Chicken Parmesan Calzone
Introduction: A Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a delicious twist on the classic Italian Chicken Parmesan dish. Combining tender, breaded chicken with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a crisp, golden crust, it’s a comforting and hearty meal that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner. The calzone offers all the flavors of chicken Parmesan but wrapped up in a portable, hand-held pizza pocket. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or serving it at a party, this dish is sure to please.
The History of Ingredients:
- Chicken Parmesan: This Italian-American dish has its roots in Southern Italy, though it became popular in the U.S. after Italian immigrants began serving it with breaded and fried chicken cutlets, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. The traditional dish uses veal or eggplant, but the chicken version became more common in America.
- Calzone: A calzone is essentially an Italian turnover or stuffed pizza. It originated in Naples, Italy, as a way for pizza makers to make a more portable version of pizza. The word “calzone” means “trouser” in Italian, alluding to its pocket-like shape.
- Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato-based sauce that serves as the base for many Italian dishes, marinara sauce is made from tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like basil and oregano.
- Mozzarella Cheese: A soft, stringy cheese that melts beautifully, mozzarella is a staple in Italian cooking. It pairs perfectly with the crispy, golden crust of the calzone and the flavorful marinara sauce.
Breakdown of Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Parmesan Filling:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
- Eggs (for breading)
- Breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- Parmesan cheese (for a flavorful, salty kick)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded, for melting)
- Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil or oregano (optional for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
- For the Calzone Dough:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- For the Dipping Sauce:
- Extra marinara sauce (for dipping)
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another, combine the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dip the chicken breasts into the egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. (The internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C.)
- Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let the chicken rest. Slice into thin strips.
- Prepare the Calzone Dough:
- Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. You can make your own dough or use store-bought dough for convenience.
- Roll it into 4 equal-sized circles, each about 8-10 inches in diameter.
- Assemble the Calzones:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On one half of each dough circle, layer a few slices of chicken, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and a generous portion of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Fold the other half of the dough over to create a pocket. Press the edges together and crimp to seal the calzone.
- Using a fork, poke a few holes in the top to allow steam to escape while baking. Brush each calzone with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder if desired.
- Bake the Calzones:
- Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
- While baking, heat the remaining marinara sauce in a small saucepan for dipping.
- Serve:
- Let the calzones rest for a few minutes before cutting. Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan Calzone:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: When breading the chicken, make sure to give each piece enough space to get crispy. Overcrowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam instead of crisping.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella provides a creamier texture and better melt than pre-shredded cheese.
- Seal the Calzone Well: Make sure the edges are securely sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- Customize the Fillings: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for a twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan.
Variations and Customizations:
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan Calzone: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick, or sprinkle some hot sauce inside the calzone.
- Grilled Chicken: For a lighter variation, swap the breaded and fried chicken for grilled chicken breast.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with breaded eggplant or zucchini slices for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Buffalo Chicken Parmesan Calzone: Use buffalo sauce in place of marinara for a tangy and spicy variation.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value: Chicken Parmesan Calzones, while indulgent, can be made healthier with a few modifications. Opting for grilled chicken instead of fried, using whole-wheat pizza dough, and reducing the amount of cheese can lower the calorie count. However, traditional calzones are rich in protein, calcium, and fiber from the bread and vegetables.
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Mozzarella: Rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin B12, mozzarella provides essential nutrients for bone health and energy production.
- Marinara Sauce: Tomatoes in marinara sauce are packed with antioxidants, such as lycopene, which can support heart health.
- Pizza Dough: Traditional pizza dough is a source of carbohydrates for energy. Whole-wheat dough adds fiber for digestive health.
Nutritional Estimate (for one calzone):
- Calories: 450-500 (depending on the size and ingredients)
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
For a lighter version, use less cheese, opt for a whole-wheat dough, or reduce the amount of marinara sauce used in the filling.
FAQ:
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the calzones and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for later use and bake them directly from the freezer.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor, but they will need to be cooked a bit longer than chicken breasts.
- Can I make the dough from scratch? Yes, you can make your own dough with flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt. Homemade dough adds extra flavor but requires more time to prepare.
- Can I add other ingredients to the calzone? Yes, you can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, olives, or peppers for more depth of flavor and texture.
- Can I serve these with something other than marinara sauce? Yes! You could serve them with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce for dipping.
Chicken Parmesan Calzone Recipe
A Chicken Parmesan Calzone is a delicious twist on the classic Italian Chicken Parmesan dish. Combining tender, breaded chicken with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a crisp, golden crust, it’s a comforting and hearty meal that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner. The calzone offers all the flavors of chicken Parmesan but wrapped up in a portable, hand-held pizza pocket. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or serving it at a party, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 16-20 ounces pizza dough
- 6-7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders sliced I like Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips
- 8 ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- flour for dough
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 °F. If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them ahead of time according to the directions on the package. Slice into smaller strips and set aside.
- Meanwhile, roll out the dough into a 12 inch circle, like you would pizza crust.
- Choose one half, and spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a one inch border around the edge. Top the same half with 1 cup mozzarella cheese, all parmesan cheese, and chicken tenders.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to the opposite edge, forming a half moon shape. Pinch the ends together to seal.
- Place calzone on a greased baking sheet and baste the top with melted butter. Use a knife to pierce three 1/2 inch slits in the top of the calzone. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the calzone from the oven and top evenly (again leaving a 1 inch crust around the edges) with 1/4 cup pizza sauce and about 1/2 a cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for 5-7 minutes, and slice into strips for serving.
- Preheat the oven to 400 °F. If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them ahead of time according to the directions on the package. Slice into smaller strips and set aside.
- Meanwhile, roll out the dough into a 12 inch circle, like you would pizza crust.
- Choose one half, and spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a one inch border around the edge. Top the same half with 1 cup mozzarella cheese, all parmesan cheese, and chicken tenders.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to the opposite edge, forming a half moon shape. Pinch the ends together to seal.
- Place calzone on a greased baking sheet and baste the top with melted butter. Use a knife to pierce three 1/2 inch slits in the top of the calzone. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the calzone from the oven and top evenly (again leaving a 1 inch crust around the edges) with 1/4 cup pizza sauce and about 1/2 a cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for 5-7 minutes, and slice into strips for serving.