Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
Introduction
These Chicken Alfredo Calzones combine creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a tasty snack. They’re easy to make and cook quickly in the air fryer for a delightful homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- Step 1: Make the Alfredo sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Turn heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 2: Prepare the dough. Cut 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 rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Assemble the calzones. Spread 1/4 of the Alfredo sauce on one half of each dough round, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Top with 1/2 cup shredded chicken and 1/4 cup mozzarella. Fold the empty half over the filling and press the edges firmly, crimping with a fork to seal.
- Step 4: Combine softened butter and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Brush the top of each calzone with the parsley butter.
- Step 5: Cook the calzones. Place them in an air fryer basket lightly coated with oil or lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden brown. Brush with remaining parsley butter before serving.
- Step 6: Let calzones cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with warm marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a crispier crust, preheat the air fryer before cooking the calzones.
- Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy filling.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use shredded provolone or fontina cheese instead of mozzarella for a different cheese profile.
Storage
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer or oven until heated through and crispy again. For longer storage, freeze calzones for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake these calzones instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the calzones in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden and cooked through.
Is it possible to make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The Alfredo sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling the calzones.
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Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
Description
Delicious Chicken Alfredo Calzones featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese wrapped in golden, crispy pizza dough, air fried to perfection for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, simmering for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough: Divide 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. Place the rolled dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Assemble the Calzones: Spread 1/4 of the Alfredo sauce over 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 shredded mozzarella cheese. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling and press and crimp the edges with a fork to seal tightly.
- Prepare Parsley Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped fresh parsley. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of each calzone with the parsley butter mixture.
- Cook the Calzones: Place the calzones in a lightly oiled or parchment-lined air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the crusts are golden brown. Brush the tops again with the remaining parsley butter.
- Serve: Let the calzones cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with marinara sauce for dipping if desired. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- You can substitute homemade pizza dough with store-bought dough for convenience.
- Make sure to not overfill the calzones to prevent leaking during cooking.
- Flipping halfway through air frying ensures even cooking and browning.
- Parsley butter adds a fresh herb flavor and buttery finish to the calzones.
- For a crispier crust, you can lightly spray the dough with olive oil before air frying.
- Serve with marinara sauce or garlic dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Calzones, Air Fryer Calzones, Chicken Calzones, Alfredo Sauce Recipe, Easy Calzones, Quick Dinner
