
A golden, crispy loaf stuffed with juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and a rich garlic butter sauceโperfect for sharing or devouring solo!
๐ Ingredients:
๐ Bread Base:
- 1 large French baguette or sourdough loaf โ Crusty on the outside, soft inside.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted) โ For that golden crust.
- 2 tbsp olive oil โ Adds crispiness.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced) โ Essential for deep flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning โ A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- ยฝ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) โ For a mild heat kick.
๐ Chicken Filling:
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken โ Rotisserie works great!
- ยฝ tsp salt โ To enhance taste.
- ยฝ tsp black pepper โ Adds a slight kick.
- ยฝ tsp smoked paprika โ A hint of smokiness.
- ยผ tsp onion powder โ Boosts depth.
๐ง Cheese & Extras:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese โ For stretchiness.
- ยฝ cup shredded cheddar cheese โ Adds boldness.
- ยผ cup grated parmesan cheese โ For a sharp bite.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley โ Adds freshness.
๐ฅ Step-by-Step Cooking Process:
1๏ธโฃ Prepping the Bread
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Cut the baguette or sourdough loaf into a grid pattern, making deep cuts but not slicing all the way through.
2๏ธโฃ Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Brush this mixture generously between the bread slices.
3๏ธโฃ Preparing the Chicken Filling
- In a separate bowl, combine shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Mix well to coat the chicken with the seasoning.
4๏ธโฃ Stuffing the Bread
- Gently stuff the chicken mixture into the bread crevices.
- Fill every gap with mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese.
5๏ธโฃ Baking to Perfection
- Wrap the bread loosely in foil and bake for 15 minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Unwrap, increase temperature to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC), and bake for another 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
๐ฝ Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a side of marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping.
- Serve alongside a fresh Caesar salad for balance.
- Add crumbled crispy bacon for extra indulgence.
๐ฅ Pro Tips for the Ultimate Chicken Bread:
โ Use a serrated knife to cut the bread cleanly without crushing it.
โ For an extra crispy crust, broil for the last 2 minutes.
โ Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeรฑos or a drizzle of hot sauce.
โ For an herby touch, mix in some fresh basil or rosemary.