If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with smoky, tangy, and cheesy goodness, the BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. These golden pockets of flavor combine tender shredded chicken drenched in rich barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and gooey mozzarella all wrapped inside a soft, flaky biscuit dough crust. Perfectly handheld and incredibly satisfying, this recipe turns familiar favorites into a fun and easy meal that’s sure to become your new go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with ingredients that each play a vital role in bringing layers of flavor and texture to your calzones. From tender chicken to the subtle crunch of red onion, every component builds on the next to create a harmonious bite.
- 16 ounces refrigerated Pillsbury Grand’s Homestyle Biscuit Dough: Provides the perfect soft, flaky crust that’s easy to work with and golden when baked.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast: The hearty, protein-packed base of the filling, tender and ready to soak up the barbecue sauce.
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce: Adds that signature tangy, smoky BBQ flavor that makes the filling irresistible.
- 1/2 cup cooked, chopped bacon: Crispy and savory, it brings a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softer ingredients.
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion: Offers a mild sharpness and a little pop of color to brighten the filling.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh and fragrant, this herb lifts the flavors with its unique brightness.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly inside the calzones, creating that classic stretchy, cheesy texture everyone loves.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F so it’s ready when you need it. In a small bowl, mix the cooked, shredded chicken and barbecue sauce thoroughly. This ensures every bite is juicy and packed with that fantastic BBQ flavor, setting the delicious tone for your calzones.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Open your canned biscuit dough and separate each piece. Lay a dough piece on a clean surface and roll it out into a flat 6-inch circle. This step is key for creating the ideal base and lid for your calzones, giving you enough dough to hold all the tasty filling without becoming too thick to bake evenly.
Step 3: Assemble Your Calzones
Place about half a cup of the barbecue chicken mixture in the center of one dough circle. Then layer on bacon, red onion, cilantro, and roughly one-third cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese. Cover with another rolled-out dough circle and press the edges together firmly. Using a fork to crimp the edges not only seals in the fillings but also adds a nice detail to the crust.
Step 4: Bake Them to Perfection
Arrange all the assembled calzones on a lightly greased baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Once out of the oven, let them rest for about 5 minutes—this little pause helps the cheese settle so you can enjoy perfect, mess-free bites.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream on top of your calzones can brighten the flavors and add a fresh kick. A drizzle of extra barbecue sauce on the side is also perfect for those who love dipping and extra tang.
Side Dishes
Pair your BBQ Chicken Calzones with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to introduce some freshness and balance. Crunchy coleslaw is another fantastic companion, complementing the rich BBQ flavors with its cool, tangy crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your BBQ Chicken Calzones sliced in half so everyone can see the cheesy, saucy filling spilling out. You can also turn these into mini calzones for a party-friendly snack or arrange them with colorful veggies on a platter for an inviting, shareable meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day lunch or dinner option that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked calzones by assembling them as normal, then wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. This is a great way to have homemade convenience food on hand.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the dough soggy and the cheese less melty.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuit dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza or biscuit dough works wonderfully if you want a more hands-on approach or prefer a different texture. Just make sure to roll it out to a similar size for even cooking.
Is it okay to use other cheeses besides Mozzarella?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for a different but delicious twist on the classic filling.
Can I make these calzones vegetarian?
Definitely! You can omit the chicken and bacon, and add hearty veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach along with the barbecue sauce and cheese for a tasty vegetarian alternative.
How can I make the calzones crispier?
Brushing the tops with a little olive oil or melted butter before baking can give the crust a beautiful golden crunch. Baking on a preheated pizza stone or baking steel also helps crisp the bottom crust.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
For perfectly shredded chicken, cook your breast meat then use two forks to pull it apart while it’s still warm. Alternatively, pulsing cooked chicken a few times in a food processor works for a faster option without turning it into a paste.
Final Thoughts
I hope this BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe inspires you to bring some seriously delicious comfort food into your kitchen. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet flavorful enough to impress family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll soon discover why these calzones are a beloved favorite that get requested time and time again!
Print
BBQ Chicken Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Chicken Calzones are a delicious, handheld meal combining tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, fresh red onion, and cilantro, all wrapped in a golden, flaky biscuit dough crust with melted mozzarella cheese inside. Perfect for a quick dinner or game day snack, these calzones bring together classic BBQ flavors in a convenient, baked pocket.
Ingredients
Calzone Dough
- 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated Pillsbury Grand’s Homestyle Biscuit Dough
- 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated Pillsbury Grand’s Homestyle Biscuit Dough (used for topping)
Filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked, chopped bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Mix Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
- Prepare Dough Circles: Remove the biscuit dough from the can and place each dough piece on a clean surface. Roll each piece out flat into a 6-inch diameter circle. Repeat for all dough pieces.
- Assemble Calzones: On the center of one flattened dough circle, place about 1/2 cup of the barbecue chicken mixture. Top with desired amounts of chopped bacon, red onion, cilantro, and approximately 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Take another dough circle and place it over the top. Seal the edges firmly by pressing them together, using a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal.
- Repeat Assembly: Continue the process of assembling calzones with the remaining dough circles and filling components. This recipe yields 4 calzones in total.
- Bake: Place the prepared calzones on a large baking sheet lightly greased to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the calzones turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the calzones from the oven and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the filling set slightly for easier eating. Serve warm and enjoy your BBQ chicken calzones!
Notes
- Make sure the edges of the calzones are sealed well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- If preferred, swap out mozzarella for another favorite melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken barbecue mix.
- Leftover calzones can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster oven or conventional oven for best texture retention.
