If you’re on the lookout for a scrumptious meal that brings together bold flavors in every bite, look no further than the Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone. This delightful dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all encased in a perfectly baked pizza dough. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, game day, or a casual get-together, this calzone is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the delicious details and get you started on making this mouthwatering treat!
What Makes the Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone So Irresistible?
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone isn’t just any ordinary dish; it’s a flavor explosion that satisfies every craving. Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown crust that gives way to a savory filling of shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all enhanced by the zesty flavor of ranch dressing. The combination of textures—from the crunchy bacon to the creamy ranch and tender chicken—creates a delightful eating experience.
The versatility of this dish is another reason to love it. You can customize the filling by adding your favorite ingredients, like sautéed vegetables or different types of cheese. Plus, it’s an easy meal to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Calzone
To whip up this delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough: This will be the base of your calzone, providing a fluffy and crispy exterior.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: Tender, flavorful chicken is essential for the filling.
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch that elevates the dish.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, gooey cheese is a must for any calzone.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: This creamy dressing ties all the flavors together and adds a zesty kick.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a rich, cheesy flavor that complements the mozzarella.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the filling to perfection.
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing): To prevent sticking and ensure a golden-brown crust.
Optional Add-Ins
Feel free to get creative! Consider adding:
- Sautéed bell peppers or onions for added flavor and texture.
- Spinach or kale for a burst of color and nutrients.
- Different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist.
Directions: How to Make the Ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure that your calzone bakes to a perfect golden brown while keeping the inside nice and gooey. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated with the ranch dressing and spices. This is where all the flavor magic happens!
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle—rustic is in! Make sure the dough is evenly rolled to ensure even baking.
Step 4: Fill the Calzone
Spread the chicken and bacon mixture evenly over half of the dough circle, leaving about an inch of space around the edge. This space is crucial for sealing the calzone. Once the filling is in place, fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, ensuring that the filling doesn’t escape during baking.
For an extra-secure seal, use a fork to crimp the edges. This not only keeps the filling intact but also adds a decorative touch to your calzone.
Step 5: Cut Slits for Ventilation
To allow steam to escape during baking, make a few small slits on top of the calzone. This prevents it from bursting and ensures that the inside cooks evenly. You can make a simple “X” pattern or create a few diagonal slashes—whatever you prefer!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the calzone on the prepared baking sheet and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzone is golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of baked dough and savory filling will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once your calzone is beautifully golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice. After a few minutes, cut the calzone into wedges, and serve it with extra ranch dressing for dipping. The combination of flavors will leave you and your guests craving more!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulgent dishes like the Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone, it’s important to know what you’re consuming. Each serving (1/4 of the calzone) contains approximately:
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
This meal is hearty and filling, making it perfect for dinner or a satisfying snack.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely, but just in case!), you can store your Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick meal.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
Want to make your meal prep even easier? You can freeze unbaked calzones! After assembling and sealing the calzones, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQs About Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite pizza dough recipe, feel free to use it. Alternatively, you can use store-bought dough for convenience.
Can I use different proteins in the filling?
Yes! This recipe is versatile, so you can substitute the chicken with turkey, ham, or even a meatless option like sautéed mushrooms or jackfruit for a vegetarian twist.
What type of cheese works best for this calzone?
While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can mix it up with cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for an extra kick. Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite!
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your calzone. Just make sure to sauté them first to reduce moisture.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten up the recipe, consider using whole wheat pizza dough, reducing the amount of cheese, or swapping in low-fat ranch dressing. You can also increase the amount of vegetables in the filling for added fiber.
Related Recipes to Try
If you love this Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone, you might also enjoy these delicious recipes:
Conclusion
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone is truly a culinary masterpiece that brings comfort food to new heights. With its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and simple preparation, it’s a dish that you and your loved ones will adore. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a party, or a cozy night in, this calzone is sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate flavor explosion with every bite! Happy cooking!
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Delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone for Dinner Tonight!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone is a mouthwatering blend of tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all enveloped in a golden, flaky crust. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this calzone is quick to make and even better to eat!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter.
- Fill the Calzone: Spread the chicken and bacon mixture evenly over half of the dough circle, leaving about an inch of space around the edge. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra seal.
- Cut Slits: Make a few small slits on top of the calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Place the calzone on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the calzone to cool slightly before slicing. Serve with extra ranch dressing for dipping and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like veggies or different cheeses.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone, Cheesy Calzone Recipe, Ranch Chicken Calzone