Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken and Pesto Calzone (Edit recipe)

Head Shot:Laura Lea
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Make lemonade out of lemons. Or, make cheesy calzones out of pizza dough!

PREP TIME

1 hour

COOK TIME

INGREDIENTS

21

Serves: 4

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Ingredients

Calzone

Pesto

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Process

Note, these instructions are written assuming the standard serving size, since you have modified the number of servings, these steps may need to be modified for best results

Pesto

  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree until it forms a pesto consistency--you can make it as smooth or chunky as you like.

Calzone

  1. Make Basil Pesto and set aside (if making). Take dough out of the fridge and allow to rest on the counter. Cut chicken into 1" pieces (the smaller the better!). Heat a large skillet to medium heat and add avocado oil. When oil moves quickly around the pan, add chicken and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Cook chicken until no pink remains, 4-5 minutes. At this point, if there is excess liquid in the skillet, drain it. Too much water will prevent searing. Continue to cook the chicken, stirring only every few minutes and allowing it to brown. We want to get some brown bits on the pan as well, so don't be afraid to let it "burn" a little. This should take about 15 minutes. When chicken is golden brown around the edges, transfer it to a colander in the sink.
  2. Add a splash of water to the pan (still on medium-medium low heat) and use a spatula to scrape off the brown bits, making a little brown "sauce". Add broccoli, remaining 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, remaining teaspoon black pepper and onion powder. Cook broccoli, stirring every few minutes, until it is knife-tender but still firm, approximately 6-8 minutes. Stir chicken into the broccoli, turn off pan and set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 375 and line two large baking sheets with nonstick parchment paper. Place dough on parchment and gently knead into 13x9 shaped rectangles. It's ok if you make little tears in the dough, just pinch it back together.

For each Calzone

  1. Spread your 3/4 cup pesto (homemade or store bought) evenly over dough. Then along one half of the dough (long-ways), crumble half of the goat cheese. Top with half of the chicken/broccoli mixture. Finally, top with half of the shredded cheese or 4 1-ounce slices.
  2. Carefully, pull the half of dough that only has pesto over the half with fillings. Pinch dough halves together, closing your calzone. I find it helpful to wet my fingers a bit and smooth the seam together. Use a sharp knife to cut diagonal slits along the top (see pictures). Brush 1 tablespoon butter over each calzone. Bake calzones for 25 minutes, or until you can see the cheese bubbling through the slits and dough is slightly firm to touch. Allow to cool 5 minutes before slicing. You also want to use a very sharp knife to slice. Calzone will keep for 4 days in the fridge if the chicken was fresh upon use. To reheat, place in the oven at 300 degrees until you see the cheese bubbling again.

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About This Recipe

Show nutritional information
This is our estimate based on online research.
Calories:1310
Fat:85 g
Carbohydrates:62 g
Protein:80 g
Cholesterol:299 g
Sodium:2308 mg
Fiber:1 g
Sugars:5 g
Sugar Alcohol:0 g
Calculated per serving.
Coconut Free Egg Free Nightshade Free Poultry Shellfish Free Sugar Alcohol Free Sugar Free

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