Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone Recipe makes an effortless dinner. Use a pre-made dough to get a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone
I make a big recipe of white bread dough pretty regularly. I make half of the dough into 2 loaves of bread and then put the rest in the fridge to make homemade pizza, focaccia, or this easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone.
Even if you don't make homemade dough ahead of time, these calzones are totally doable for a busy weeknight dinner. Just look for pre-made dough in your local grocer's cooler for a cheat that puts you way ahead of the game.
Roll premade pizza dough out to your preferred thickness load it with the filling and bake to a golden brown. If everything is premade, you can have supper on the table in less than 20 minutes.
I made mine extra delish by using Provel Cheese and Mozzarella and a sprinkling of garlic salt on top. Yum!
Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone
- Premade Pizza or Bread Dough - Fresh or frozen that's been thawed
- Chicken, cooked - Brings protein and flavor the calzone party
- Bacon, cooked - Smoky, rich flavor and a bit of chew
- Ranch Dressing - Adds creaminess and lots of herby flavors. I prefer sour cream mixed with Hidden Valley Ranch Mix.
- Fresh Spinach - Adds a bit of color and nutrition to the meal
- Mozzarella Cheese, shredded - Can't have calzone without cheese
- Provel Cheese, slices - Unmatched creaminess in this cheese. If you don't have access to it, use provolone cheese or double the mozzarella cheese
- Olive Oil - just a little coating on the outside of the dough to add richness and help it to brown nicely
- Garlic Salt - A little sprinkle on top of the dough for flavor
- Optional Additions - Hot sauce, red onion, thinly sliced, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, etc
Top Tips
Many stores have this in their coolers and freezer section. You can certainly make dough from a box as well.
Avoid getting sauce or toppings within an inch of the crust edge so the calzone seals tightly.
Shortcuts for an Easy Calzone Recipe
I like to grill a couple of extra chicken breasts or chicken thighs with plans of using it for other recipes. Two meals with one cooking.
Use Rotisserie Chicken for the filling.
Bacon shortcuts - Save a few slices of bacon from breakfast or use high quality bacon bits, if needed.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- On a very lightly floured surface, using a rolling pin, roll the pizza dough out in a circle to the desired thickness or about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread ranch dressing over the entire circle leaving about 1 inch on the edge for sealing.
- Spread chicken, chopped bacon, fresh spinach, and cheeses evenly over only half of the pizza dough. Maintain the 1-inch border.
- Fold the crust in half making a half-moon shape. Seal the edges of the calzone well and crimp with a fork if needed.
- Brush both sides of the calzone with olive oil and transfer to a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the top of the calzones with garlic salt.
- Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes or so before cutting into wedges.
FAQ
Mozzarella, cheddar, swiss, provolone, etc can all work for Calzones and Pizza. But for a little shake up in my crazy life, sometimes I buy Provel cheese from our local deli. Provel is American cheese produced with a combination of many kinds of cheese, mainly cheddar, swiss, and provolone. Provel is a processed cheese that has a low melting point and appears gooey and buttery at room temperature. Need I say more?
In short, the difference is the shape. Calzones are folded over into a half-moon shape. Stromboli is log-shaped.
Much like pizza, it is easy to pick up and eat. However, if you're one to eat pizza with a fork, you probably will prefer a utencil here as well.
Favorite Ranch Flavored Recipes
Are you a ranch food fan? Try some of our fav ranchy foods!
- Ranch Cottage Cheese Dip
- Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Potatoes
- Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites
Want an Air Fryer Pizza for a super fast meal? Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza and Air Fryer Pizza - Low Carb are ready in mere minutes.
Serving Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone
Add a fresh side salad or other fresh side dish and this calzone is a fantastic all-in-one weeknight meal.
Substitutions for Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone
- Substitute bottled ranch dressing for sour cream and ranch mix
- Use garlic powder and flake sea salt on the outside of the crust
Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone Recipe Variations
Put any sauce, filling, and cheese you like! Here are a few of the best flavor combinations I have for you to give a try:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
Cover the whole circle of pizza crust with toppings and don't fold it over. Cook until the crust is golden browned.
Buffalo Ranch Calzone
For a buffalo wing kind of flavor
- Spread ranch dressing
- In a medium bowl combine chicken with buffalo wing sauce such as Frank's
- Add cheeses, spinach, and some blue cheese crumbles
- green onions
BBQ Chicken Calzone
Toss the chicken in BBQ sauce of your choice and proceed with the recipe.
Mini Calzones
Does everyone want a custom calzone? Roll dough into 6-inch circles and let your family put their favorite toppings on before baking.
Storage
Store Calzone in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for 3-5 days.
Reheating Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Calzones
For best results, reheat the calzone in the microwave. Avoid overheating as it will make the crust tough.
Related
Looking for other recipes to try?
Pairing
So many recipes to try and so few days! Give one of these a try and let us know what you think.
Did You Try This Recipe?
Lastly, if you made the Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Calzone Recipe following this recipe, please let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and/or giving a rating!
I love hearing from you! I'll do my best to respond to each comment.
And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag @laughingroostereats on Instagram and Facebook.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- On a very lightly floured surface, using a rolling pin, roll the pizza dough out in a circle to the desired thickness or about ¼ inch thick.1 ½ pounds Pre-made Pizza Dough
- Spread ranch dressing over the entire circle leaving about 1 inch on the edge for sealing.2-3 Tablespoons Ranch Dressing
- Spread chicken, chopped bacon, fresh spinach, and cheeses evenly over only half of the pizza dough. Maintain the 1-inch border.1 cup Chicken, 2 slices Bacon, 1 ½ cups Fresh Spinach, ¾ cups Mozzarella Cheese, 3 slices Provel Cheese
- Fold the crust in half making a half-moon shape. Seal the edges of the calzone well and crimp with a fork if needed.
- Brush both sides of the calzone with olive oil and transfer to a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- Sprinkle the top of the calzones with garlic salt.½ teaspoon Garlic Salt
- Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes or so before cutting into wedges.
Terry T says
Fabulous. Try it. You won’t regret it. Best one I’ve ever had
Chuckie says
Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Angie Shireman says
This was delicious! Just made it tonight! Very easy to make. I used the pre-made dough and it turned out great! Loved the idea of mixing the ranch with sour cream. Made it extra creamy’
Chuckie says
I love that calzone and am so glad you do too!