There is something unmistakably comforting about the smell of BBQ that lingers in the kitchen. It’s that smell that summons everyone to the table, eager to dive in. Now, pretend that smoky, tangy BBQ and golden, crunchy crust is chock full of melted cheese and delicious, juicy chicken. Well, that’s what you have with these Easy BBQ Chicken Calzones.
I found this when I was looking for a very quick and easy meal one weeknight. I had some rotisserie chicken languishing in the fridge, a bottle of BBQ sauce, and an I-think-I-can attitude. Unbeknownst to me, this thrown together dish would be requested by the family! This recipe is heavenly due to its simplicity. With only a few ingredients, you can make a meal that will make your dinners feel like they come straight out of a pizzeria.
What’s so special about these calzones? Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, and gooey cheese sandwiched between perfectly baked dough… it’s a match made in Heaven, folks! It’s akin to a pizza pocket, only better. And it’s so versatile. You can also tailor it to your taste, whether you like it hot and spicy with jalapeños or full of veggies.
And one of the greatest things about this recipe is how stress-free it is. Even if you don’t consider yourself a great cook, you’ve got this. The dough is forgiving, the filling simple, and the end result impressive. This is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat.
So whether you’re preparing something for a weeknight meal, planning for game day, or just plain hungry, these BBQ Chicken Calzones are up for the job. Let’s move to the recipe and find out why this dish has become a go-to for me and why it will be for you soon.
Why You Need to Try Easy BBQ Chicken Calzones
Stop and think about this: a golden calzone, fresh from the oven, steam escaping when you cut into it. Inside, you get fantastic combo of BBQ chicken, oozy cheee and that herb flavor. It’s an explosion of taste in each mouthful.
The trick to this recipe is that it’s so simple. You don’t need to be a pro to make these calzones. If you stock up on store-bought pizza dough and always have some cooked chicken on hand, you can get this dinner on the table in less than an hour.
The adaptability of this dish also makes me love it. Top with your favorite toppings — such as red onions, bell pepper, or pineapple — to make this pizza your own. It’s happy-land for a crowd that never disappoints.
Finally, it’s an great make-ahead meal. Prep these calzones ahead of time, then bake when ready for a hot, homemade meal with little effort.
A Story of Love at First Bite
It was a snug Friday evening, and my husband and I were trying to noodle out what to have for dinner. We were going for comforting without feeling weighed down. That’s when I recalled all those tasty BBQ Chicken Calzones I’d whipped up a few days earlier.
I threw together the ingredients in no time and a few salts of the menu and the house began filling with the fantastic smell of BBQ and fresh bread. My husband, who’s the type to circle the kitchen shouting, “Ready yet?”, was surprisingly patient — maybe he knew something delicious was coming.
I’ll admit, when the calzones emerged from the oven, golden and piping hot, we could hardly wait to sample them. The first bite was heaven, plain and simple. The smoky BBQ, the moist chicken and the melted cheese were such a great combination. My husband took a bite and told me, “This is the best thing you’ve ever made.” High praise, indeed!
I’ve made these calzones AT LEAST once a week since that night! They’re great on busy weeknights or lazy weekends, and extended to gatherings with friends.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe
Unique and Flavorful
These calzones are a fun alternative to traditional pizza. The tangy BBQ sauce is a perfect match to the chicken and cheese and you get a little crunch of the red onion.
Quick and Easy
This recipe takes a few easy ingredients and hardly any prep time, which is a good thing when things get busy.
Customizable
Top it with whatever you like or use ingredients as per your liking. It’s a winning, multipurpose recipe.
Family-Friendly
Everyone, kids and adults, loves these calzones. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.
Cuisine: American
Tips for BBQ Chicken Calzones
- Forming Dough: If the dough is sticky, flour your hands and work surface. The dough should never be overworked, as it can turn tough.
- Variations Add jalapeños for a kick or pineapple for a sweet buzz. The options are endless!
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten free : Use gluten-free pizza crust.
- Veggie-Packed : Throw in some bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for even more veggies.
- Swap Meat : Swap out the chicken for pulled pork or even tofu for a meatless version.
Make a Healthier Version
For a lighter option, make this with whole wheat pizza dough, low-fat cheese, and a sugar-free BBQ sauce. You can add more veggies arbitrarily, if you’re concerned with the nutritional content.
THE FINISH FOR THE BBQ CHICKEN CALZONES
And there you have it! A recipe that is not only simple, but also delicious. And don’t forget to tell us how your dish turned out, and to take a photo and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #NYTCooking (it really does help us track our work)! Happy cooking!
Easy BBQ Chicken Calzones
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our BBQ Chicken Calzones. These savory pockets of dough are stuffed with tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and baked to golden perfection. A delicious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface and divide it into 4 equal portions.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and chopped red onion. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
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Take one portion of the dough and roll it into a circle. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto one half of the circle, leaving a border around the edges. Sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
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Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure they stay shut. Transfer the calzone to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
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Brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil to achieve a golden, crispy crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are puffed and golden brown. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
