Oh boy, am I excited to share this recipe for Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones with you! This delightful dish brings together all the goodness of pizza and the comforting feel of a warm calzone, making it the perfect choice for any night of the week. I can’t help but smile when I think of the first time I made this recipe—I was having friends over for game night, and I wanted something easy and delicious to feed the crew. These calzones were a hit! Each bite is packed with savory chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and all that cheesy goodness; it’s pure comfort food in the best way.
There’s just something about the combination of flavors and textures in these calzones that makes it impossible to stop at just one. I mean, who could resist that crispy, golden-brown exterior with gooey melted cheese and loads of flavorful fillings? Plus, the dough is surprisingly simple to make, which leaves plenty of room for customization. You can switch out the filling ingredients, add some veggies, or even experiment with different cheeses. So whether you’re curled up on the couch for some Netflix or having a fun get-together, these Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
What’s in Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for our dough, contributing to that perfect crust. I use unbleached all-purpose flour for a nice texture.
Active Dry Yeast: This little packet of magic helps our dough rise beautifully. Don’t worry if you’ve never baked with yeast before—I promise it’s easier than you think!
Warm Water: This helps activate the yeast. Make sure it’s about 110°F—too hot and you’ll kill those little yeasties!
Sugar: Just a little sweetness to help the yeast do its job and create a lovely dough.
Salt: Essential for flavor, I always add a pinch more for good measure.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps make our dough tender. Plus, a little for brushing at the end for that lovely golden finish.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced, it’s the perfect protein-packed filling. Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders here—just shred it and you’re good to go!
Cooked Bacon: Because who wouldn’t want crispy, crumbled bacon in every bite? I love using thick-cut bacon for extra crunch.
Ranch Dressing: The creamy star of our filling—it adds a zesty, herby flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Gooey, melty, and completely necessary for that cheesy goodness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A nice sharpness that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
Green Onions: Optional, but they add a nice crunch and a pop of freshness that I absolutely love.
Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning: These help amplify the flavor of our calzones—trust me, it’s worth it.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: For sprinkling on top; it adds a touch of elegance and extra flavor!
Is Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone Good for You?
Now, let’s chat a bit about the health aspects of this delicious dish. Sure, it’s indulgent, but it’s not devoid of benefits!
Cooked Chicken: This is a great source of lean protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
Bacon: While tasty, it’s good to enjoy bacon in moderation. It provides flavor, but you can always swap it out for turkey bacon or leave it out if you’re looking for a lighter dish.
Cheese: Both mozzarella and cheddar are sources of calcium, which is great for your bones. Just keep an eye on how much you use!
Ranch Dressing: This can be a calorie bomb, so using a lighter dressing or making your own can help control the calories. I often use a homemade ranch to lighten it up a bit!
Overall, I think these Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones can definitely fit into a balanced diet—especially if you control your portion sizes and serve them with a side salad for some added veggies.
Ingredients
– For the Dough:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
– 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– For the Filling:
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
– For Topping:
– 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
– Grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
This recipe makes about 4 generous calzones—perfect for sharing or stashing some in the fridge for later (if they make it that long!).
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone?
1. **Prepare the Dough**: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the olive oil and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. **Prepare the Filling**: In a bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions (if using).
5. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. **Assemble the Calzones**: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 6-8 inches in diameter.
7. Spoon a generous amount of filling onto one half of the dough circle. Be careful not to overfill. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal tightly. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative look.
8. **Bake**: Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown.
10. **Serve**: Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before cutting. Serve warm with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Calzone Variations and Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities are endless with calzones! You can swap ingredients to match your pantry needs. How about adding some sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie twist? Or maybe try a different protein, like ham or even tofu, if you’re feeling adventurous!
Don’t forget; these calzones pair perfectly with a simple side salad or some crunchy veggies. If you really want to make it a feast, whip up some marinara sauce for dipping—yum!
So there you have it! I hope you give these Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones a try. They’re an easy way to impress your family or friends, or simply treat yourself to a night in with a delicious homemade meal. *Let me know how it goes; I can’t wait to hear all about your calzone adventures!*
