This Buffalo Chicken Calzone with Blue Cheese Dip combines a perfect balance of heat from the buffalo sauce and the creaminess of the blue cheese dip. The dough crisps up beautifully in the oven, forming a golden-brown shell that encases the flavorful filling of shredded chicken, melty mozzarella, and tangy blue cheese crumbles.
It’s a fantastic meal for casual weeknight dinners, parties, or even as a game-day snack. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken and creamy blue cheese dip ensures this dish will satisfy both your craving for bold flavors and your love for comfort food. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for busy days.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
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1/4 cup hot sauce
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 cup ranch dressing
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1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
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2 pizza doughs (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup chopped celery
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and melted butter. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and set aside.
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Roll out each pizza dough on a floured surface to form a large circle or oval.
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Spread a thin layer of ranch dressing over one half of each dough circle.
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Add mozzarella cheese, buffalo chicken mixture, and blue cheese crumbles on top.
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Sprinkle with chopped celery, salt, and pepper.
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Carefully fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pinching the edges to seal the calzone.
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Brush the top of the calzones with a little olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
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While the calzones are baking, make the blue cheese dip by mixing ranch dressing with blue cheese crumbles and parsley.
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Serve the calzones with the blue cheese dip on the side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 470 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Buffalo Chicken Calzone with Blue Cheese Dip: A Flavorful Twist on Comfort Food
Buffalo chicken is one of those flavor combinations that people can never get enough of. With its spicy, tangy, and savory qualities, it has become a beloved dish in many households, particularly when paired with creamy blue cheese dressing. Now, imagine taking this classic flavor profile and stuffing it inside a golden, crispy calzone. Not only does the spicy buffalo chicken fill the soft, pillowy dough, but it is also complemented by the rich, cool blue cheese dip. This Buffalo Chicken Calzone with Blue Cheese Dip brings all the best elements of comfort food into one easy-to-make dish that will surely become a family favorite.
The Origins of Buffalo Chicken
The history of Buffalo chicken dates back to 1964 when it was first introduced at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. The original dish consisted of deep-fried chicken wings tossed in a hot sauce made of butter and cayenne pepper. The unique combination of heat and butter became an instant hit, and soon Buffalo wings were appearing on menus across the country. Over time, the popularity of Buffalo sauce grew, and chefs began experimenting with different ways to use it. Today, Buffalo chicken is not limited to just wings – it has made its way into sandwiches, pizzas, wraps, and now, calzones.
What Makes Buffalo Chicken Calzone Special?
A calzone is essentially an Italian turnover, a folded pizza stuffed with various fillings like meats, cheeses, and vegetables. While traditional calzones often feature classic pizza toppings like pepperoni or sausage, Buffalo chicken calzones take the dish to a whole new level by incorporating bold, spicy flavors. The combination of tender shredded chicken, spicy Buffalo sauce, gooey melted mozzarella cheese, and the slight tang of blue cheese crumbles creates a rich, satisfying filling that is sure to excite your taste buds.
What really sets this recipe apart, however, is the addition of blue cheese dip. Blue cheese is a natural pairing with spicy Buffalo chicken, thanks to its creamy texture and distinct flavor. The dip adds a cool contrast to the heat from the Buffalo sauce, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors. Dipping the warm, crispy calzone into the creamy blue cheese dip takes the entire dish to a new level of indulgence.
The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this Buffalo Chicken Calzone with Blue Cheese Dip is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a snack for a game day party, or something to impress your guests at a casual gathering, this recipe fits the bill. The calzones are easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour, making them perfect for busy evenings when you want to serve something hearty and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Additionally, the recipe is customizable. While the classic filling of buffalo chicken, mozzarella, and blue cheese is delicious, you can easily add your favorite ingredients to make it your own. For example, you can include vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add more texture and flavor to the calzones. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your tastes. For those who are looking for a low-carb alternative, you could even try using cauliflower-based pizza dough instead of traditional pizza dough.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Calzone
Buffalo chicken calzones are perfect on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides to make a more complete meal. A simple side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the calzone. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider serving the calzone with crispy fries or potato wedges. For a touch of freshness, a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks (the traditional accompaniment to Buffalo wings) works well to cut through the spiciness of the dish.
If you’re hosting a party, you can cut the calzones into smaller portions, making them the perfect finger food for your guests to enjoy while watching the game or socializing. They pair wonderfully with a cold drink, whether it’s a refreshing soda, a cold beer, or a glass of iced tea.
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Calzone
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds great flavor and texture without the need to cook chicken from scratch. Simply shred the meat and toss it with the Buffalo sauce for a quick filling.
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Don’t Overstuff the Calzones: While it’s tempting to load up the calzones with lots of filling, be careful not to overstuff them. Overstuffing can cause the dough to tear or the filling to spill out during baking. Stick to a moderate amount of filling to ensure the calzones hold together nicely.
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Seal the Edges Well: It’s important to seal the edges of the calzones properly. Pinch the dough tightly around the filling to prevent it from opening up during baking. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or simply press them together with your fingers.
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Brush with Olive Oil: Before baking, brush the top of the calzones with a bit of olive oil. This helps them turn golden and crispy, giving them that delicious, crunchy exterior.
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Experiment with Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is the classic choice for calzones, feel free to get creative with other cheeses. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar can add a sharper flavor, while a bit of cream cheese can enhance the creaminess of the filling.
Nutritional Information
While this dish is certainly indulgent, it’s easy to make it more health-conscious if desired. You can opt for lower-fat cheeses or use a whole wheat pizza dough for added fiber. Additionally, using lean shredded chicken and controlling the amount of hot sauce will allow you to enjoy this dish without too much guilt. Pairing the calzone with a fresh salad or veggie side dish is another way to balance out the meal.
The dish is rich in protein from the chicken and mozzarella, but it’s important to note that the blue cheese dip adds a fair amount of calories. If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can use a lighter version of the dip or even swap it out for a low-fat ranch dressing.
Conclusion:
Buffalo Chicken Calzone with Blue Cheese Dip is a fantastic fusion of two favorite comfort foods Buffalo chicken and pizza. It brings together the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors, all wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or serving it at a party, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
With the ease of preparation and versatility, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation. The cool blue cheese dip adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite even more irresistible. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or simply love trying new takes on traditional dishes, this Buffalo Chicken Calzone is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the comforting and bold flavors in every bite.