BBQ Chicken Calzones: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Calzones. The very word conjures images of warm, doughy pockets filled with melted cheese and savory fillings. They’re pizza’s often-overlooked cousin, offering a handheld, satisfying alternative that’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to game-day gatherings. But let’s elevate the calzone experience, shall we? Forget the traditional ricotta and pepperoni – we’re diving headfirst into a BBQ chicken calzone adventure. Imagine succulent shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, melty mozzarella, and a hint of red onion, all nestled inside a golden-brown, perfectly crisp crust. Are you drooling yet? Because I am.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s about creating something delicious and satisfying from scratch (or semi-scratch, if you opt for store-bought dough – no judgment here!). It’s about the joy of biting into a warm, gooey calzone and savoring the explosion of flavors. And most importantly, it’s about sharing that experience with the people you love. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get started!
## Why BBQ Chicken Calzones? The Allure of the Smoky, Sweet, and Savory
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why BBQ chicken calzones are so darn good. What makes them a superior choice over other calzone fillings? The answer lies in the beautiful harmony of flavors:
* **Smoky BBQ Sauce:** The star of the show, BBQ sauce brings a depth of flavor that’s both smoky and sweet. Its tanginess cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a perfectly balanced bite.
* **Tender Chicken:** Shredded chicken provides a hearty protein base that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly. It soaks up all that delicious flavor, ensuring every bite is packed with goodness.
* **Melty Mozzarella:** What’s a calzone without cheese? Mozzarella provides that classic, gooey texture that we all know and love. It binds all the ingredients together and creates a satisfyingly cheesy pull.
* **Crispy Crust:** The crust is the unsung hero of the calzone. A golden-brown, crispy crust provides the perfect textural contrast to the soft, cheesy filling. It’s the foundation upon which the entire calzone experience is built.
* **Versatility:** BBQ chicken calzones are incredibly versatile. You can customize the fillings to your liking, adding ingredients like red onion, cilantro, jalapenos, or even pineapple for a sweet and spicy kick.
## The Ultimate BBQ Chicken Calzone Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, enough talk! Let’s get cooking. This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for novice bakers. Don’t be intimidated by the dough – you can either make it from scratch (I’ll provide a recipe below) or use store-bought pizza dough for a quick and convenient option.
**Yields:** 4-6 calzones
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes
**Ingredients:**
**For the Dough (or use 1 pound store-bought pizza dough):**
* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
**For the Filling:**
* 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
* Optional: Jalapenos, thinly sliced, for a spicy kick
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
**Equipment:**
* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife
* Pastry brush
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Dough (If using store-bought, skip to step 6):**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
* Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
* Grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Alternatively, you can place in the refrigerator overnight for a slower fermentation, which often develops more flavor.
**2. Preheat the Oven:**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
**3. Prepare the Chicken:**
* If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, you can cook it by baking, poaching, or grilling. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
**4. Mix the Filling:**
* In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, mozzarella cheese, red onion, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
**5. Assemble the Calzones:**
* If you made your own dough, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions.
* On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a circle about 8-10 inches in diameter. You can also use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch the dough.
* Spoon about 1/2 – 3/4 cup of the BBQ chicken filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
* Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly to seal, crimping with a fork to ensure a good seal. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
* Place the assembled calzones on the prepared baking sheet.
**6. Egg Wash and Bake:**
* In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Brush the tops of the calzones with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
* Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make a few slits on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the calzones from bursting.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the filling is heated through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
**7. Cool and Serve:**
* Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
* Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
## Tips and Tricks for Calzone Perfection
* **Don’t Overfill:** Resist the urge to overfill the calzones. Too much filling will make them difficult to seal and may cause them to burst during baking.
* **Seal the Edges Tightly:** A good seal is crucial for preventing leaks. Pinch the edges firmly and crimp with a fork to ensure a tight closure.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the calzones will taste. Use fresh, flavorful BBQ sauce, good-quality mozzarella cheese, and tender, juicy chicken.
* **Experiment with Fillings:** Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings. Try adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices to customize your calzones to your liking.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the calzones ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
* **Freeze for Later:** Baked calzones can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Brush with Garlic Butter:** For an extra layer of flavor, brush the tops of the calzones with garlic butter before baking. Simply melt some butter with minced garlic and brush it over the dough.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** While BBQ chicken is the star, consider adding other toppings to the inside, such as caramelized onions, roasted peppers, or even crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.
## Variations and Customization: Make it Your Own!
The beauty of calzones lies in their versatility. While this recipe provides a solid foundation, feel free to experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your own signature BBQ chicken calzone masterpiece. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Spicy BBQ Chicken Calzones:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick. You can also add sliced jalapenos to the filling.
* **Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Calzones:** Add diced pineapple and ham to the filling for a sweet and savory twist.
* **BBQ Chicken and Bacon Calzones:** Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the filling for a smoky, salty flavor.
* **Vegetarian BBQ Calzones:** Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use a vegetarian BBQ sauce to keep it completely meat-free.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
* **Different BBQ Sauces:** Try different varieties of BBQ sauce, such as honey BBQ, smoky BBQ, or sweet and tangy BBQ, to change the overall flavor of the calzones.
* **Add Cilantro Lime Crema:** Top the finished calzones with a dollop of cilantro lime crema (sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, salt) for a fresh and tangy finish.
## Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
BBQ chicken calzones are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is the perfect accompaniment to the rich and savory calzones.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy filling.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or roasted corn on the cob is a classic BBQ side dish that pairs perfectly with the BBQ chicken calzones.
* **Potato Salad:** A creamy potato salad is another great option for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** Crispy sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
* **Vegetable Skewers:** Grilled vegetable skewers are a healthy and flavorful side dish that complements the BBQ flavors.
* **Mac and Cheese:** For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve the calzones with a side of creamy mac and cheese.
## Troubleshooting: Common Calzone Challenges and Solutions
Even the most experienced cooks can encounter challenges in the kitchen. Here are a few common calzone problems and how to solve them:
* **Calzones are bursting:** This usually happens when the calzones are overfilled or not sealed properly. Make sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edge of the dough and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Also, remember to cut slits on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
* **Calzones are soggy:** This can happen if the filling is too wet. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the chicken and vegetables before adding them to the filling. You can also add a layer of breadcrumbs to the bottom of the dough to absorb excess moisture.
* **Calzones are not browning:** Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Brushing the tops of the calzones with egg wash will also help them brown. If the calzones are browning too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
* **Dough is too sticky:** Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky.
* **Dough is too dry:** Add a teaspoon of water at a time until the dough comes together.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate):
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
* Calories: 400-500 per calzone
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
## Final Thoughts: Embrace the Calzone Adventure
BBQ chicken calzones are a fun, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a little practice, you’ll be whipping up these delicious pockets of goodness in no time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a calzone adventure that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your own signature calzone creation. After all, the best part of cooking is the joy of creating something delicious and sharing it with the people you love. Happy baking!
Enjoy this delightful recipe and the happy faces around your dinner table! This BBQ Chicken Calzone is guaranteed to become a family favorite.