Buffalo Chicken Calzone

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly combines spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors, then the Buffalo Chicken Calzone is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful pocket of dough filled with tender buffalo chicken, melty cheese, and just the right amount of heat offers a comforting and exciting meal that’s ideal for game day celebrations or a satisfying homemade dinner. Whether you’re a fan of classic buffalo wings or searching for a fun new way to enjoy bold flavors, this recipe brings everything you love into a handheld, golden-baked treat that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese creates an irresistible taste sensation.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: It combines the warmth of a calzone with the iconic boldness of buffalo chicken for a comforting yet exciting meal.
• Game Day Hero: Easy to share and packed with flavor, it’s a fantastic option to serve at parties or casual gatherings.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily tweak the filling with your favorite toppings or spice levels for a personalized twist.
• Simple Preparation: Using straightforward ingredients and steps makes this an accessible recipe for cooks of all levels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

While the ingredient list for Buffalo Chicken Calzone is simple, each component plays a crucial role in building this dish’s bold flavors and delightful textures. From the tender chicken to the melty cheese, every item ensures the final calzone is as delicious as it looks.

• Buffalo Chicken: Use cooked shredded chicken tossed in classic buffalo sauce for that spicy, tangy kick.
• Pizza Dough: Fresh or store-bought dough holds all the ingredients together with a golden, crispy crust.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides gooey, melty richness that balances the heat.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: Adds a savory sharpness that complements the buffalo flavor perfectly.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For dipping or drizzling, this adds a cool contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Butter and Garlic: A simple garlic butter brushed on the crust gives the calzone extra flavor and shine.
• Optional Veggies: Consider onions, celery, or bell peppers for crunch and added freshness.

Variations for Buffalo Chicken Calzone

The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Calzone is how easy it is to adapt the recipe to your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

• Vegetarian Buffalo Calzone: Substitute shredded chicken with buffalo-flavored cauliflower or jackfruit for a plant-based option.
• Extra Cheese Lover’s: Add provolone or cheddar cheese alongside mozzarella for an even cheesier experience.
• Mild Buffalo Flavor: Use a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with honey to tone down the heat for sensitive palates.
• Spicy Kick Upgraded: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes inside for those who crave more fire.
• Gluten-Free Dough: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough to make this dish accessible for gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Calzone

Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

Start by shredding cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great) and tossing it with buffalo sauce until it’s evenly coated. Set aside to marinate slightly, letting those bold flavors soak in.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large circle or oval, about 1/4 inch thick. This creates the perfect base to hold all your fillings without tearing.

Step 3: Add the Fillings

On one half of the rolled dough, layer the buffalo chicken, shredded mozzarella, and blue cheese crumbles. Add any optional veggies like diced celery or onions for crunch and freshness.

Step 4: Fold and Seal

Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges tightly together and crimp with a fork to seal the calzone well, preventing any leaks during baking.

Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter

Melt butter and mix in minced garlic, then brush this over the top of the calzone. This step adds a gorgeous golden color and delicious aroma as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place your calzone on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and golden brown.

Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Calzone

• Don’t Overfill: Keep the filling balanced to avoid a soggy or bursting calzone.
• Use Cold Filling: Warm fillings can make the dough sticky and hard to seal properly.
• Seal Edges Well: Use a fork to press down the edges tightly, which keeps all that delicious cheese and sauce inside.
• Rest Before Slicing: Letting it cool for a few minutes avoids cheese spills and burns when you cut.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to fit your preferred spice level perfectly.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Calzone

Garnishes

Serve your buffalo chicken calzone with a side drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, plus a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or celery for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Side Dishes

Complement the hearty calzone with crunchy celery sticks, crisp garden salad, or tangy coleslaw to balance out the meal and add some veggie goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice calzones into smaller portions for easy appetizer-style servings or wrap them in foil to take for lunch or picnics, ensuring the flavors stay warm and melty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Buffalo Chicken Calzone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully while maintaining flavor and texture.

Freezing

Wrap uncooked calzones tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen by adding extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover calzone in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy, or use an air fryer for a quicker, crunchier finish.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for the Buffalo Chicken Calzone?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is perfect to toss with buffalo sauce and use as the filling in this recipe, making meal prep super easy.

Is it possible to make this calzone vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the buffalo chicken for buffalo-style cauliflower or other plant-based proteins to enjoy a vegetarian-friendly version.

What dipping sauces go best with Buffalo Chicken Calzone?

Ranch and blue cheese dressings are classic companions, offering a cool and creamy balance to the spicy buffalo flavor.

Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Definitely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and allows you to adjust thickness and flavor exactly to your liking.

How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Calzone?

The spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce you choose, and you can easily adjust the heat by using milder sauces or adding more for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a Buffalo Chicken Calzone—where tender, spicy chicken meets gooey cheese encased in a perfectly baked crust. It’s a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, bringing bold flavors to your table whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in. Give this calzone a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy buffalo chicken with a delicious twist.

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