If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the rich creaminess of Alfredo sauce with the crispy, handheld goodness of a calzone, then this Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been calling for. Imagine tender shredded chicken enveloped in a perfectly golden, flaky crust, all smothered in that luscious homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s comfort food elevated to an irresistible new level, perfect for a cozy night in or even impressing guests with something a little different yet utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe is a breeze with straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to deliver layers of flavor and delightful textures. Each component plays its role in creating that creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned bite you’ll crave over and over.
- Unsalted butter: Used both in the Alfredo sauce and brushed on the calzones for a rich, buttery finish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a touch of savory warmth.
- Heavy cream: The creamy base that makes the Alfredo sauce luscious and smooth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds the classic Italian flavor punch.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it melts into the sauce creating that signature sharp, nutty taste.
- Salt and black pepper: To perfectly season and balance the creamy sauce.
- Pizza dough: The sturdy yet tender wrap, either store-bought for ease or homemade for that extra touch.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded for tender morsels of protein that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly inside, adding gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and mixed with butter, it adds a fresh, herby brightness to the crust finish.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Make the Alfredo Sauce
First up, melt butter in a medium saucepan and gently cook the minced garlic until it releases that incredible aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, letting it simmer and thicken just a little so the flavors meld perfectly. Turn the heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is velvety smooth. Finish with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool slightly. This homemade sauce is the heart of the Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe, bringing irresistible creaminess to every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Working with pizza dough is fun and straightforward—divide it into four equal pieces and roll each into a 6-inch round about a quarter-inch thick. Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking, then transfer the dough rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet. These rounds will form the perfect crispy pockets that hold all that delicious filling securely.
Step 3: Assemble the Calzones
Spread a generous quarter of your Alfredo sauce over half of each dough round, making sure to leave a small border so you can seal them well. Layer on the shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese, then fold the empty side over the filling. Press and crimp the edges with a fork to seal your calzone fully, ensuring none of that creamy, cheesy goodness escapes during cooking. This step is where your calzones begin to take shape and promise a perfect filling-to-crust ratio.
Step 4: Brush with Parsley Butter
Mix softened butter with fresh parsley, and then brush this fragrant parsley butter all over your assembled calzones. This little step adds a beautiful golden color and an herby richness that elevates the entire dish, giving the crust an inviting aroma and taste as it cooks.
Step 5: Cook the Calzones
For a wonderfully crispy crust, place your calzones in a lightly oiled air fryer basket or on parchment paper. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. After flipping, brush the calzones once more with the parsley butter, adding that final burst of flavor and shine. The result? Perfectly cooked calzones with a golden crust and melted, bubbly interior.
Step 6: Let and Serve
Allow your Chicken Alfredo Calzones to cool for about 5 minutes before digging in. This resting time helps all the filling set just enough so you won’t burn your mouth but still enjoy a gooey, melty center. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s both comforting and a little indulgent.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan on top adds a fresh pop of color and an extra layer of flavor, making each calzone look as good as it tastes. A drizzle of olive oil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes also works beautifully if you like a hint of spice or shimmer.
Side Dishes
Pair these calzones with a crisp garden salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple bowl of tomato basil soup for a perfectly balanced meal. The lightness and acidity of these sides contrast wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy filling, keeping your plate well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your calzones into wedges for a fun party appetizer or serve mini versions individually if feeding a crowd. You might also offer a variety of dipping sauces like garlic butter, ranch, or spicy marinara to add excitement and personalization to the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chicken Alfredo Calzones, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days to keep the flavors fresh and the crust from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, flash-freeze the assembled but uncooked calzones on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, ready to cook straight from frozen when you’re craving a quick indulgence.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaves if possible, as they can make the crust soggy and diminish that lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade sauce really shines in this Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe, a good-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce will work fine and save you time in the kitchen.
What type of chicken works best?
Shredded cooked chicken breast is ideal because it’s tender and soaks up the Alfredo sauce beautifully, but leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken strips also make delicious substitutions.
Can I bake these calzones instead of air frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative. Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake on a parchment-lined sheet for about 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cooked through.
How do I make the pizza dough if I want to go homemade?
A simple dough with flour, yeast, water, olive oil, salt, and a bit of sugar works perfectly. There are many easy recipes online that yield a soft, chewy crust perfect for calzones.
Are these calzones freezer-friendly after cooking?
While freezing before cooking is best for holding texture, you can also freeze cooked calzones. Reheat gently to prevent drying out, and enjoy as a quick, comforting meal later on.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying how this Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe offers a magic combo of creamy, cheesy, and crispy that hits all the right comfort food notes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. So go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner or game-day star!
Print
Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Chicken Alfredo Calzones combine creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and melted mozzarella cheese, all encased in a golden, crispy pizza dough crust. Cooked in the air fryer for a quick and delicious meal, these calzones are perfect for a comforting dinner or snack, served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Alfredo Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Calzones
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 small chicken breasts)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Turn heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the dough: Cut the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 6-inch round, about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the rolled dough rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Assemble the calzones: Spread one quarter of the Alfredo sauce on one half of each dough round, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Top the sauce with 1/2 cup shredded chicken and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling and press and crimp the edges with a fork to seal securely.
- Brush with parsley butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and chopped parsley. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the tops of each assembled calzone with the parsley butter.
- Cook the calzones: Place the calzones in an air fryer basket lightly coated with oil or lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes until the crust is golden brown, flipping halfway through cooking. Brush again with the remaining parsley butter after flipping.
- Cool and serve: Let the calzones cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Make sure to let the Alfredo sauce cool slightly before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the calzones in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Use a little flour when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.
- These calzones can be customized by adding vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms if desired.
- Serve with warm marinara sauce for a complementary flavor.
