Buffalo Chicken Calzones: 15-Minute Spicy Cheesy Bliss

Oh man, let me tell you about these buffalo chicken calzones—they’re my go-to when I’m craving something spicy, cheesy, and downright comforting. Picture this: crispy golden dough stuffed with tender shredded chicken drenched in tangy buffalo sauce, all wrapped up with melty mozzarella and creamy blue cheese dressing. It’s like all the best parts of buffalo wings got cozy inside a warm, flaky pocket. Seriously, my friends beg me to make these for game days (and honestly, any random Tuesday). They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor—just trust me on this one. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say these buffalo chicken calzones are absolute game-changers. Here’s why they’ve become my kitchen MVP:

• Crazy easy to make – We’re talking just 15 minutes of prep before they hit the oven. Even my kitchen-phobic brother can handle this recipe!
• That perfect spicy-savory combo – The buffalo sauce gives that addictive kick while the melted mozzarella cools it down beautifully.
• Totally customizable – Want them extra spicy? Add more sauce. Not feeling blue cheese? Swap in ranch. It’s your flavor adventure!
• Crowd-pleasing magic – Whether it’s game day or a weeknight dinner, these disappear faster than I can bake them.
• Crispy outside, gooey inside – That golden crust hugging the molten filling? Pure comfort food perfection.

Honestly, they’re so good I’ve caught myself making excuses to whip up batches “just because.” You’ve been warned!

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – this is where the magic starts! You probably have most of these in your fridge already, which is why I love this recipe so much. Here’s exactly what you’ll need for those perfect buffalo chicken pockets of joy:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I use rotisserie chicken when I’m feeling lazy – total game changer!)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Go for Frank’s RedHot if you want that authentic wing flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (The more the merrier, I say)
• 1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing (Team Blue Cheese here, but no judgment!)
• 1 lb pizza dough (Store-bought is fine – we’re keeping it real here)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (For that gorgeous golden crust)

See? Told you it was simple! Now let’s turn these everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these bad boys! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through every step. You’ll be a calzone pro in no time.

Preparing the Filling

First things first: the filling. Grab your shredded chicken and toss it in a bowl with that glorious buffalo sauce. Mix it well so every piece of chicken is coated in that spicy, tangy goodness. This is where the flavor magic happens, so don’t skimp on the sauce!

Assembling the Calzones

Now, roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into circles about 6-8 inches in diameter. Don’t stress if they’re not perfect—rustic is charming! Spread a thin layer of blue cheese or ranch dressing on half of each circle, then pile on the buffalo chicken and a generous handful of mozzarella. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together. To seal it tight, crimp the edges with a fork. It’s like making a spicy, cheesy envelope!

Baking to Perfection

Place your calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil—this gives them that beautiful golden crust. Pop them in the oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. Trust me, the smell alone will have you counting down the minutes!

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Calzones

After making these calzones more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to make them absolutely perfect every time:

• Stick with store-bought dough – Unless you’re feeling ambitious, pre-made pizza dough is a total lifesaver and works like a charm.
• Adjust the heat to your taste – Love it spicy? Add extra buffalo sauce. Prefer milder? Cut it with a bit of melted butter.
• Don’t overstuff! It’s tempting, but too much filling can make the calzones burst open. A happy medium is key.
• Serve with extra dressing – Dunking is half the fun! I always keep extra blue cheese or ranch on the side.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have calzones that would make any buffalo wing joint jealous!

Variations for Buffalo Chicken Calzones

One of my favorite things about these calzones? How easily you can mix them up! Here are some of my go-to twists when I want to change things up:

• Veggie boost – Toss in some diced celery or carrots for crunch, or sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavor.
• Cheese swap – Not a blue cheese fan? Try pepper jack for extra kick or cheddar for classic comfort.
• Dip different – Ranch is great, but honey mustard or even a cilantro lime crema can be amazing.
• Protein play – Swap chicken for shredded turkey or even crispy bacon bits (trust me on this one).

The possibilities are endless – make them your own!

Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Now, let’s talk about how to serve these beauties! I always go for a fresh, crisp salad on the side—it cuts through the richness perfectly. And don’t forget extra dressing for dipping (because more is always better). A few celery sticks make it feel like proper buffalo wings, but honestly? They’re amazing all on their own too!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Okay, so let’s say you miraculously have leftovers (it happens… sometimes). Pop those calzones in an airtight container—they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to relive the magic, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until crispy again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven brings back that perfect crunch!

Nutritional Information

Each buffalo chicken calzone packs a flavorful punch with about 450 calories, 25g of protein, and 45g of carbs. You’ll also get 18g of fat (6g saturated) and 800mg of sodium. Keep in mind, these numbers can vary based on your choice of dressing or cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and worth every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Calzones

I get asked about these calzones all the time, so let’s tackle the big questions:

Can I use ranch instead of blue cheese? Absolutely! I actually keep both on hand because friends are divided. Ranch cools the heat beautifully, while blue cheese gives that authentic wing joint vibe.

How do I make the dough from scratch? If you’re feeling fancy, mix 3 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 packet yeast, 1 cup warm water, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Knead, let rise for an hour – but store-bought works just as well for busy nights! You can find a great guide on making bread dough.

Can I freeze these? You bet! Bake them first, then freeze. Reheat at 375°F for 15 minutes straight from frozen. Lifesaver for last-minute meals.

Why did my calzone burst? Probably overstuffed (I’ve been there!). Leave a 1-inch border when filling, and don’t go thicker than 1/2 inch of filling.

How spicy are they? Totally adjustable! Start with 1/4 cup sauce mixed with butter if you’re heat-shy, then taste before adding more.

Share Your Buffalo Chicken Calzones Experience

I’d love to hear how your buffalo chicken calzones turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Did they disappear as fast as mine always do? Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories. Let’s keep the calzone love going!

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