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- 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works great)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (plus extra for serving)
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced red onions or spinach for added flavor
For Assembly:
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough (if not using store-bought)
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Stir in the olive oil, sugar, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Gradually add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and is slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and ranch dressing. Mix until evenly combined.
- Optional: Stir in diced red onions or spinach for added texture and flavor.
3. Assemble the Calzones
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4–6 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a circle about 8–10 inches in diameter.
- Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then use a fork to crimp and further secure the edges.
- Place the assembled calzones on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Add Egg Wash
- Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
5. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for an extra golden crust (watch closely to avoid burning).
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added color.
- Serve warm with extra ranch dressing for dipping and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, savory delight!
- Pair with a side salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
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