Satisfy your cravings for Italian comfort food with this delicious chicken and spinach calzone recipe.
A calzone is a folded pizza pocket filled with savory ingredients, and this version features tender chicken, flavorful spinach, gooey mozzarella cheese, and rich marinara sauce.
Whether you’re serving it as a hearty weeknight dinner or packing it for lunch, this homemade calzone is sure to impress.
Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings and can be made ahead of time for convenient meals on the go.
Get ready to enjoy all the flavors of a classic pizza in a convenient handheld package with this mouthwatering chicken and spinach calzone recipe.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle or rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir until well combined.
4. Assemble the Calzones
Divide the filling mixture evenly onto one half of the rolled-out dough, leaving a border around the edges.
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp them with a fork to ensure they stay closed during baking.
5. Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash.
Brush the top of each calzone with the egg wash to give them a shiny golden finish when baked.
6. Bake the Calzones
Place the assembled calzones onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Slice each calzone in half and serve with additional marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious chicken and spinach calzones!
Nutritional Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 22g
FAQ’s
1. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for this recipe.
Simply shred or dice the chicken and use it as directed in the filling.
2. Can I freeze the assembled calzones before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled calzones on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
3. Can I use different cheeses in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as provolone, fontina, or cheddar to customize the flavor of your calzones.
4. How do I reheat leftover calzones?
To reheat leftover calzones, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Can I make vegetarian calzones using this recipe?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to make delicious vegetarian calzones.
Just make sure to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the filling to remove excess moisture.