There’s something magical about pulling a golden, crispy calzone out of the oven and catching that first whiff of melted cheese and spicy buffalo sauce. I love making these Buffalo Chicken Calzones on game nights or cozy evenings when I crave something hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. The combination of creamy ricotta, tangy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken wrapped in warm pizza dough makes every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Buffalo Chicken Calzone recipe because it’s quick to make, packed with bold flavor, and endlessly customizable. It’s one of those comforting meals that satisfies every craving and can easily feed a hungry crowd.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner
Budget-friendly and uses leftover chicken
Loaded with cheesy, spicy, and savory flavors
Customizable for everyone’s taste
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup diced vegetables (like red onion, bell peppers, or celery)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 package of store-bought pizza dough
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
I start by preheating my oven to 425°F (220°C) to make sure the crust turns perfectly golden.
In a medium bowl, I mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, making sure it’s fully coated.
I stir in mozzarella, ricotta, diced vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
On a floured surface, I roll out the pizza dough to about ¼ inch thick.
I cut the dough into circles roughly 6–8 inches wide.
On one half of each circle, I spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture, leaving an inch around the edges.
I fold the dough over to form a half-moon and seal the edges tightly, pressing them with a fork for a nice finish.
I brush the tops with beaten egg and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
I make a small slit on top of each calzone to let steam escape.
I bake for 15–20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling inside.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes about 4 calzones.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Spicy Kick: I sometimes add paprika or cayenne pepper to the filling for an extra burst of heat.
Vegetarian Version: When I want to go meat-free, I swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower.
Cheesy Twist: I’ve tried using pepper jack or cheddar instead of mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
Dipping Delight: I always serve these with ranch or blue cheese dressing—it takes the flavor to another level!
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes to keep that crust crispy.
For longer storage, I freeze cooled calzones in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, I bake them at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, I often use rotisserie chicken—it’s tender, flavorful, and saves a lot of time!
Can I make the calzone ahead of time?
Absolutely! I assemble the calzones, refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to a day, and bake them fresh when needed.
What can I serve with my calzones?
I love serving them with a crisp garden salad, celery sticks with dip, or some homemade fries.
How spicy are these calzones?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce. I usually start mild and adjust based on who’s eating!
Can I make mini calzones for parties?
Definitely! I make smaller circles of dough for bite-sized versions that are perfect for sharing.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Calzone recipe is one of my favorite ways to bring warmth and bold flavor to the table. Every bite has that perfect mix of spicy, cheesy, and crispy goodness. Whether it’s game night, a family dinner, or just a cozy evening at home, these calzones never fail to satisfy. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—and don’t forget to share your delicious results!
Golden, crispy calzones stuffed with spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory vegetables—perfect for game night, parties, or a comforting dinner.
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 calzones
Ingredients
1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup diced vegetables (red onion, bell peppers, or celery)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 package store-bought pizza dough
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until fully coated.
Stir in mozzarella, ricotta, vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
On a floured surface, roll out pizza dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut into 6–8 inch circles.
Spoon filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border.
Fold over dough to create a half-moon, sealing edges with a fork.
Place calzones on baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and cut a small slit in the top of each.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling inside.
Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
Add paprika or cayenne pepper for more heat.
Swap chicken with mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
Use cheddar or pepper jack for a cheesy variation.
