Barbecue Chicken and Basil Stuffed Calzones
These delicious Barbecue Chicken and Basil Stuffed Calzones are perfect for meal prep or quick snacks! Packed with tender chicken, savory portabella mushrooms, and creamy cheese, all tossed in zesty barbecue sauce, these calzones will have you coming back for more. Not only do they freeze exceptionally well, making them ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests, but you can also enjoy them fresh from the oven. With an easy-to-make dough infused with basil, this dish is both satisfying and flavorful, making it a great addition to your lunch or snack repertoire. Perfectly portioned for a crowd or just a hungry individual, these calzones are sure to please everyone!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 1/2 cups (all-purpose, sifted)
baking powder
4 teaspoons
dried basil
3 teaspoons
sugar
1 tablespoon
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
warm water
2/3 cup
instant powdered milk
6 teaspoons
eggs
2 (beaten)
margarine or butter
2 teaspoons (for cooking)
onion
1 (diced)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (cooked and diced)
portabella mushrooms
2 (chopped)
grated cheddar cheese
1 cup (or your favorite cheese)
barbecue sauce
1 3/4 cups (your favorite)
Instructions
1
For the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and dried basil. In a separate bowl, mix the instant powdered milk with the warm water until dissolved. Gradually add this milk mixture to the dry ingredients.
2
Next, beat the eggs and add them, along with the melted butter, to the bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. Set aside to rest while you prepare the filling.
3
For the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 teaspoons of butter or margarine. Sauté the diced onion until it becomes tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked, diced chicken and chopped portabella mushrooms, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until warmed through.
4
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the barbecue sauce and grated cheese until well combined.
5
Assembly: Divide the dough into four equal pieces and roll each piece into an 8-inch circle on a floured surface. Spoon 3/4 to 1 cup of the chicken filling onto one half of each dough circle.
6
Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal.
7
Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the calzones on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
8
For OAMC (Once a Month Cooking): Allow the calzones to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freezing. To serve, simply defrost the calzones in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in an oven or microwave until warm. Enjoy with additional barbecue sauce for dipping, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Barbecue Chicken and Basil Stuffed Calzones?
These calzones are savory dough pockets filled with a mixture of cooked chicken, portabella mushrooms, cheddar cheese, and barbecue sauce, featuring a basil-infused crust.
What type of flour is recommended for the dough?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour that has been sifted.
Do I need to let the dough rise?
The instructions suggest setting the dough aside to rest while you prepare the filling, but it does not require a long rising time since it uses baking powder.
What is the purpose of dried basil in the dough?
Dried basil is added to the dry ingredients to infuse the dough with a subtle herbal flavor that complements the barbecue chicken filling.
Can I use fresh milk instead of powdered milk?
The recipe specifically uses instant powdered milk mixed with warm water, which helps create a soft texture in the dough.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 beaten eggs to be mixed into the dough.
What kind of chicken should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been previously cooked and diced.
How do I prepare the portabella mushrooms?
You should chop 2 portabella mushrooms and sauté them with the onions and chicken before adding them to the filling.
What size should I roll the dough circles?
Each of the four dough pieces should be rolled into an 8-inch circle on a floured surface.
How much filling goes into each calzone?
You should spoon approximately 3/4 to 1 cup of the chicken and barbecue mixture onto one half of each dough circle.
How do I seal the calzones?
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, press the edges together firmly, and crimp them with a fork to ensure they are sealed.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the calzones.
How long do the calzones need to bake?
Bake the calzones for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Can these calzones be frozen?
Yes, these calzones are excellent for Once a Month Cooking (OAMC) and freeze exceptionally well.
How should I store the calzones for freezing?
Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer.
What is the best way to reheat frozen calzones?
Defrost them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in an oven or microwave until they are warm throughout.
What kind of cheese is best for the filling?
The recipe suggests 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, but you can use any of your favorite cheeses.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine in both the dough and for sautéing the vegetables.
How many calzones does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make four large calzones.
What should I serve with these calzones?
They are delicious on their own or served with additional barbecue sauce for dipping.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, because they can be made in advance and frozen, they are perfect for quick snacks or planned meal prep.
How do I prepare the onions?
Dice one onion and sauté it in 2 teaspoons of butter or margarine until it becomes tender and translucent.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
While the recipe specifies onions and portabella mushrooms, you can easily customize the filling with other vegetables of your choice.
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce.
How long do I sauté the chicken and mushrooms?
Once the onions are tender, add the cooked chicken and chopped mushrooms and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Is the dough difficult to make?
No, it is a straightforward dough made by combining dry ingredients with a milk mixture, eggs, and melted butter until soft.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, place the assembled calzones on a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking during the baking process.
What color should the calzones be when they are done?
The calzones should be golden brown on top when they are finished baking.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total used to make the dough and the filling.
Can I skip the sugar in the dough?
The 1 tablespoon of sugar helps with the flavor and browning of the crust, so it is recommended to keep it for the best results.