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Chicken and Mushroom Calzone with Fresh Ricotta and Basil Recipe

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4 from 82 reviews

This Chicken Calzone recipe features a delicious combination of tender cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, fresh green bell peppers, and a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all enclosed in a golden, crispy pizza dough crust. Baked to perfection in the oven, these calzones make a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • All-purpose flour (as needed for rolling)

Cheese Filling

  • 1 cup (250g) fresh ricotta
  • 4 ounces (113.4g) fresh mozzarella, grated
  • 2 ounces (56.7g / ½ cup) Parmesan, grated
  • 3 tablespoons (3.9g) chopped basil
  • 1 teaspoon (1.8g) Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Other Fillings

  • ⅔ to 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 6 oz (170g) cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 1 cup (70g) sliced mushrooms
  • ½ to 1 cup (92.5g to 185g) sliced green bell pepper
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the calzones to a golden crisp.
  2. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, grated mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful cheese filling.
  3. Prepare Dough: Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
  4. Roll Dough Circles: On a floured surface, roll the dough into 4 or 5 individual circles of even thickness to form the calzone bases.
  5. Assemble Calzones: Spread pizza sauce on half of each dough circle, then layer cooked chicken, sliced mushrooms, green bell peppers, and the cheese mixture over the sauce.
  6. Seal Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden finish when baked.
  7. Bake: Place the calzones on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving to let the filling settle and avoid burns.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the amount of pizza sauce and fillings to your preference for moisture and taste.
  • Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • If desired, add red pepper flakes or garlic powder for extra flavor.
  • Calzones can be reheated in the oven for a crisp finish or microwave for quick warming.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian