If you’re craving a meal that wraps up bold flavors and comforting textures into one perfect handheld treat, this BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe is calling your name. Imagine tender shredded chicken smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, mingling with crispy bacon, fresh red onion, and vibrant cilantro, all melted together with bubbly mozzarella cheese inside a golden, flaky crust. This recipe takes classic calzones to a whole new level with a Southern twist that’s incredibly easy to make and sure to become a family favorite fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple with straightforward ingredients means you get all the delicious flavor without fuss. Each one plays a role in building layers of smoky, sweet, creamy, and fresh notes that make these calzones irresistible.
- Pillsbury Grand’s Homestyle Biscuit Dough: Provides a soft, buttery base that turns golden and flaky when baked.
- Cooked, shredded chicken breast: The hearty, protein-packed filling that carries the barbecue flavor beautifully.
- Barbecue sauce: Adds that signature tangy-sweet kick that defines the dish’s personality.
- Cooked, chopped bacon: Brings in a smoky, crisp contrast to the tender chicken and cheese.
- Chopped red onion: Offers a pop of sharpness and crunch, balancing the richness.
- Chopped cilantro: Freshens up every bite with bright, herbaceous notes.
- Shredded Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create gooey, cheesy pockets inside the calzones.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Filling
Start by mixing your cooked, shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce in a small bowl until every bit is coated in that fabulous tangy flavor. This step lays the foundation for the rich and saucy filling that becomes the heart of your calzones.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Open your can of refrigerated biscuit dough and carefully remove each biscuit. Roll one piece at a time on a clean surface until it forms a 6-inch circle. This shaping ensures you get enough dough to hold all the tasty fillings without any breakage.
Step 3: Assemble the Calzones
Spoon about half a cup of the barbecue chicken mixture onto the center of the flattened dough circle. Next, sprinkle on the cooked bacon, red onion, and cilantro to layer flavors and textures. Top this with a generous 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella, then place another rolled dough circle on top. Seal the edges firmly by pressing them together, and use a fork for a beautiful crimped finish that stays sealed during baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place all the prepared calzones on a lightly greased baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, watching for a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Once out of the oven, let them rest for about five minutes so they set up nicely without burning your fingers.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce really amps up the flavor and gives a gorgeous color contrast. A little dollop of sour cream on the side also complements the smoky-sweet profile perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these calzones with crisp coleslaw or a vibrant corn salad to add coolness and crunch that balances the warm, cheesy interior. For a heartier meal, baked potato wedges or roasted veggies make wonderful accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your calzones sliced in half to reveal the colorful filling inside. You can arrange them in a basket lined with parchment paper for a casual feel or plate them alongside dipping sauces like ranch or chipotle mayo for extra indulgence and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover calzones tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, ready for a quick snack or next-day lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze fully assembled but unbaked calzones by wrapping each one in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough adds a chewier texture and can enhance the flavor, but biscuit dough keeps things quick and yields a delightfully soft crust. Either works wonderfully with this BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe.
What kind of barbecue sauce is best?
Choose a barbecue sauce that suits your taste – whether sweet, smoky, or spicy. A thicker sauce works best to prevent the calzones from getting soggy, but feel free to experiment to find your perfect match.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn can bring extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure they’re cooked or sautéed beforehand so they don’t add excess moisture inside the calzones.
How do I prevent the calzones from leaking during baking?
Sealing the edges well is key. Use your fingers and a fork to press the dough firmly together, and avoid overfilling. A little egg wash along the edges can help create a stronger seal if you want to be extra cautious.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly post-baking?
While freezing baked calzones is possible, the crust might lose some of its crispness upon thawing. For best results, freeze before baking and cook fresh straight from the freezer after thawing.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe is a fantastic way to bring flavors you love together in a cozy, convenient package that feels both homey and exciting. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this dish delivers on taste and satisfaction every time. Give it a try and get ready for plenty of compliments!
Print
BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones (4 servings)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Chicken Calzones are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with smoky barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, fresh red onion, and cilantro, all wrapped in a flaky biscuit dough crust and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a fun party snack.
Ingredients
For the Calzones
- 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated Pillsbury Grand’s Homestyle Biscuit Dough
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked, chopped bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken breast with the barbecue sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
- Roll Out Biscuit Dough: Remove the biscuit dough from the can. Place one dough piece on a clean surface and roll it out flat to form a circle approximately 6 inches in diameter. Repeat this process with all the dough pieces.
- Assemble Calzones: Place about 1/2 cup of the barbecue chicken mixture in the center of one flattened dough circle. Top the chicken with your preferred amount of chopped bacon, red onion, cilantro, and about 1/3 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese. Take another flattened dough circle and place it over the filled one. Press the edges together firmly to seal the calzone, using a fork to crimp the edges if desired.
- Repeat Assembly: Repeat the filling and sealing process with the remaining dough circles and ingredients, forming a total of 4 calzones.
- Bake Calzones: Place the prepared calzones onto a large baking sheet that has been lightly greased. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the calzones from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly. Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Calzones hot!
Notes
- You can use any barbecue sauce flavor you prefer to customize the taste.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven or toaster oven for best texture.
- If you want a crispier crust, brush the tops with a little olive oil or melted butter before baking.
