Buffalo Chicken Calzone ... Our Attempt on the D.P. Dough Buffer Zone

Did you have the amazing establishment, D.P. Dough in your college town?  We did at Virginia Tech and the amazing drunk food restaurant was notorious for the  "Buffer Zone", a buffalo chicken calzone that tastes like a slice of heaven - Especially after a rowdy night at Big Al's or an eventful day of tailgating. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a single restaurant in DC that sells anything remotely similar to the "Buffer Zone." Therefore I decided to take matters into my own hands and I made it myself.  Although it wasn't exactly the same, it was still pretty delicious! Hmm... maybe if I make it in advance and snack on it for late night food it would have that same heavenly effect? Side note, I made it with whole wheat crust to convince myself it was on the "healthy" side.

Time: Ready in 45 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Whole wheat pizza dough
  • Chicken (2 breasts)
  • Ricotta Cheese (1 cup)
  • Mozzarella Cheese (1-1/4 cup)
  • Buffalo Sauce (1/4 cup)
  • Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing (1/4 cup)

Directions:

  1. Clean your prep area.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
  3. Coat your prep area with cornmeal.
  4. Roll your whole wheat pizza dough into a circle until it's 1/2" thick.
  5. Grill or bake two chicken breasts. I like to use my Cuisinart Griddler because it's quick, easy, and doesn't dry out the chicken.  Once cooked, let the chicken cool and cut into small bit size pieces.
  6. Mix your filling and stack it in the middle of your pizza dough
    1. 1 cup ricotta cheese
    2. 1-1/4" cup shredded mozzarella
    3. 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing
    4. 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
    5. Diced Chicken
  7. Fold the dough over and twist the edges to make sure the filling will not melt out.
  8. Cut three small slits in the top of the calzone for venting.
  9. Coat your pizza stone or baking sheet with cornmeal.
  10. Place the calzone on your baking surface and heat until the top is golden brown. (approximately 20 min.)
  11. Let sit for about 10 minutes for the cheese to congeal prior to serving.
  12. Serve with condiments! Extra blue cheese, ranch and buffalo sauce on the side.

 

 

Spread the Love & Dream Big, 

Mrs. Madej