Delicious Chicken Alfredo Calzones

This creamy, cheesy chicken alfredo calzone combines two comfort food favorites into one irresistible handheld meal. The golden, buttery crust envelops a rich homemade alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and gooey mozzarella for a dinner that always disappears quickly at my table.

I first made these calzones when looking for creative ways to use leftover roasted chicken. My family was so impressed with how restaurant-quality they tasted that they've become our Friday night tradition when we want something special without the takeout price.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Provides the perfect crispy yet chewy vessel for our filling. Store-bought works wonderfully for weeknight ease, but homemade adds extra flavor if you have time
• Heavy cream: Creates the silky base for our alfredo sauce. Look for cream with higher fat content for the richest texture
• Parmesan cheese: Gives that signature alfredo flavor. Always use freshly grated for proper melting instead of pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents
• Shredded chicken breast: Adds satisfying protein. Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker
• Mozzarella cheese: Provides that essential stretchy quality when you bite into your calzone. Whole milk mozzarella melts better than part-skim
• Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor. Fresh cloves will always taste more vibrant than jarred
• Italian seasoning: Adds herb complexity with minimal effort. Choose a blend with oregano, basil and thyme for authentic flavor
• Butter: Appears twice in this recipe, creating richness in the sauce and a beautiful golden crust. Use unsalted to control seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create Alfredo Sauce:

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to let it brown which causes bitterness. Pour in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring constantly. Allow mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Reduce heat to low before gradually incorporating Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dough.

Prepare Dough Rounds:

Divide your pound of pizza dough into 4 equal portions using a sharp knife or bench scraper. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each portion into a circle approximately 6 inches in diameter and about 1/4 inch thick. Work from the center outward with your rolling pin for the most even results. Transfer these rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet to make assembly easier.

Assemble Calzones:

Spread approximately 2-3 tablespoons of your homemade alfredo sauce over half of each dough round, leaving a 1/2 inch border to ensure proper sealing. Distribute 1/2 cup of shredded chicken evenly over the sauce on each calzone. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of mozzarella over the chicken layer. Carefully fold the empty half of dough over your filling to create a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly together, then crimp with the tines of a fork to create a secure seal that prevents filling from leaking during cooking.

Apply Herb Butter:

Mix softened butter with freshly chopped parsley in a small bowl until well combined. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top surface of each assembled calzone with this herb butter mixture, which will promote browning and add flavor during cooking.

Air Fry to Perfection:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place calzones in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for approximately 4 minutes, then carefully flip each calzone and cook for another 4 minutes until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. Brush with additional herb butter immediately after removing from the air fryer for extra flavor and sheen.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow calzones to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This critical step lets the internal temperature stabilize and prevents the filling from being scorching hot while giving the cheese time to set slightly.

Parmesan cheese is truly the heart of this recipe. I learned from my Italian grandmother that genuine Parmigiano Reggiano has those delightful little crystals that add textural interest and depth of flavor to the sauce. While more expensive, even a small amount elevates the entire dish in a way that pre-grated varieties simply cannot match.

Make-Ahead Magic

These calzones excel as a meal prep option. After assembly but before cooking, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags where they will keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, air fry directly from frozen at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes until heated through and golden. The convenience of pulling a homemade calzone from the freezer on busy weeknights has saved my dinner plans countless times.

Customization Options

The beauty of these calzones lies in their adaptability. Replace chicken with crispy pancetta or sautéed mushrooms for different flavor profiles. Add baby spinach to incorporate vegetables. Swap the mozzarella for fontina or provolone to vary the cheese flavor. For spice lovers, incorporate red pepper flakes into the alfredo sauce or add diced jalapeños to the filling. These variations keep the recipe exciting even when it becomes a regular in your meal rotation.

Serving Suggestions

While these calzones are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary sides elevates the meal. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil provides refreshing contrast to the richness. Marinara sauce makes an excellent dipping option, offering acidity that cuts through the creaminess. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables tossed with balsamic glaze. When entertaining, slice each calzone into thirds and arrange on a platter with various dipping sauces for an impressive appetizer spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can substitute homemade alfredo sauce with store-bought for convenience, though fresh sauce adds more flavor.

→ What type of pizza dough should I use?

Both store-bought and homemade pizza dough work well. Make sure the dough is fresh and pliable for easy rolling.

→ Can I cook these in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown.

→ What can I serve with these calzones?

Serve with warm marinara or garlic butter dipping sauce. A side salad would also pair well.

→ Can I freeze the calzones?

Yes, you can freeze assembled, uncooked calzones for up to 3 months. Air fry or bake directly from frozen.