Ensure the edges of your calzones are sealed well to prevent any filling from spilling out during baking. Use a fork to crimp the edges or fold and press them together.
4. Vent for Steam: Don’t forget to cut a few small slits on top of each calzone before baking. This allows steam to escape, preventing the calzones from becoming soggy.
5. Use a Baking Stone: If you have a pizza stone, use it! It helps create a nice, crispy crust. Place the stone in the oven while it preheats to get it nice and hot before baking the calzones directly on it.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and load up on your favorite veggies like bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. You can also add some ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
2. Whole Wheat Dough: For a healthier twist, use whole wheat pizza dough. It adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your meal.
3. Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken and pesto mixture for a bit of heat. This is perfect for those who love a spicy punch.
4. Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a bit of feta for a Mediterranean twist.
5. BBQ Chicken Pesto: Mix things up by using BBQ sauce instead of (or in addition to) the pesto. This adds a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and cheese.
6. Herb Infused Dough: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some dried herbs like oregano, basil, or rosemary onto the dough before adding the filling.
7. Mini Calzones: Make mini versions of these calzones for a great appetizer or snack option. They’re perfect for parties or for packing into lunchboxes for kids.

These tips and variations ensure your Chicken and Pesto Calzones are versatile, easy to make, and delicious every time!

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