Ingredients:
Flour for dusting
8-ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese
16-20 ounces pizza dough
6-7 fully cooked crispy chicken tenders, sliced
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup pizza sauce
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, slice them into smaller pieces and set aside.
Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, stretch and roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, similar to a pizza base. Ensure the dough is evenly spread and not too thick.
Add the Sauce:
Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce on one half of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This will prevent the sauce from spilling out while baking.
Layer the Fillings:
On the same sauced half, layer 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the sliced chicken tenders. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed.
Fold and Seal the Calzone:
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together, then use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges tightly and seal the calzone.
Prepare for Baking:
Place the calzone on a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter for a golden, flavorful crust. Using a sharp knife, cut three 1/2-inch slits on top to allow steam to escape while baking.
First Bake:
Bake the calzone in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove it from the oven and spread the remaining 1/4 cup of pizza sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Second Bake:
Return the calzone to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
Let the calzone cool for 5-7 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to settle and makes slicing easier. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4-6