Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a delicious twist on classic Italian flavors wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. Filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, they make a perfect comfort meal that’s easy to prepare and fun to eat.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded, about 2 small chicken breasts)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Alfredo sauce by melting 5 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 2: Prepare the dough by cutting the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 6-inch round about 1/4 inch thick. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Assemble the calzones by spreading 1/4 of the Alfredo sauce on one half of each dough round, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Top the sauce with 1/2 cup shredded chicken and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling, then press and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and chopped parsley. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of each calzone with the parsley butter.
- Step 5: Place the calzones in an air fryer basket lightly coated with oil or lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes until the crust is golden brown, flipping them halfway through cooking. Brush the tops again with the remaining parsley butter.
- Step 6: Let the calzones cool for 5 minutes before serving. They pair wonderfully with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the Alfredo sauce or on the calzones before baking.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time on preparation.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling for extra vegetables.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the calzones in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Storage
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also freeze the calzones for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before assembling the calzones.
Can these calzones be baked instead of air fried?
Absolutely. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cooked through.
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Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
Description
These Chicken Alfredo Calzones combine the creamy richness of homemade Alfredo sauce with tender shredded chicken and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped in a golden, crispy pizza dough crust. Perfect as a comforting meal or snack, these calzones are air-fried to a delightful crispiness while remaining soft and cheesy inside.
Ingredients
Scale
Alfredo Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Calzones
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 small chicken breasts)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Finishing
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough: Divide the pizza dough into four equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each piece into a 6-inch round, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the rolled dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Assemble the Calzones: Spread one-quarter of the Alfredo sauce on one half of each dough round, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edge. Top the sauce with 1/2 cup of shredded chicken and 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Fold the empty side of the dough over the filling and press the edges together firmly, crimping with a fork to seal completely.
- Prepare the Parsley Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with chopped fresh parsley. Brush the tops of each assembled calzone generously with this parsley butter using a pastry brush.
- Cook the Calzones: Arrange the calzones in the basket of an air fryer that has been lightly coated with oil or lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes. Flip the calzones halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. After cooking, brush the calzones again with the remaining parsley butter for extra flavor and shine.
- Serve: Allow the calzones to cool for 5 minutes before serving. They are delicious on their own or accompanied by warm marinara sauce for dipping. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the calzones in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Leftover calzones reheat well in an air fryer or conventional oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Calzones, Air Fryer Calzones, Creamy Alfredo Sauce, Chicken Pizza Calzones, Easy Calzone Recipe
