Introduction
Transforming simple, wholesome ingredients into a comforting and nutritious meal is easier than you think! This recipe for Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones offers a delicious and satisfying twist on classic comfort food, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. We’re focusing on fresh, flavorful ingredients and a balanced approach to create a dish that’s both indulgent and good for you.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it cleverly combines the creamy indulgence of Alfredo sauce with the heartiness of chicken and the satisfying texture of calzones. We prioritize lean chicken breast for protein and use a whole wheat pizza dough base for added fiber, making this a far healthier and more balanced alternative to traditional takeout. The ease of preparation ensures a delicious meal is ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 🧀 2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
- 🌿 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥛 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 🍝 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 🧀 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 🌿 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🍕 1 lb whole wheat pizza dough
- 🧈 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2️⃣ In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, spinach, garlic, milk, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine.
3️⃣ Season the chicken mixture generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4️⃣ On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
5️⃣ Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over one half of the dough rectangle.
6️⃣ Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken mixture.
7️⃣ Fold the other half of the dough rectangle over the filling to create a calzone.
8️⃣ Press the edges firmly to seal, crimping them to prevent leakage.
9️⃣ Brush the top of the calzone with olive oil.
🔟 Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
1️⃣1️⃣ Let the calzone cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
- If you don’t have whole wheat pizza dough, you can use regular pizza dough, but be mindful of the added carbohydrates.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
Heat Control
The 400°F (200°C) oven temperature is ideal for baking the calzone to perfection. A lower temperature might result in an undercooked crust, while a higher temperature could burn the crust before the cheese is melted and the filling is heated through. Always monitor the calzone during baking and adjust accordingly.
Crunch Factor
The beautiful contrast in textures—the crispy, slightly chewy whole wheat crust against the creamy Alfredo filling—is a key feature of this recipe. Ensure even baking for the optimal balance.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of Parmesan and Asiago cheese.
- To make individual calzones, divide the dough into smaller portions.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These calzones are perfect for a potluck or a casual get-together. Wrap individual portions in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a charming presentation.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Chicken Alfredo Calzone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
🌟 Veggie Alfredo Calzone: Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
🌟 Mushroom Alfredo Calzone: Sauté mushrooms with garlic before adding them to the chicken mixture.
🌟 Mediterranean Alfredo Calzone: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes into the filling.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy Crust: Ensure your dough is properly sealed to prevent leaks. If the crust is too wet, try pre-baking it for a few minutes before adding the filling.
- Burnt Crust: Lower the oven temperature slightly and keep a close eye on it, covering with foil if needed.
- Undercooked Filling: Increase the baking time by a few minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked through.
FAQ
- Can I freeze these calzones? Yes, baked or unbaked calzones can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
- What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? You could use cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese as a substitute, but the texture may differ slightly.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the calzones just before baking.
- What kind of oven do I use? This recipe can be made in a conventional oven or a convection oven. If using a convection oven, you may want to slightly reduce the baking time and temperature.
Conclusion
Enjoy this healthy and delicious twist on a classic comfort food! These Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones are a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. We hope you’ll share this recipe with your friends and family and enjoy the delicious results. Happy cooking!
Healthy Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones: Guilt-Free Comfort Food
Delicious and healthier version of calzones filled with a creamy chicken Alfredo mixture, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup whole wheat pizza dough
- 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190u00b0C (375u00b0F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Roll out the whole wheat pizza dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into circles, approximately 6 inches in diameter.
- Place a generous spoonful of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto one half of each dough circle.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
- Brush the tops of the calzones with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Serve with a side salad or marinara sauce for dipping.