Broccoli, Cheddar and Chicken Calzones

When I was in college, I pretty much survived on freezer meals and eating at the dining hall between classes and working. I know..not the best for me, but since then I’ve learned to appreciate more what I’m putting into my body. These calzones remind me so much of the Lean Pockets I used to eat as a quick lunch….but these much more tasty and filling.

I cheated and used premade whole wheat pizza dough to make these during the week, but next time I’ll definitely make my own dough. I also roasted a chicken over the weekend to have for dinner one night and the leftovers were used to make this recipe. Plus, they’re so versatile – you could make them with pasta sauce instead of the buttermilk ranch and even change out the chicken to shredded pork or beef.

1 portion of whole wheat pizza dough
1/3 cup buttermilk
2 Tbsp minced fresh chives
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp chopped fresh dill
1 Tbsp cider vinegar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
dash of salt
2 garlic cloves, grated
2 cups small broccoli florets
1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
1 cup colby-jack cheese

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Divide the dough into four equal portions and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, herbs and garlic. Steam the broccoli for 1 minute and then rinse under cold water, drain. In a large bowl, mix together the broccoli, chicken, cheese and buttermilk mixture.

Roll the dough balls into a 6 1/2 inch circle and then place about 1 cup of filling. Fold over one side of the circle and press the seams to seal completely. Bake for 10 minutes and then brush each top with a little beaten egg and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before cutting them in half.

Source: Cooking Light, June 2016