Quick & Easy Homemade Calzone Recipe: Restaurant-Quality Chicken Spinach Calzones in 1 Hour!
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, golden-brown calzone, bursting with savory fillings and gooey cheese. What if we told you that restaurant-worthy experience is now achievable in your very own kitchen, in just about an hour? Forget complicated recipes and long rising times! Our incredibly easy homemade calzone recipe, featuring a lightning-fast pizza dough and a delectable chicken and spinach filling, will transform your dinner routine. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly simple to create, highly customizable, and absolutely delicious.
✩ What readers are saying…
“These were brilliant and infinitely customizable. Used your awesome pizza sauce I canned last year and did a “boys” and “girls” version…Thank you for sharing your ideas. Can’t wait to see what else we come up with.” -Kat
Have you ever associated calzones solely with a trip to your favorite Italian restaurant? Many home cooks shy away from making them from scratch, believing they’re too time-consuming, overly complicated, or require advanced culinary skills. Well, get ready to shatter those assumptions!
Thanks to my secret weapon – a super easy and quick pizza dough recipe – you can actually whip up these delightful homemade calzones for your family and friends in a mere hour, from start to finish! Yes, you read that right. An hour is all it takes to transform simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal.
The beauty of homemade calzones isn’t just their incredible taste; it’s the sheer joy and surprise they bring. Your guests will “ooh” and “aah,” feeling utterly special because this isn’t your everyday dinner. It’s a memorable experience. Now, you can elevate your regular pizza night into something a bit more upscale, invite friends over for an authentic Italian-themed evening, or even pack these portable pockets of deliciousness for your next camping adventure. Once you discover how effortlessly they come together, you’ll find yourself constantly seeking new opportunities to add them to your menu.
This particular recipe highlights a mouth-watering combination of precooked chicken and fresh spinach – a personal favorite of mine. The tender chicken pairs perfectly with the vibrant greens and a blend of savory cheeses, creating a balanced and flavorful filling. However, the true magic of calzones lies in their endless versatility. Feel free to unleash your creativity! Substitute the chicken and spinach with hearty Italian sausage and diced tomatoes, opt for a purely vegetarian medley of roasted vegetables and a rich cheese blend, or mix and match whatever ingredients your heart desires. Dive into the variations provided in this recipe, or let them inspire you to craft your own signature calzone creations.
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions for crafting these culinary delights, let’s address a common question that often sparks debate in kitchens and dining rooms across the country:
How Do You Pronounce “Calzone?”
Is it “cal-zone” (rhyming with “alone”) or “calzon-ay” (with a soft “e” sound at the end)?
In the United States, you’ll frequently hear both pronunciations, so you’re unlikely to be entirely wrong with either. However, if you aim for the authentic Italian pronunciation, the correct way is “calzon-ay,” though it’s important to note that the “z” sound is softer, almost like a “ds” sound, and the “ay” ending is subtle, not a hard “zoni.” It’s one of those common linguistic quirks, highlighted by articles like this one, which points out many Italian words Americans tend to mispronounce. Now you know the secret to sounding like a true Italian connoisseur!
Easy Chicken Spinach Calzone Recipe: Your Path to Homemade Perfection
Making homemade calzones might seem intimidating, but with this streamlined recipe, it’s surprisingly straightforward. The key lies in our quick-rise pizza dough and a flavorful, yet simple, filling. Follow these steps to create perfectly golden, cheesy, and satisfying calzones every time.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Spinach Calzones:
- 1 batch of quick pizza dough: This is the foundation of our 1-hour calzone. Using a reliable, fast-rising dough recipe is crucial for cutting down preparation time without compromising on texture or taste.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a sweet and savory base to the filling, deepening its overall flavor profile.
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen (thawed and squeezed dry) spinach provides a healthy, vibrant green element that cooks down beautifully, adding a subtle earthiness.
- Cooked chicken: Pre-cooked chicken is another time-saver. A rotisserie chicken is perfect, or use leftover chicken from a slow-cooked whole chicken. Shredded or diced, it adds hearty protein.
- Spices: A blend of Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt enhances the classic Mediterranean flavors. Red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended for a touch of heat.
- Greek yogurt: A surprising ingredient, Greek yogurt adds a creamy tanginess to the filling, helping to bind it together and preventing it from becoming dry, while also contributing to a richer texture.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses: The quintessential calzone cheese blend! Mozzarella offers that irresistible melt and stretch, while Parmesan provides a sharp, salty depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Tomato sauce for topping: No calzone is complete without a delicious dipping sauce. Use your favorite canned pizza sauce, or try our homemade freezer roasted tomato sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Assemble and Bake Your Perfect Calzones:
The process is incredibly simple, breaking down into just a few key steps that even beginner cooks can master with ease:
- Prepare the Dough and Filling Concurrently: While your quick pizza dough is resting for its brief rise, quickly sauté your chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and tender. This aromatic base is then mixed with the cooked chicken, spinach, Greek yogurt, cheeses, and spices to create your flavorful filling. This parallel processing is how we achieve that impressive one-hour timeline!
- Divide and Shape the Dough: Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 6 equal pieces. Remember, homemade food is all about rustic charm, so don’t stress about achieving perfect circles or absolute symmetry. Use a rolling pin or even your hands to flatten each piece into a roughly 6-8 inch round or oval shape.
- Fill and Seal with Precision: Scoop approximately 3/4 to 1 cup of your delicious filling onto one half of a dough circle. Carefully bring the other half of the dough over the filling, gently stretching it as needed to meet the opposite edge. To seal the calzone securely and prevent any cheesy leaks during baking, crimp the edges firmly. A classic method is to fold the bottom edge of the dough up and over the top edge, pressing it down with your fingers or a fork to create a tight seal.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Repeat the filling and sealing process for the remaining five dough pieces. Transfer each assembled calzone to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake them in your preheated oven until they are beautifully golden brown, puffed up, and the filling is hot and bubbly. The exterior will be crisp, offering a delightful contrast to the soft, savory interior.
Calzone Recipe Variations: Unleash Your Culinary Imagination
While our Chicken Spinach Calzone is a star, the true beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic variations to get you started, each offering a unique flavor profile:
- Classic Italian Sausage and Cheese: This is a crowd-pleaser! Brown a pound of Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference), drain any excess fat, and mix it with a robust tomato sauce. I particularly love using a combination of fontina and mozzarella, or provolone, for a rich, melty, and slightly sharp cheese experience.
- Hearty Ground Turkey and Kale: For a leaner but equally satisfying option, swap out the chicken for seasoned ground turkey. Pair it with finely chopped kale instead of spinach for a boost of nutrients and a slightly different texture. Prepare it just like the chicken and spinach version, ensuring the turkey is fully cooked.
- Savory Ground Beef, Tomato, and Cheese: A comforting and familiar flavor profile. Brown ground beef with diced tomatoes (fresh or canned), a touch of Italian herbs, and garlic. Parmesan cheese truly shines in this combination, adding a nutty, salty kick that elevates the beef and tomato flavors.
- Classic Pepperoni, Onion, and Mushroom: Recreate the flavors of your favorite pizza in calzone form! Sauté sliced pepperoni, onions, and mushrooms until tender. Combine with a good quality pizza sauce and a generous mix of both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses for maximum flavor and melt.
- Vegetarian Three Cheese Delight: For a purely cheesy indulgence, skip the meat entirely. Mix a rich tomato sauce with three different types of cheese – think mozzarella for melt, fontina for creaminess, and Parmesan for depth. You can also add some finely diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra texture.
- Mediterranean Inspired: Combine crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a handful of fresh oregano. Add a drizzle of olive oil instead of a heavy sauce. Cooked chicken can also be added to this for a more substantial meal.
- BBQ Chicken Calzone: Use shredded cooked chicken mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce, a bit of red onion, and cheddar cheese. A unique twist on a classic!
See? I’m truly not kidding – you can have delicious, homemade calzones on your table in just about an hour. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience!
Once baked to golden perfection, serve these delightful pockets with a side of warm pizza sauce or our rich roasted tomato sauce for dipping. You’ll instantly transport yourself to restaurant-calzone heaven. Except, dare I say, it’ll taste even better because it’s made with love in your own kitchen – but you already knew I was going to say that, didn’t you?
Can You Freeze Calzones for Future Meals?
Absolutely! These homemade calzones are fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a quick and delicious meal even on your busiest days. You have two convenient options for freezing:
- Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the calzones as directed but do not bake them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
- Freeze Fully Baked: Bake the calzones completely, then allow them to cool thoroughly. Wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator if possible, then warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. This method is perfect for quick individual lunches or dinners.
Can Calzones Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, preparing calzones ahead of time is a brilliant strategy, especially if you’re planning to entertain or just want to minimize stress during mealtime. You can assemble the unbaked calzones and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Simply place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the fridge about 20-30 minutes beforehand to allow them to come closer to room temperature, then proceed with the baking instructions as usual. This makes them an ideal recipe for entertaining, as most of the work is done in advance!
Tips for Calzone Success
To ensure your homemade calzones turn out perfectly every time, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to cram in as much delicious filling as possible, overfilling can lead to bursting calzones and messy leaks. Aim for about 3/4 to 1 cup of filling per calzone.
- Ensure Filling Isn’t Too Wet: If your filling contains ingredients that release a lot of moisture (like fresh mushrooms or certain vegetables), consider pre-sautéing them to cook off some of that liquid. Excess moisture can make your dough soggy.
- Seal Those Edges: A good seal is critical. Take your time to firmly crimp the edges of the dough. You can use your fingers, a fork, or even a fancy crimping tool to ensure a tight closure.
- Ventilation (Optional but Recommended): While I don’t always bother, cutting a few small slits on top of each calzone before baking can help steam escape, preventing the calzones from puffing up too much and potentially bursting.
- Preheat Your Baking Sheet: For an extra crispy bottom crust, place your empty baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. Carefully transfer the assembled calzones to the hot baking sheet just before baking.
- Brushing for a Golden Finish: For an even more beautiful golden-brown crust, you can lightly brush the tops of your calzones with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) or a little olive oil before baking.
I genuinely hope you enjoy this fantastic and adaptable calzone recipe. It’s designed to bring the joy of authentic Italian flavors into your home with minimal fuss. Please take a moment to leave a rating and review after you’ve tried it – I’d love to hear how much you liked it and what creative variations you came up with!
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Easy Chicken-Spinach Calzone
Ingredients
- 1 batch pizza dough use this quick recipe or use your favorite
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion about 1/2 of a large onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups spinach chopped (or 10-oz. frozen spinach)
- 1½ cups cooked chopped chicken from a whole slow-cooked chicken or rotisserie
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste (optional)
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- tomato sauce for topping: pizza sauce, roasted tomato sauce, or your favorite
Instructions
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Make pizza dough according to recipe and let rest 15-20 minutes. Heat oven to 450 degrees.
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Meanwhile, make filling: heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add onions and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add spinach (if using fresh, stir & cook for about a minute until it wilts; just stir thawed frozen spinach in), remove from heat and add all the remaining ingredients (except the sauce used for topping). Stir well.
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Make Calzones: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a slightly flattened circle. Evenly divide the dough into 6 cut triangles. Use a rolling pin and your hands to roll out each piece of dough into a 6-8″ circle-ish shape.
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Scoop 1/6 of the filling (about 3/4 to 1 cup) onto one half of a dough circle and bring the other half over the filling, gently stretching as needed. Seal the edges by bringing the bottom dough up over the top edge and rolling with your fingers to seal. (You can cut slits in the tops of the calzones if you want, but I don’t bother and haven’t had any leaking problems.)
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Transfer each calzone as you make it to a lined or greased large baking sheet. When all are ready, bake in the preheated 450 oven for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 400 degrees and bake until nicely browned, 5-8 minutes more.
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To serve, spoon some of the tomato sauce over the top and pass the rest at the table.
Notes
To Make Ahead:
You can keep the unbaked calzones in a refrigerator for a couple of days until you want to bake them, then proceed with the recipe.
Filling Variations:
- Italian Sausage or Pepperoni: mix seasoned tomato sauce with cooked bulk Italian sausage or pepperoni and spread about 1/2 – 3/4 cup onto calzone – top with shredded mozzarella and close.
- Vegetarian Three Cheese: mix tomato sauce with three different cheeses, mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan. Fill as usual.
- Pesto Cheese & Vegetable: mix 6 ounces of prepared pesto with chopped artichoke hearts, olives, and dried tomatoes. Add to calzone dough and top with mozzarella or parmesan cheese before closing. Also good with chicken added.
Nutrition
More Easy Real Food Dinners to Delight Your Palate
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of these calzones, you’ll definitely want to explore these other quick and easy real food dinner recipes:
- 20-Minute Mediterranean Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe: A flavor-packed pasta dish that comes together in a flash, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Chicken Pesto Greek Style Pizza Recipe: Another fantastic way to utilize quick pizza dough, featuring fresh pesto and Mediterranean toppings.
- 23 Quick & Easy Rotisserie Cooked Chicken Recipes: Discover countless ways to transform a store-bought (or homemade slow-cooked) rotisserie chicken into exciting new meals, complete with a printable 5-day menu plan!
- Roasted Sausages with Peppers and Onions Sheet Pan Dinner: A minimal-cleanup, maximum-flavor sheet pan meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
This beloved recipe has been updated and enhanced to bring you even more value and deliciousness. It was originally published in January of 2014, and we’re thrilled to share this improved version with you.