Name: Butter Chicken Calzones
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 cup warm water; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1/2 onion, chopped; 1 tsp garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp ginger, minced; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp garam masala; 1/2 tsp chili powder; Salt to taste; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or paneer (optional); Melted butter mixed with chopped parsley and garlic (for topping)

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Butter Chicken Calzones are the ultimate fusion comfort food—melding the rich, creamy flavors of classic Indian butter chicken with the indulgent form of an Italian-style calzone. Encased in golden, fluffy dough and brushed with aromatic garlic butter, these hand-held parcels are bold, saucy, and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes two beloved dishes and combines them into one unforgettable bite. The creamy, spiced butter chicken filling is perfectly balanced with tender, oven-baked dough, creating a handheld meal that’s easy to serve and even easier to enjoy. It’s ideal for family dinners, entertaining guests, or spicing up your weekly meal plan. Plus, it’s customizable and packed with layers of flavor.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil

For the butter chicken filling:

1 tbsp butter
1/2 onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ginger, minced
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt to taste
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or paneer (optional)

Topping:

Melted butter mixed with chopped parsley and garlic

directions

Prepare the dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in the flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms (about 8–10 minutes by hand or mixer).
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the butter chicken filling:
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and softened.
Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink. Stir in tomato sauce, cream, garam masala, chili powder, and salt.
Simmer until the sauce is thick and coats the chicken well. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling.
Assemble the calzones:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a round about 6–8 inches in diameter.
Spoon the cooled butter chicken filling onto half of each round. Top with shredded cheese or paneer if using.
Fold the dough over and seal the edges by crimping with a fork or twisting. Cut small slits in the top for steam to escape.
Brush the tops with the garlic parsley butter.
Bake:
Place calzones on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve:
Enjoy hot, optionally with yogurt sauce, raita, or chutney for dipping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 calzones
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories per serving: 410 kcal

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add chopped green chilies or increase chili powder for extra heat.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in more mozzarella or use a spiced cheese like pepper jack for added depth.
Whole Wheat Dough: Use a whole wheat flour blend for a more wholesome twist.
Mini Calzones: Make smaller, appetizer-sized portions for parties or snacks.

storage/reheating

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the crust soggy. To freeze, wrap unbaked calzones tightly and freeze; bake from frozen with an additional 5–10 minutes of cook time.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works as a convenient shortcut and bakes up well in this recipe.

How spicy is the butter chicken filling?

It’s mildly spiced; you can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder or incorporating hot sauce.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the butter chicken filling a day in advance and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Do I need to cook the chicken before baking the calzones?

Yes, fully cook the chicken before assembling the calzones, as the baking time is not long enough to cook raw meat thoroughly.

Can I use puff pastry instead of calzone dough?

While possible, puff pastry will yield a different texture—flakier and lighter than traditional calzone dough.

What’s the best way to seal the calzones?

Crimp the edges with a fork or fold and twist the seam for a decorative finish that helps prevent leaks.

Can I freeze baked calzones?

Yes, let them cool completely before wrapping and freezing. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with a side of cucumber raita, green chutney, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cream alternative and omit or substitute cheese with a plant-based option.

Why is my calzone soggy on the bottom?

Make sure the filling is not too wet and that it’s cooled slightly before filling the dough. Also, bake on a preheated baking stone or use a well-ventilated baking sheet.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken Calzones are a bold, flavorful fusion of Indian and Italian comfort food, bringing together creamy, spiced filling and crisp, golden dough in one irresistible package. Whether you serve them as a main course, a party snack, or a special treat, they’re guaranteed to impress with their rich taste and creative twist on two global favorites.

Butter Chicken Calzones

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A fusion twist featuring creamy, spiced butter chicken wrapped in golden, fluffy calzone dough—perfectly crisp on the outside, saucy and bold on the inside.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 calzones 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Make dough by mixing yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it bloom for 5–10 minutes.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and rest for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
In a pan, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in butter until fragrant.
Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink.
Stir in tomato sauce, heavy cream, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Simmer until thickened. Let cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Divide dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each out into a circle.
Add butter chicken filling and optional cheese. Fold over and crimp edges to seal.
Brush tops with garlic butter and make small slits for steam release.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Serve hot with yogurt sauce or chutney.