Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a meal that’s not only delicious but also fun to make. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that combine bold flavors with a touch of creativity. That’s why the Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone has become one of my go-to dishes. It’s a perfect blend of savory chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of flavors is irresistible, and the calzone format makes it feel like a special treat. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or bacon. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone, it’s going to become a regular in your meal rotation.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Pizza dough: The foundation of any great calzone is the dough. You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or if you’re feeling ambitious, make your own from scratch. The dough should be soft and pliable, allowing you to stretch it easily without tearing.

Cooked chicken: Tender, shredded chicken works best for this recipe. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option or cook and shred your own. The chicken adds a hearty, protein-packed element to the calzone.

Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon is a key ingredient that brings a rich, savory flavor to the dish. Cook it until it’s perfectly crisp, then crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Ranch dressing: Creamy ranch dressing ties all the flavors together. You can use store-bought ranch or make your own for a fresher taste. It adds a tangy, herby note that complements the chicken and bacon beautifully.

Mozzarella cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella is essential for that classic calzone texture. It binds the filling together and creates that irresistible cheesy pull with every bite.

Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a deeper, more robust flavor to the mix. It pairs wonderfully with the ranch and bacon, giving the calzone an extra layer of richness.

Olive oil: A light brush of olive oil on the calzone before baking helps achieve a golden, crispy crust. It also adds a subtle richness to the dough.

Garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a hint of warmth and depth to the dish.

Parsley: Fresh or dried parsley adds a pop of color and a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the other ingredients.

Ingredients List

1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature ensures the calzone bakes evenly and develops a crispy, golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large circle or oval, about 1/4-inch thick. Make sure it’s evenly rolled to avoid thin spots that could tear during baking.

Step 3: Assemble the Filling

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure the filling is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Fill and Fold the Calzone

Spread the filling evenly over one half of the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal the calzone tightly.

Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil

Place the calzone on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. This step adds flavor and helps the crust turn golden brown.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the calzone in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the calzone with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish. Slice it into portions and serve warm with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Tips for Making This Recipe

Use room-temperature dough: If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. This makes it easier to work with and prevents tearing.
Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, overfilling can cause the calzone to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amounts.
Seal the edges well: Crimping the edges with a fork ensures the filling stays inside and the calzone holds its shape.
Experiment with cheeses: Feel free to swap out mozzarella or cheddar for other cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.
Add veggies: For a healthier twist, add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling.
Make ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge to save time.

FAQs

Can I freeze the calzone?
Yes! Once assembled (but before baking), wrap the calzone tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Can I use a different sauce instead of ranch?
Absolutely. Alfredo sauce or barbecue sauce would work well as alternatives, depending on your taste preferences.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the calzone in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy.

Can I make mini calzones?
Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the filling amounts accordingly. Mini calzones are great for appetizers or snacks.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover calzone in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed.

Enjoy making and savoring this Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone—it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!