Dinner

Giant Chicken Spinach Calzone Secret Revealed

Name: Giant Chicken Spinach Calzone Secret Revealed
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 0.5 cup ricotta cheese; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water); Marinara sauce for dipping

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Oh my goodness, get ready for a treat! If there’s one thing I absolutely adore making (and eating, let’s be honest!), it’s a fantastic Chicken Spinach Calzone. Seriously, thinking about that warm, golden crust overflowing with cheesy, savory goodness just makes me happy. There’s something so utterly comforting about this classic Italian pocket of deliciousness. It’s like a pizza got a cozy little blanket! My kitchen has seen its fair share of Italian cooking adventures over the years, and this Chicken Spinach Calzone recipe is one that always gets rave reviews. It brings back memories of Sunday dinners and just feeling totally satisfied. It’s not fancy, but it hits all the right spots – warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. You’re going to love how easy this is!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spinach Calzone

Okay, so why *this* Chicken Spinach Calzone? Let me tell you, it’s not just another recipe. It’s a keeper! Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:

It’s seriously **easy to make**. Don’t let the fancy name fool you!
Packed with **flavor**! That chicken, spinach, and cheese combo? *Chef’s kiss.*
Super **satisfying**. This isn’t some wimpy meal; it’s hearty and filling.
Absolute **weeknight winner**. Quick enough for a busy evening but feels special.

Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again!

Gathering Ingredients for Your Chicken Spinach Calzone

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing Chicken Spinach Calzone, you’ll need a few key players. Nothing too complicated, just good stuff that comes together beautifully.

**Pizza dough:** You can totally grab a pound of your favorite store-bought dough. Easy peasy!
**Cooked chicken, shredded:** This is where leftover rotisserie chicken is your best friend! Just shred it up nice and fine. About 2 cups should do it.
**Frozen chopped spinach:** Make sure it’s thawed and, this is IMPORTANT, squeezed *really* dry. You don’t want watery calzones! A 10-ounce package is perfect.
**Shredded mozzarella cheese:** Because, well, cheese! About 1 and a half cups for that perfect gooeyness.
**Ricotta cheese:** Gives it that creamy, classic calzone feel. Half a cup is just right.
**Grated Parmesan cheese:** Adds a little salty kick. A quarter cup is plenty.
**Garlic:** One clove, minced. Fresh garlic makes such a difference!
**Dried oregano:** A teaspoon for that essential Italian flavor.
**Salt and pepper:** Season to your taste!
**Egg wash:** Just beat one egg with a tablespoon of water. This gives the calzone a gorgeous golden crust.
**Marinara sauce:** For dipping, of course! Don’t skip this part!

See? Simple, right? Now you’ve got everything you need!

Essential Equipment for Making Chicken Spinach Calzone

You don’t need a fancy kitchen full of gadgets for this Chicken Spinach Calzone, which is great! Here’s what you’ll want to have handy:

A nice big **mixing bowl** for your filling.
A **rolling pin** to get that dough just right.
A **baking sheet** (or two!) and some **parchment paper** for easy cleanup.
A **fork** to crimp those edges shut.
A little **brush** for the egg wash.

That’s pretty much it! See, I told you it was easy!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Chicken Spinach Calzone

Alright, let’s get this Chicken Spinach Calzone party started! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, cheesy goodness in no time. It’s really pretty straightforward, promise!

First things first, get your oven ready. Preheat it to a nice hot 400°F (that’s 200°C). You want it good and ready for baking!
While the oven is heating, let’s make that glorious filling. Head over to the next section, because that part deserves its own moment!
Now that your filling is all mixed up and smelling amazing, grab your pizza dough. Divide it into two equal pieces.
Lightly flour your work surface – just enough so the dough doesn’t stick. Roll each piece of dough out into roughly a 12-inch circle. Don’t stress if it’s not perfectly round! Rustic is good!
Spoon half of that delicious chicken and spinach filling onto one side of each dough circle. Make sure to leave about an inch border around the edge – you need room to seal it up!
Now for the fun part: shaping! Carefully fold the empty half of the dough over the filling, creating a beautiful crescent shape.
Time to seal the deal! Use a fork to firmly crimp the edges all the way around. This is important to keep all that yummy filling inside while it bakes. Press down firmly!
Whisk up your egg wash (remember, that’s just an egg and a little water). Brush the tops of your calzones with the egg wash. This gives them that lovely golden color and a slightly crispy finish.
Grab a sharp knife and carefully cut a few slits (about 3 or 4) on the top of each calzone. These are little vents for steam to escape, which helps prevent them from bursting open in the oven.
Carefully transfer your shaped calzones onto your baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Pop them in the preheated oven! They’ll need about 20-25 minutes to bake. You’re looking for them to be beautifully golden brown and puffed up.
Once they’re done, pull them out of the oven and let them cool just for a couple of minutes. They’ll be super hot!
Serve them warm with plenty of marinara sauce for dipping!

See? Not so scary, right? You totally got this!

Preparing the Delicious Chicken Spinach Calzone Filling

This is where all the magic happens before it even hits the oven! Get out your biggest mixing bowl. Toss in that shredded cooked chicken, your *really* well-squeezed thawed spinach (seriously, get all that water out!), the mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. Add the minced garlic and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Now, give it a good stir to get everything mixed up nicely. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to your liking! Give it a taste and adjust if needed. You want this filling bursting with flavor!

Shaping and Sealing Your Chicken Spinach Calzone

Okay, you’ve got your dough rolled out and your filling is ready to go. Spoon half of that glorious filling onto one side of each dough circle, making sure to leave that 1-inch border. Think of it like making a giant savory taco! Now, carefully fold the other side of the dough over the filling. This creates that classic crescent shape. To seal it up tight, grab a fork and press down all along the curved edge. Go around twice if you want to be extra sure! You want a good, tight seal so none of that cheesy goodness leaks out while it’s baking.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Chicken Spinach Calzone

Want to take your Chicken Spinach Calzone from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way:

**Rotisserie Chicken is Your Friend:** Seriously, don’t feel like you have to cook chicken just for this. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a total shortcut and works beautifully! Just shred it up.
**SQUEEZE That Spinach:** I know I mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. Get out as much water as humanly possible from that thawed spinach. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and really wring it out. Soggy spinach = soggy calzone, and nobody wants that!
**Don’t Overfill:** It’s tempting to cram in as much filling as possible, but resist! Too much filling makes it hard to seal and can lead to leaks. Stick to the recommended amount.
**Seal It Tightly:** Spend a little extra time making sure those edges are well-crimped with the fork. This is your defense against filling explosions in the oven!

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have gorgeous, perfectly baked Chicken Spinach Calzones every time!

Delicious Variations for Your Chicken Spinach Calzone

While this classic Chicken Spinach Calzone is pretty perfect as is, feel free to play around and make it your own! That’s the fun of cooking, right? You could swap out some of the mozzarella for provolone or even a little smoked gouda for a different flavor kick. Want more veggies? Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some caramelized onions would be amazing mixed into the filling. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little heat if you like things spicy! Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Spinach Calzone

So, your gorgeous Chicken Spinach Calzones are out of the oven and smelling heavenly! How do you serve these beauties? My absolute favorite way is with a warm bowl of marinara sauce for dipping – it’s practically mandatory! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is also perfect for cutting through the richness. Or honestly? Sometimes, they’re so hearty, they’re a meal all on their own!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Spinach Calzone

Got questions about making these Chicken Spinach Calzones? Don’t worry, I’ve probably wondered the same things! Here are a few common ones:

Q1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix up the chicken and spinach filling a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just make sure it’s well-chilled before you spoon it into the dough.

Q2. Can I freeze uncooked calzones?
Yes, you totally can! Assemble the calzones right up to the point of brushing with egg wash and cutting the vents. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat a leftover Chicken Spinach Calzone is in the oven or a toaster oven at around 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through and the crust is crispy again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the crust won’t be as nice.

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Spinach Calzone

Okay, if you happen to have any of these delicious Chicken Spinach Calzones leftover (a big *if* in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat them and get that lovely crust back, pop them in a preheated oven or toaster oven at about 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Trust me, it’s way better than microwaving!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a quick note about nutrition! While I provide nutritional information when I can, please know that it’s always an estimate. Things like the specific brands you use, the exact amount of ingredients, and even how you prepare things can make a difference. So, think of it as a general guide, okay? It’s based on a standard calculation, but your results might vary a little bit!

Share Your Chicken Spinach Calzone Creations

I absolutely *love* seeing what you make! If you whip up these Chicken Spinach Calzones, please share a photo and let me know how it went! Tag me on social media or leave a comment below!