Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe for Spicy Food Lovers

Crafting a mouthwatering buffalo chicken calzone brings together bold flavors that dance across your palate with surprising excitement.

Spicy shredded chicken nestles inside golden, crispy dough that promises delectable comfort.

Melted cheese blends perfectly with tangy hot sauce, creating a handheld meal bursting with zesty personality.

Crisp edges and a steaming interior make this dish irresistible for game day or casual dinner gatherings.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under an hour.

Robust seasonings and unexpected twists elevate this classic comfort food into something truly spectacular.

Dive in and savor every incredible bite of this irresistible culinary adventure.

What Makes Buffalo Chicken Calzone So Tasty

• Swap buffalo sauce levels from mild to wild, letting every bite match your personal spice preference perfectly.
• Prepare calzones ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze, then quickly reheat for an instant delicious dinner without daily cooking stress.
• Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making this recipe super accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something hearty and satisfying with bold flavors.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Calzone

• Warm Water: Activates the yeast for dough rising.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast for proper fermentation.
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the calzone dough.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps develop dough texture.

• Cooked Chicken: Main protein for the calzone.
• Buffalo Sauce: Provides spicy flavor to the chicken.
• Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds creaminess and tangy taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides melty, stretchy cheese layer.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, fresh flavor to the filling.

• Cilantro, Parsley: Adds fresh herb flavor and color.
• Extra Buffalo Sauce: For additional spicy dipping.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Serves as additional dipping sauce.

How to Make a Buffalo Chicken Calzone

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl.

Allow the mixture to become frothy and bubbly for about 5 minutes.

The yeast will start to foam, signaling it’s ready for action.

Step 2: Create the Dough

Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.

Stir until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and stretchy.

If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment for easier mixing.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for an hour until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Chicken Filling

Combine cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Mix thoroughly to ensure every chicken piece is coated with zesty flavor.

Step 4: Shape the Calzones

Heat the oven to 425°F.

Punch down the risen dough and divide into two portions.

Roll each portion into 8-10 inch circles on a floured surface.

• Cooked chicken
• Buffalo sauce
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Diced red onion
• Chopped cilantro or parsley (optional)

Spread the chicken mixture on half of each dough circle.

Sprinkle cheese, onions, and herbs over the chicken.

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape.

Seal the edges by pressing and crimping with a fork.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cut small slits on top to release steam.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let calzones cool briefly.

Slice and serve with extra buffalo sauce and dressing on the side for dipping.

Savor the spicy, cheesy goodness!

Pro Tips for Calzone Success

• Place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven with the light on to ensure optimal rising and a fluffy texture.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of cornmeal or semolina on the parchment paper before placing calzones to create a crispy, non-stick bottom crust.
• Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to match your heat preference – use less for mild flavor or add more hot sauce for extra kick.
• Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time without compromising flavor and make the recipe more convenient.
• Pat chicken dry before mixing with sauce to prevent excess liquid that could make the calzone filling too wet and compromise the dough's texture.

Calzone Storage and Reheating Advice

• Store leftover calzones in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Carefully place cooled calzones in freezer-safe bags or containers. Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. Frozen calzones will keep well for 2-3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place calzones on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring crispy exterior.
• For a faster method, microwave individual calzones for 1-2 minutes. Use a damp paper towel to prevent dryness and restore some of the original texture.

Best Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Calzone

• Savor Tangy Side Kicks: Pair this spicy buffalo chicken calzone with cool, refreshing accompaniments that balance the heat and enhance the flavor profile.
• Chill with Crisp Beverages: Reach for light, cold drinks that cut through the richness and complement the calzone's zesty buffalo sauce. A chilled pale ale or crisp white wine works perfectly.
• Refresh with Cool Dips: Serve extra ranch or blue cheese dressing alongside the calzone. These creamy condiments neutralize the spice and add a delightful cooling sensation to each bite.
• Balance with Fresh Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic elements will provide a perfect counterpoint to the hearty, spicy calzone.

Variants for Buffalo Chicken Calzone

• Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Calzone: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce for a plant-based alternative that maintains the spicy flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Calzone: Swap traditional wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use a gluten-free pizza dough recipe to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Chicken Wrap Version: Transform the calzone into a lettuce wrap using large butter lettuce leaves instead of dough, keeping the buffalo chicken filling for a lighter, carb-conscious option.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Calzone: Modify the filling by adding feta cheese, kalamata olives, and oregano to give the classic buffalo chicken calzone a Mediterranean-style flavor transformation.

FAQs

• How difficult is this buffalo chicken calzone recipe?

This recipe is moderately easy and suitable for home cooks with basic kitchen skills. Even beginners can successfully make it with careful following of instructions.

• Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of making my own?

Yes, you can substitute homemade dough with store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just ensure the dough is at room temperature and rolled out to similar dimensions.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken work perfectly. Shredded chicken is ideal for creating an even texture and absorbing buffalo sauce flavors.

• How spicy will the calzone be?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce brand you use. For milder taste, choose a medium or mild buffalo sauce. For extra heat, select a hot or extra-hot variety.

Buffalo Chicken Calzone Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Buffalo Chicken Calzone brings zesty spice and hearty comfort to your dinner table. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and bold buffalo sauce create a mouthwatering pocket of deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Dough Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (540 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
• Extra buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping (optional)

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast by mixing with warm water and sugar in a large bowl. Allow to become frothy for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Create dough by incorporating flour, salt, and olive oil into the yeast mixture. Knead thoroughly on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm location for 60 minutes until volume doubles.
4. Prepare buffalo chicken filling by thoroughly coating cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing in a mixing bowl.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F and divide risen dough into two equal portions.
6. Roll each dough portion into 8-10 inch circular shapes on a lightly floured surface.
7. Layer half the buffalo chicken mixture on one side of each dough circle, maintaining a small border around edges.
8. Distribute mozzarella cheese, red onion, and chopped herbs over the chicken mixture.
9. Fold dough’s opposite side over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Seal edges firmly by pressing and crimping with a fork.
10. Place calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cut small steam vents on top.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
12. Allow calzones to rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional buffalo sauce and dressing for optional dipping.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the spicy buffalo flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly dough without compromising texture or taste.
• Reduce buffalo sauce quantity for milder palates, gradually adjusting heat level to suit individual preferences.
• Prep dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight to develop deeper, more complex fermentation flavors and save cooking time.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 775 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 68 mg