Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe
If you’re a fan of bold, zesty flavors and cheesy, golden comfort food, then you’ll fall head over heels for this Buffalo Chicken Calzone. Imagine everything you love about buffalo chicken wings spicy sauce, creamy dressing, and gooey cheese all wrapped inside warm, crispy pizza dough. It’s the perfect mash-up of pizza night and game-day food, making it ideal for family dinners, parties, or a quick weeknight treat.
This Buffalo Chicken Calzone is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish ready in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
To make your own Buffalo Chicken Calzone at home, you’ll need the following:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional, for freshness)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting your work surface)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your calzone won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Roll out the dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large oval or circle, about ¼ inch thick. Make sure it’s even, so it bakes uniformly.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce until every bite is coated with spicy goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the calzone
Spread a thin layer of ranch or blue cheese dressing on one half of the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1-inch border for sealing. Pile on the buffalo chicken, then top with mozzarella cheese and green onions (if using).
Step 5: Fold and seal
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together and crimp with a fork to prevent leaks.
Step 6: Add finishing touches
Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden crust. Cut 1–2 small slits in the dough to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Place the calzone on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Allow the calzone to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
About the Recipe
A Delicious Twist on Pizza Night
The Buffalo Chicken Calzone is a modern take on the traditional Italian calzone, which usually features tomato sauce, mozzarella, and cured meats. This version swaps in the classic flavors of buffalo chicken, bringing a tangy, spicy kick that makes it unique and crowd-pleasing.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or plant-based chicken for the same flavor kick without meat.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a gooier, cheesier bite.
- Mild Option: Use a honey-buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce for a less spicy version.
- Mini Calzones: Divide the dough into smaller rounds to make appetizer-sized calzones perfect for parties.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overfill — too much filling will cause the calzone to burst during baking.
- Seal tightly — use water on the edges before crimping with a fork for an extra-strong seal.
- Use parchment paper — it prevents sticking and helps achieve an evenly golden crust.
- Let it rest — cooling for a few minutes keeps the filling from spilling out when sliced.
Nutrition Insights
This calzone is indulgent yet balanced. With protein from chicken, calcium from mozzarella, and healthy fats from the egg wash, it’s satisfying without being overly heavy. Pair it with a crisp side salad to round out the meal.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Calzone is the ultimate comfort food that combines spice, cheesiness, and crispy pizza dough in every bite. Whether you’re planning game-day snacks, an easy family dinner, or a fun twist on pizza night, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Give it a try the next time you’re craving something bold and satisfying and don’t forget to share your calzone creations with friends and family. Once you’ve had this calzone, plain pizza night just won’t be the same again!
