Chicken Calzone

Hailing from Italy, calzones have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide with their irresistible combination of a light, airy dough and a scrumptious medley of fillings. In this recipe, we take the classic calzone to new heights by infusing it with tender shredded chicken, fiery jalapeños, and a rich mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. The result is an explosion of flavours wrapped in a beautiful, golden crust that will leave you craving for more.

Whether you're looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack, calzones are the answer to your culinary desires. Join us as we delve into the step-by-step process of creating these delightful handheld wonders in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Prepare yourself to experience the joy of crafting these Italian-inspired calzones from scratch, with a dough that's easy to work with and an easy delicious filling. Get ready to create memories and savour the goodness of homemade calzones - a true celebration of taste and togetherness. Let's get cooking!

For the dough:

In a bowl, combine the lukewarm water with sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate. Once the yeast has foamed up, add olive oil to the mixture. In a separate bowl, mix the 00 flour and salt together.

Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and start kneading the dough using the slap-and-fold method. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little flour as needed.

Transfer the dough to a clean bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Assembling the calzones:

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two portions. You can also double the recipe and make four calzones if you wish. On a lightly floured surface, stretch each portion of dough into a rough circle. Don't worry about perfection; rustic shapes add to the charm!

Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce on one half of the dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Layer the shredded chicken, sliced jalapeños, and the delightful mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the sauce. For an extra burst of flavour, consider adding some fresh basil leaves.

Folding and baking:

Gently fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Use your fingers to press down the edges and seal the calzone. Brush the top of the calzone with some more pizza sauce and drizzle a little olive oil for a beautiful golden finish. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature for at least 30 minutes to ensure a crisp crust. Place the assembled calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a well-greased surface. Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the calzones are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice them open to reveal the oozy, cheesy, and mouthwatering filling. These calzones are perfect for a family meal, a friendly gathering, or even as a scrumptious party treat!

Be sure to pair them with some extra pizza sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an added burst of flavor. Your taste buds will thank you for the explosion of deliciousness they are about to experience!

So, there you have it - a fantastic calzone recipe to impress your loved ones and satisfy your cravings. Share your culinary masterpiece on social media, and don't forget to tag your friends who would love to try this too! Happy cooking!

Hi!! My name is Maleeha ,  your passionate host and fellow food enthusiast, and I'm thrilled to take you on a delectable journey through the world of baking, cooking, and dessert-making