Dinner

Chicken Spinach Calzone: 1 Amazing Bite

Name: Chicken Spinach Calzone: 1 Amazing Bite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough; 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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Okay, listen up! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just crave that warm, cheesy, doughy hug of a calzone, but maybe you don’t feel like ordering out. And honestly? Making them at home is SO much easier and more satisfying than you might think! We’re talking about a Chicken Spinach Calzone here – basically all your favorite pizza toppings wrapped up in a cozy pocket of deliciousness. It feels fancy, but the secret is it uses super simple ingredients you probably already have or can grab easily. This recipe is one of my go-tos when I want something comforting and quick that everyone will devour. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a fun weekend project. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spinach Calzone

Okay, so why THIS Chicken Spinach Calzone? Besides tasting amazing, it’s got a few things going for it that just make life easier and yummier:

It’s ridiculously easy! Seriously, if you can unroll some dough and mix stuff in a bowl, you’ve got this.
Flavor power couple! Chicken and spinach with cheesy goodness? Classic for a reason. It’s comforting and delicious without being boring.
Super versatile! Got some leftover chicken? Perfect! Want to toss in some mushrooms or peppers? Go for it! This recipe is really forgiving and lets you play around.
That cozy feeling! There’s just something about a warm, homemade calzone that feels like a hug. Plus, your kitchen will smell incredible while it bakes!

Gather Your Ingredients for Chicken Spinach Calzone

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty – what stuff do you need to make this amazing Chicken Spinach Calzone? Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard kitchen fare. You’ll want to grab a pound of your favorite pizza dough (store-bought is totally fine, no judgment here!), about a cup of cooked chicken that’s been nicely shredded, and a cup of fresh spinach, just roughly chopped.

For the cheesy magic, we’re using a mix: half a cup of creamy ricotta cheese, about a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella (the melty kind!), and another quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese for that salty kick. You’ll also need one large egg, beaten, for brushing, a tablespoon of olive oil, and of course, salt and pepper to taste. See? Simple!

Easy Steps to Prepare Your Chicken Spinach Calzone

Okay, time to get our hands a little bit floury! Don’t be intimidated, making a calzone is basically just folding pizza. We’re going to break it down into easy, manageable steps so you get a gorgeous, golden-brown pocket of deliciousness every single time.

Prepare the Filling for Your Chicken Spinach Calzone

First things first, let’s get that yummy filling ready. Grab a medium-sized bowl – nothing fancy needed here. Toss in your shredded cooked chicken, the chopped fresh spinach, your ricotta cheese, the shredded mozzarella, and that lovely grated Parmesan. Season it up with a good pinch of salt and some black pepper. Now, grab a spoon and give it all a really good mix. You want everything to be nicely combined so you get all those flavors in every bite. Make sure the spinach is mixed in evenly, not just sitting on top!

Assemble and Seal the Chicken Spinach Calzone

Now for the fun part – assembly! Preheat your oven to a nice hot 400°F (that’s about 200°C). While it’s heating, lightly flour a surface and roll out your pizza dough. Aim for a large circle, maybe about 12-14 inches across. It doesn’t have to be perfect, mine are usually a little wonky! Now, spoon your chicken and spinach filling onto *only one half* of the dough circle. Leave a border of about an inch or so around the edge – this empty space is super important for sealing.

Carefully fold the other half of the dough circle over the filling, like you’re making a giant savory taco. Line up the edges. This is where we seal the deal! Use your fingers to press the edges together really firmly. You can crimp them with a fork for extra sealing power and a pretty pattern. This step is key to making sure all that cheesy goodness stays *inside* the calzone while it bakes, not leaking out onto your baking sheet.

Bake Your Perfect Chicken Spinach Calzone

Almost there! Gently transfer your beautiful, sealed calzone onto a baking sheet. Now, in a small bowl, whisk together your beaten egg with the tablespoon of olive oil. This is your “egg wash” and it’s going to give us that gorgeous golden, slightly shiny crust. Brush the top of the calzone all over with this mixture. Don’t miss the edges!

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the calzone is puffed up and a beautiful golden brown. It should look inviting and smell amazing! Let it cool on the baking sheet for just a few minutes before slicing into it. Careful, that filling will be hot!

Tips for Success with Your Chicken Spinach Calzone

Okay, you’ve got the basic steps down, but here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up that’ll make your Chicken Spinach Calzone go from good to absolutely fantastic. First off, **don’t overfill**! It’s tempting to cram in as much deliciousness as possible, but too much filling makes it hard to seal the edges properly and can lead to leaks. Trust me, a little less is more here.

Also, when you’re sealing, really take your time to **crimp those edges well**. Like, *really* press down. I often do the finger press first, then go back with a fork for extra security and that classic calzone look. And if your dough is being a little sticky or difficult, a light dusting of flour on your surface and hands helps a ton. Lastly, make sure your filling isn’t too wet – if your cooked chicken or spinach had a lot of liquid, give it a little squeeze before adding it to the bowl.

Variations for Your Chicken Spinach Calzone

One of my favorite things about this Chicken Spinach Calzone is how easily you can switch things up! It’s a total blank canvas for whatever you’re craving or whatever you have in the fridge. Don’t have chicken? Cooked sausage or even some browned ground beef would be delicious. Want more veggies? Sautéed mushrooms, diced onions, or even some bell peppers would be fantastic additions to the spinach mix. Just make sure they’re cooked first so they don’t release too much water in the calzone.

Feeling cheesy? Add a little provolone or a touch of smoked mozzarella for a different flavor profile. You could even swap the ricotta for cottage cheese in a pinch (though I really do love the creaminess of ricotta!). And if you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling adds a nice kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Spinach Calzone

Got questions about whipping up this Chicken Spinach Calzone? Totally normal! Here are a few things people often ask:

Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for the Chicken Spinach Calzone filling?
A: Yep! Just make sure you thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as humanly possible. Like, *really* squeeze it dry. Excess water will make your filling soggy, and nobody wants a watery calzone!

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Chicken Spinach Calzone?
A: The microwave works in a pinch, but for the best results, pop your leftover calzone in a toaster oven or regular oven at around 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through and the crust gets nice and crisp again. It keeps that lovely texture!

Q: Can I make these Chicken Spinach Calzones ahead of time?
A: You can assemble them ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. You might need to add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if they’re going in cold. Or, you can bake them, let them cool completely, and then reheat as mentioned above.

Q: Why did my Chicken Spinach Calzone leak?
A: Usually, leaking happens if the edges weren’t sealed tightly enough or if the filling was too wet. Make sure you leave that border of dough and spend some time really pressing and crimping those edges! Also, double-check that your spinach (if using frozen) is super dry.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Chicken Spinach Calzone

Alright, just a quick note about the nutrition stuff! The numbers you see here for this Chicken Spinach Calzone are just estimates, okay? Like, they can totally change depending on the exact brands of dough, cheese, and chicken you use, and how big you slice your portions. Think of it as a general guideline, not a strict rulebook!

Share Your Homemade Chicken Spinach Calzone

So, you made the Chicken Spinach Calzone? Amazing! I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how it turned out for you. Did you add any fun variations? Was it a hit with your family? Leave a comment below and let me know! You can also rate the recipe – it really helps others find it. And hey, if you snap a picture, tag me on social media! I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!