Craving something crispy, cheesy, and bursting with bold and spicy flavor? A Buffalo Chicken Calzone is just what you need to satisfy those cravings quickly and easily. This delicious Italian-American fusion dish takes tender shredded buffalo chicken and wraps it in pillowy pizza dough, creating a handheld masterpiece that’s perfect for any meal or snack. Whether you’re a fan of buffalo wings or just love a good calzone, this recipe will show you how to make a Buffalo Chicken Calzone fast without sacrificing the rich flavor and satisfying textures you’re after.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Bold Flavor Explosion: Tangy buffalo sauce combined with melted cheese creates a perfect harmony of spice and creaminess.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapted with different cheeses, meats, or veggies to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfectly Crispy Exterior: The golden-brown crust provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey inside.
- Great for Sharing: Makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a filling main course that’s easy to slice and serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things simple but carry big flavor and texture, ensuring your Buffalo Chicken Calzone turns out just right every time.
- Pizza Dough: Either store-bought or homemade dough works perfectly as a soft, chewy canvas for your filling.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or quickly poach fresh chicken breasts for a tender protein base.
- Buffalo Sauce: The star ingredient that delivers that signature spicy, tangy kick.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For gooey, melting goodness inside your calzone.
- Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: Optional but highly recommended for dipping or adding creamy contrast inside the calzone.
- Olive Oil: To brush the calzone dough, helping achieve a golden and crispy crust.
- Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning: Small additions that pack a flavorful punch, complementing the buffalo spices.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors.
Variations for Buffalo Chicken Calzone
Feel free to mix things up! This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, so customize it based on what you love or have on hand.
- Spicy Kick Adjustment: Add sliced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to amp up the heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce for a plant-based alternative.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with pepper jack, cheddar, or provolone to bring different flavor dimensions.
- Extra Crunch: Incorporate diced celery inside the filling to mimic classic buffalo wing accompaniments.
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Dough: Use dough alternatives to cater to dietary preferences without losing texture.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Calzone
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
Combine shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly so each bite delivers that perfect spicy and cheesy blend.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out pizza dough into roughly 8-inch circles. This size works well for holding enough filling while still being easy to fold and handle.
Step 3: Fill the Dough
Place a generous scoop of the buffalo chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about an inch of space around the edge for sealing.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together and then crimp with a fork to ensure the calzone stays sealed while baking.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush the calzone tops with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost and beautiful golden color. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and golden brown.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Calzone
- Use Fresh Dough: Fresh or well-thawed dough results in a superior texture—avoid dough that’s old or overly sticky.
- Don’t Overfill: Overstuffing can cause leaking, so keep filling amounts moderate and edges clear for a neat seal.
- Preheat Your Oven: A hot oven crisps the crust quickly without drying out the filling.
- Try Egg Wash: For a shiny, browned crust, brush your calzones with beaten egg instead of olive oil.
- Let Cool Slightly: Allow calzones to rest a few minutes after baking to prevent burns and help the filling set.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Calzone
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that livens up the rich calzone filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
Simple sides like crisp celery sticks, a fresh garden salad, or crunchy carrot sticks pair nicely with the spicy buffalo flavor and keep the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the calzone into wedges for party platters or serve whole as individual pockets. Offering blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side turns every bite into a flavor adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap cooled calzones tightly in plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days to enjoy later.
Freezing
To enjoy later, freeze assembled but unbaked calzones on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works wonderfully and makes this Buffalo Chicken Calzone recipe quick and easy.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can reduce buffalo sauce quantity or substitute with a milder wing sauce or BBQ sauce for a less spicy but still flavorful calzone.
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Yes, homemade pizza dough adds a nice personal touch, but store-bought dough saves time and works perfectly for this recipe.
Is it possible to make this calzone gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free pizza dough available at most stores, or make your own, and follow the recipe as usual.
How do I prevent the calzone from leaking during baking?
Make sure to thoroughly seal the edges of the dough by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork. Avoid overfilling to reduce leakage.
Final Thoughts
The Buffalo Chicken Calzone is a fantastic way to put a creative spin on classic flavors, delivering a fast, flavorful, and fun meal everyone will love. Whether you’re new to calzones or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to when you want something comforting and exciting. Give it a try and enjoy all the crispy, cheesy, spicy goodness wrapped up in one delicious package!