Spicy Buffalo Chicken Calzone with Blue Cheese Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve an even crispier crust, lightly dust your baking sheet with a small amount of cornmeal before placing the calzones down. This adds a subtle crunch and helps prevent the bottom of the dough from becoming overly soft.

If you prefer a darker crust, you can lightly brush the tops with an egg wash before baking, though the garlic butter provides a wonderful flavor and sheen.

If you find the buffalo sauce too intense, you can stir in an extra tablespoon of cream cheese to mellow out the spice level.

Conversely, if you enjoy more heat, add a few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture before folding. These adjustments allow you to customize the flavor profile to suit your personal preferences or the taste of your guests.

Variations

• BBQ Chicken Calzone: Substitute the buffalo sauce with your favorite smoky barbecue sauce. Add a handful of thinly sliced red onions to the chicken mixture for an extra layer of flavor and crunch that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
• Jalapeno Popper Calzone: Add finely diced fresh jalapeno peppers to the filling mixture for an extra kick of heat. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top of the calzones before baking to create a crispy cheese crust.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.

Allow leftovers to cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Proper cooling is essential to prevent bacterial growth, so do not leave the calzones out on the counter for extended periods. Following these guidelines ensures that your leftovers remain safe and tasty for your next meal.

You can prepare the chicken and cheese filling up to one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply roll out the dough, fill, and bake as directed. This makes the assembly process much faster, especially when hosting guests or preparing a quick meal after a long day.

Serving ideas

Serve the calzones warm, preferably within ten minutes of removing them from the oven. This allows the internal filling to stabilize while still keeping the crust crisp. Arrange them on a platter with extra sides of ranch dressing for dipping, which provides a cooling contrast to the spicy filling and enhances the overall dining experience.

For a complete meal, pair the calzones with a fresh, crisp green salad or some lightly dressed celery sticks. The crunch of the vegetables complements the soft, doughy texture of the calzone and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

This combination makes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal that is perfect for casual weekend dining or game day celebrations.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Calzone with Blue Cheese

Prep 15 minCook 25 minRest 5 minTotal 45 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough, store-bought or made ahead
• 2 cups shredded chicken, cooked
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp garlic butter, melted
• ranch dressing, for serving
• crumbled blue cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce, shredded mozzarella, and softened cream cheese. If the chicken was previously refrigerated, ensure it is used promptly; keep the chicken chilled until just before mixing, as raw or cooked poultry should not sit at room temperature for more than 30 minutes. Stir the mixture vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the chicken mixture, creating a thick and cohesive filling for the calzones.
2. Divide the pizza dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece into a circle on a floured surface. Spoon a portion of the chicken and cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over the filling and crimp the edges tightly with your fingers or a fork to seal the calzone completely, ensuring no filling leaks during the baking process.
3. Place the assembled calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the melted garlic butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for the chicken. Remove from the oven, drizzle with ranch dressing, and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.