When it comes to game - day meals, we all have our favorites. But what if your beloved classic could get a fresh and exciting makeover? Enter the Buffalo Chicken Calzones, a culinary creation that combines the best of shredded chicken, spicy hot sauce, and creamy ranch, all wrapped up in a crunchy crust. This isn't just any ordinary meal; it's a game - changer for your taste buds.
Let's start with the star of the show: shredded chicken. Shredded chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of dishes. In the case of these Buffalo Chicken Calzones, it serves as the base, providing a tender and juicy center. The process of shredding the chicken is relatively simple. You can either cook a whole chicken and then shred it by hand or use pre - cooked chicken from the store. If you're cooking the chicken yourself, boiling it is a great option as it keeps the chicken moist. Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to pull it apart into fine shreds. This not only gives the chicken a nice texture but also allows it to soak up the flavors of the hot sauce and ranch later on.
Next up is the hot sauce. Buffalo hot sauce is known for its bold and spicy flavor. It adds a kick to the calzones that is both addictive and satisfying. When choosing a hot sauce, you can go for a classic brand or experiment with different varieties. Some hot sauces have a smoky undertone, while others are more tangy. The key is to find one that suits your personal taste preferences. To incorporate the hot sauce, simply pour it over the shredded chicken and mix well. Make sure each piece of chicken is coated evenly, so every bite of the calzone has that signature Buffalo flavor.
The ranch dressing is another essential component of these calzones. It provides a cool and creamy contrast to the spiciness of the hot sauce. Ranch dressing can be made from scratch using ingredients like buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and dill. However, if you're short on time, store - bought ranch dressing works just as well. You can either mix the ranch dressing with the shredded chicken and hot sauce combination or use it as a dipping sauce on the side. The choice is yours, but having that creamy ranch element is what really makes these calzones stand out.
Now, let's talk about the crust. The crust of a calzone is what holds all the delicious filling together and gives it that satisfying crunch. You can make the crust from scratch using flour, yeast, water, and a little bit of salt. Kneading the dough is an important step as it develops the gluten, which gives the crust its elasticity. Once the dough is kneaded, let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This usually takes about an hour. After the dough has risen, roll it out into a thin circle. Place the chicken, hot sauce, and ranch mixture in the center of the dough, then fold the dough over to form a half - moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing them together firmly. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a more decorative look.
Before baking the calzones, brush the top with a little bit of egg wash. This gives the crust a nice golden - brown color and a shiny finish. Bake the calzones in a preheated oven at a high temperature for about 20 - 25 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them while they're baking to make sure they don't burn.
These Buffalo Chicken Calzones are not only delicious but also a great option for feeding a crowd during game day. You can make a large batch ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to bake them. They're also easy to customize. If you like your calzones with a little extra cheese, you can add some shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the filling. You can also throw in some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added flavor and nutrition.
In conclusion, Buffalo Chicken Calzones are a must - try recipe for anyone who loves a good game - day meal. With their combination of shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch, and a crunchy crust, they offer a unique and delicious twist on a classic. So, the next time you're planning a game - day gathering, skip the usual snacks and whip up a batch of these amazing calzones. Your guests will thank you for it!