Cheesy chicken and broccoli calzones are gooey bites of pizza-reminiscent goodness that are easy to make and enjoy!

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Calzones

Were you ever a fan of Hot Pockets? They're like these fun little handheld pizza rolls filled with the most incredible toppings. These cheesy chicken and broccoli calzones are basically like Hot Pockets' grown-up big sister, and they're everything you could want and more in an easy meal.

If you're a pizza lover, you've got to give them a try. They're made with pizza dough and filled generously with broccoli, cheddar cheese, shredded chicken, and some savory seasonings. The result? A melty, gooey, crusty bite of delicious ingredients that bring the fun back into dinner time. Score!

Are calzone and pizza dough the same?

Pretty much! For this recipe, it is. In fact, most pizza dough is just bread dough that's flattened and topped with other goodies. You can either make a batch of homemade pizza dough or get two pounds of prepped dough from the store to use.

What comes in a calzone?

You can put whatever you like on pizza inside a calzone. Fill these guys with all the sauce, cheese, meats, and veggies that you love! You can also have fun with "dessert" calzones and pack in some brown sugar, marshmallow fluff, nuts, and chocolate.

How thick should calzone dough be?

I like to get the dough nice and thin, but still thick enough that it doesn't break when you fill it up. Generally, ¼-inch to ½-inch thick is perfect.

Do you eat a calzone with your hands?

This is totally up to personal preference! These guys can be big and sloppy, depending on how stuffed you make them, but the crust should hold them together fairly well. However you eat it, you'll love it either way!

Why are calzones called calzones?

Calzone actually comes from the Italian term "calza," which means stocking. It's sort of like a stuffed Christmas stocking filled with food! Yum!

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Calzones

Author: Melissa Griffiths - Bless this Mess
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 calzones 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy chicken and broccoli calzones are gooey bites of pizza-reminiscent goodness that are easy to make and enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

1 to 2 cups cooked chicken or turkey, shredded
2 cups broccoli, steamed and roughly chopped
2 cup shredded cheese, such as sharp cheddar
¼ cup finely chopped onion
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 batch homemade pizza dough or 2 pounds store-bought pizza dough

Instructions

Mix the chicken, broccoli, cheese, onions, and spices together in a bowl.
Divide dough into 6 equal parts. Roll each part into a 8- to 9-inch circle.
Put about a ½-cup of filling in the middle of each circle, favoring one side.
Dip your finger in water, and wet the edge of the dough on half of the circle. Fold the dough over, covering all the guts.
Use a fork to press the two dough halves together.
Place on a greased baking sheet or on a baking stone. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 25 to 30 minutes, until tops are golden-brown.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If you want the crust extra pretty, whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon water, and brush it on the top of the dough before baking.
This recipe is very flexible -- feel free to add more or less of something.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Category: dinner
Method: bake
Cuisine: American

Keywords: homemade pizza dough recipe, calzone, broccoli and cheese, chicken, dinner

This post was originally published in 2010 and has been updated and rephotographed in July 2019.

Other recipes using pizza dough you may like:

This cheesy chicken and broccoli calzone recipe is hearty, handheld meals that are perfect for nights when you need a grab-and-go option or when you want something simple and delicious!

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Calzones

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Calzones

Are calzone and pizza dough the same?

What comes in a calzone?

How thick should calzone dough be?

Do you eat a calzone with your hands?

Why are calzones called calzones?