{"id":2372,"date":"2026-06-02T04:38:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T04:38:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress.cherrychapters.com\/gentlesimmer\/?p=2372"},"modified":"2026-06-02T04:38:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T04:38:22","slug":"chicken-parmesan-calzones-pizza-nights-best-upgrade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.cherrychapters.com\/gentlesimmer\/2026\/06\/02\/chicken-parmesan-calzones-pizza-nights-best-upgrade\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicken Parmesan Calzones (Pizza Night’s Best Upgrade)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Calzones are pizza’s cooler cousin. All the same ingredients, folded into a golden, portable pocket. This version packs breaded chicken, marinara, and three cheeses inside. Serve with extra sauce for dipping. Pizza night just got promoted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Makes 4 calzones.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the Calzones:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • 1 lb (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), room temperature<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 2 cups cooked breaded chicken tenders or chicken cutlets, chopped<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 1\u00bd cups shredded mozzarella cheese<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • \u00bd cup grated Parmesan cheese<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • \u00bc cup ricotta cheese (optional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Cornmeal or flour for dusting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Step-by-Step Instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Step 1: Preheat & Prep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or dust with cornmeal.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Step 2: Roll Dough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a 6-8 inch circle (about \u00bc inch thick).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Step 3: Assemble<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. On one half of each dough circle, layer: chopped chicken, a spoonful of marinara, mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta (if using).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Leave a \u00bd inch border around the edges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Step 4: Seal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          1. Fold the empty half of dough over the filling. Press edges firmly to seal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Crimp with a fork or fold the edge over itself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. Cut a small slit on top of each calzone to let steam escape.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Step 5: Egg Wash & Bake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            1. Beat the egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush over each calzone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Step 6: Serve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              1. Let cool 5 minutes. Serve warm with extra marinara for dipping.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Prep Time:<\/strong> 15 min | Cook Time:<\/strong> 20 min | Total:<\/strong> 35 min<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Yield:<\/strong> 4 calzones | Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Storage Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Fridge:<\/strong> 4 days. Freezer:<\/strong> 3 months (baked or unbaked). Reheat in oven or air fryer at 375\u00b0F for 8-10 minutes. Never microwave \u2014 soggy dough = sadness. Serve with warm marinara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \"\"<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                Golden, crispy dough stuffed with breaded chicken, marinara, and melty mozzarella. All the flavor of Chicken Parm wrapped in a portable, dippable pocket. No plates required.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2450,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,7],"tags":[2099,2102,2098,2097,2100,2103,2101],"class_list":["post-2372","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-baking","category-quick_meals","tag-calzone-recipe","tag-chicken-calzone","tag-chicken-parm-calzone","tag-chicken-parmesan-calzone","tag-easy-calzone","tag-italian-calzone","tag-stuffed-pizza-dough"],"yoast_head":"\nChicken Parmesan Calzones (Pizza Night's Best Upgrade) - Gentle Simmer<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wordpress.cherrychapters.com\/gentlesimmer\/2026\/06\/02\/chicken-parmesan-calzones-pizza-nights-best-upgrade\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chicken Parmesan Calzones (Pizza Night's Best Upgrade) - Gentle Simmer\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Golden, crispy dough stuffed with breaded chicken, marinara, and melty mozzarella. 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