Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones

This homemade chicken alfredo calzone recipe transforms classic pasta flavors into a handheld treat that's perfect for dinner, game day, or meal prep. The golden, flaky crust envelops a creamy, cheesy chicken filling that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I created this recipe when looking for creative ways to use leftover chicken, and it's become our Friday night tradition. My teenagers now request these instead of ordering pizza, which is quite the culinary compliment!

Ingredients

Pizza dough provides the perfect vessel for our filling. Store bought works perfectly, but homemade adds extra flavor if you have time.

• Cooked chicken breast adds protein and substance. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here for convenience and flavor.
• Alfredo sauce creates that creamy, indulgent base. Use quality jarred sauce or make your own for elevated flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese provides that essential stretchy, melty texture we all crave in Italian dishes.
• Parmesan cheese adds sharp, salty depth that balances the creaminess of the Alfredo.
• Garlic powder infuses the filling with aromatic flavor without the bite of fresh garlic.
• Italian seasoning brings classic herb notes that make these calzones taste authentically Italian.
• Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness that complements the rich filling.
• Egg wash ensures a beautiful golden sheen on your finished calzones.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Workspace

Set your oven to 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature gives us the perfect balance of a crisp exterior while fully cooking the interior.

Prepare the Dough

Dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking. Divide your dough into four equal portions and roll each into an 8inch circle. Aim for even thickness throughout to ensure consistent baking.

Mix the Filling

Combine all filling ingredients in a large bowl until evenly incorporated. The warmth from the freshly shredded cheese will slightly melt into the Alfredo sauce, creating a cohesive mixture that stays put when you seal your calzones.

Assemble the Calzones

Spoon a generous quarter of your filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a halfinch border. Resist the urge to overfill, as this can lead to filling escaping during baking.

Seal and Prepare for Baking

Fold the empty half of dough over your filling to create a half moon shape. Press edges firmly together, then crimp with a fork for a decorative seal that prevents filling leakage. Transfer to your parchment-lined baking sheet.

Add Finishing Touches

Brush each calzone with beaten egg for that bakery-quality golden shine. Cut a small slit in the top of each one this essential step allows steam to escape during baking, preventing your calzones from bursting at the seams.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until beautifully golden brown. Look for a firm exterior and slight bubbling from the steam vent as indicators of doneness.

Rest Before Serving

Allow calzones to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the filling to set slightly, making for cleaner slices and preventing mouthburn from molten cheese.

Bookmark

The Alfredo sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered that warming it slightly before mixing with other ingredients creates a smoother filling that distributes more evenly. My daughter once declared these "better than restaurant food" which made all the effort worthwhile!

Make-Ahead Options

These calzones are perfect for busy weeknights when prepared in advance. You can assemble them completely, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 3-5 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold. Alternatively, freeze the assembled unbaked calzones on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for storage up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen by adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Clever Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have on hand. Swap the chicken for cooked Italian sausage or make it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. No Alfredo sauce? Use ricotta mixed with a bit of milk and garlic. The mozzarella can be substituted with provolone or fontina for different flavor profiles. For a lower-carb option, try using cauliflower pizza crust, though you'll need to handle it more gently during assembly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these substantial calzones with a simple side salad dressed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A small bowl of warm marinara sauce makes an excellent dipping option that adds brightness to each bite. For a family-style meal, slice each calzone in half and arrange on a large platter with fresh basil leaves scattered over top for a pop of color and flavor. These pair wonderfully with a light Italian red wine like Chianti for adults or sparkling water with lemon for everyone.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make these chicken Alfredo calzones ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the calzones completely, then refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked calzones for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for the chicken?

This versatile dish works well with several protein alternatives. Try using cooked shrimp, Italian sausage, or for a vegetarian option, substitute mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or extra spinach for the chicken.

→ Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Absolutely! While homemade Alfredo sauce offers fantastic flavor, a good quality store-bought sauce works perfectly for convenience. You might want to slightly reduce the quantity if the sauce is particularly thin.

→ Why did my calzones leak during baking?

Leaking usually happens when the edges aren't sealed properly or there's too much filling. Make sure to leave a generous border around the edge, use the fork-crimping technique firmly, and avoid overstuffing. The egg wash also helps create a better seal.

→ What can I serve with these calzones?

These calzones are quite hearty on their own, but pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a cup of tomato soup. For dipping, offer extra warm Alfredo sauce or marinara sauce on the side.

→ Can I make mini calzones as appetizers?

Definitely! Divide the dough into 8-12 smaller portions and reduce the filling accordingly. Mini calzones will bake faster, so check them after about 15 minutes. They make wonderful party appetizers or lunchbox additions.