Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone Recipe – Easy, Delicious, and Perfect for Family Dinners

A Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the creamy richness of ranch dressing all tucked inside a warm, golden calzone. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight family dinner. Whether you’re making it for a casual meal or serving it at a gathering, this calzone is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone recipe has a lot to love. It brings together a perfect combination of flavors that everyone can enjoy, from the savory chicken and bacon to the creamy ranch dressing. The crispy, buttery outer crust provides the ideal contrast to the rich and flavorful filling inside.

The best part is that it’s simple to prepare. If you’re looking for an easy dinner that’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor, this calzone is a winner. It’s also versatile and can be customized based on personal preferences, dietary needs, or what’s in your pantry. Plus, the entire meal can be made in under an hour, which is always a plus when you’re trying to get a delicious meal on the table fast.

This dish is perfect for families, as it can easily be sliced into portions and served up alongside a salad or some dipping sauce. If you have kids at home, they’ll love the cheesy, meaty filling and might even want to help with the prep!

Ingredients

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Chicken breast (cooked and shredded)
• Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• Ranch dressing
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your calzone bakes evenly and achieves the perfect golden brown crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Pour in a few tablespoons of ranch dressing and mix everything together until well combined. The ranch dressing adds a creamy, flavorful base for the filling.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pizza Dough

On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a large circle. Aim for a diameter of about 12 inches. If you’re using store-bought dough, make sure it’s stretched to a good size to hold all the filling.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spoon the chicken, bacon, and cheese mixture onto one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edge for sealing. Be generous with the filling, but make sure not to overstuff it to prevent spilling when it bakes.

Step 5: Fold and Seal the Calzone

Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, crimping the edges with a fork to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Calzone

Transfer the calzone to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top of the dough with a little olive oil or melted butter to promote a golden, crispy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzone is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once the calzone is done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to serve. You can garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the calzone with extra ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: You can make a vegetarian version of this calzone by substituting the chicken and bacon with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. A spinach and artichoke filling would also be a delicious choice.
• Spicy Option: If you enjoy a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick. You can also use spicy ranch dressing for more heat.
• Gluten-Free: For those with dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free pizza dough. Many grocery stores offer great options that will work just as well as traditional dough.
• Add More Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like provolone, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile. You can also add a layer of cream cheese for an extra creamy filling.
• Add Veggies: For a well-rounded meal, consider adding spinach, roasted garlic, or sundried tomatoes to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Serving Size: Makes 2-3 servings, depending on portion size

This recipe is perfect for a small family or even as a quick dinner for two. If you’re serving more people, simply double the recipe and prepare multiple calzones.

Storage/Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before sealing it in the container to prevent excess moisture from accumulating.

Reheating

To reheat leftover calzone, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the calzone on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer to use the microwave, place the calzone on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, though the oven method will give you a crispier result.

FAQs

How do I make the calzone dough from scratch?

To make homemade calzone dough, you’ll need flour, water, yeast, olive oil, sugar, and salt. Mix the ingredients, knead the dough for about 10 minutes, let it rise for about an hour, then roll it out as you would store-bought dough.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch.

Can I freeze the calzone?

Yes, you can freeze an uncooked calzone. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook, simply bake from frozen at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe is not spicy, but you can easily make it spicy by adding hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or using a spicy ranch dressing.

Can I add other meats?

Absolutely! Feel free to add sausage, pepperoni, or even turkey in place of or in addition to the chicken and bacon. The recipe is quite versatile when it comes to meats.

What can I serve with this calzone?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even a side of marinara sauce for dipping would pair wonderfully with this dish.

Can I make mini calzones?

Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and make individual-sized calzones. Just reduce the baking time slightly, about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the calzone the night before and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it the next day. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil to keep the dough from drying out.

Can I use a pizza stone?

Yes, using a pizza stone can help create a crispier crust. Preheat the stone in the oven, then carefully transfer the calzone onto it for baking.

Can I use a different dressing?

If ranch dressing isn’t your favorite, you can use blue cheese dressing or even a creamy Caesar dressing for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone is an easy and delicious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Its combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all wrapped in a warm, golden crust, is irresistible. With its versatility in ingredients and preparation, this calzone is sure to become a go-to recipe in your household. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with different fillings, you can’t go wrong with this comforting, cheesy delight.

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