Chicken And Spinach Calzones(Makes 4 Servings)
Chicken and spinach calzones feature savory chicken, melted cheese, and fresh spinach wrapped in flaky dough, perfect for a satisfying meal loved by families and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Sprinkle the foil with cornmeal if desired.
- Spray a medium nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add chicken cubes; cook and stir for 5 minutes or until no longer pink.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the onion is tender.
- Stir in pizza sauce and grated Romano cheese.
- Remove from heat and stir in thawed and drained chopped spinach and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Remove pizza dough from the can; do not unroll.
- Cut the dough roll into 4 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a 6 to 7-inch round.
- Spoon 1/4 of the spinach mixture onto half of each round.
- Fold the unfilled half over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
- Place the calzones on the prepared cookie sheet and reshape if necessary.
- Bake at 425°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken with Italian herbs such as oregano or basil while cooking. If you don't have Romano cheese, Parmesan makes a great substitute. You can also use fresh spinach instead of frozen; just sauté it until wilted before adding to the mixture. For a crispier calzone, brush the tops with olive oil before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the calzones warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. A fresh side salad or garlic bread complements this dish well, enhancing the Italian theme. For a heartier meal, pair with a side of Chicken Breast In Tomato Cream Sauce to elevate the flavors and create a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method will help maintain the crispiness of the crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Spinach Calzones(Makes 4 Servings) contains roughly 968 calories, with 43g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (86% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 868mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese in the calzones?
Absolutely! While Mozzarella and Romano are great choices, you can experiment with other cheeses such as provolone, cheddar, or even feta for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt differently, so choose one that suits your taste.
What can I serve with calzones?
Calzones are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. A light salad, perhaps with a balsamic vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables can balance the meal. Garlic knots or a classic marinara sauce for dipping also complement these tasty pockets beautifully.
How do I make calzones vegetarian?
To make vegetarian calzones, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of spinach or add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You could also incorporate ricotta cheese for creaminess, making it a delicious and satisfying meat-free option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).