Imagine biting into a golden, crispy calzone that oozes with perfectly seasoned chicken, vibrant spinach, and tangy feta cheese - a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. These Chicken Spinach and Feta Calzones are not just a recipe; they're a journey of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy, all while being surprisingly simple to create in your very own kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Cooked chicken, shredded
- Fresh spinach
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure that your calzones cook evenly and get a nice golden crust.
- Prepare the pizza dough by either rolling it out on a floured surface or using pre-made dough. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch for optimal cooking and texture.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the spinach is wilted, remove the skillet from the heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, and crumbled feta cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Take the rolled-out pizza dough and cut it into 4 equal circles, about 6 inches in diameter. You can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife for this step.
- Place an equal portion of the chicken, spinach, and feta mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge to seal the calzone.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, and then crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to ensure the filling stays inside.
- Transfer the calzones to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil to help them brown and add flavor.
- Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits on the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once done, remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly.
- Serve warm, with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if desired. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Spinach and Feta Calzones!
Tips
- Dough Temperature Matters: Ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature for easier rolling and stretching.
- Don't Overfill: While it's tempting to stuff your calzones, leaving a small border helps create a perfect seal and prevents filling from leaking.
- Olive Oil Hack: Brushing the tops with olive oil not only helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown color but also adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Place your baking sheet on the lower oven rack to ensure the bottom of the calzones gets crisp and well-cooked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let calzones rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the filling and assemble the calzones in advance, then refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add additional herbs like oregano or basil to personalize your calzones.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
