Chicken Cordon Bleu Calzones
Chicken Cordon Bleu Calzones combine tender chicken, savory ham, melted cheese, and flavorful mushroom filling encased in flaky pastry, perfect for a hearty, comforting meal for family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp margarine ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 (17.5 oz) package frozen puff pastry, thawed ⓘ
- 8 slices deli ham ⓘ
- 4 slices Provolone cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a greased 2-quart baking dish, cover with water, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until done.
- In a skillet, saut sliced mushrooms and chopped onion in margarine until tender.
- Combine cornstarch and milk until smooth, then stir into the skillet with mushrooms and onions.
- Add seasonings (basil, dried basil, salt, pepper) and bring to a boil.
- Cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
- Drain the cooked chicken and let it cool slightly.
- Cut the thawed puff pastry into halves lengthwise.
- On one side of each pastry half, place a chicken breast, 1/4 cup mushroom mixture, 2 slices of deli ham, and 1 slice of Provolone cheese.
- Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the edges.
- Place the filled calzones on a greased baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with milk.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until puffed and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh thyme along with the basil. If you prefer a lighter option, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. You can also substitute the Provolone cheese with mozzarella for a milder taste. For a crunchier texture, add some breadcrumbs on top before baking. Make sure to seal the calzones well to prevent leakage during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Chicken Cordon Bleu Calzones are perfect served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. They pair beautifully with Barb'S Quick Scalloped Potatoes, adding a comforting side to your dish. For dipping, consider a homemade marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dressing to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the puff pastry. You can also microwave them, but the pastry may lose its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cordon Bleu Calzones contains roughly 1312 calories, with 51g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (135% of the Daily Value), and protein (102% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2566mg per serving (112% 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 make these calzones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the calzones a day in advance. Assemble them and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to cover them well to prevent the pastry from drying out. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze these calzones?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled calzones before baking. Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of puff pastry?
If you prefer a different dough, you can use crescent roll dough as a substitute for puff pastry. It will give a different texture but will still taste delicious. Alternatively, a homemade pizza dough can work well, though it will be denser than puff pastry.
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).