Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy chicken garlic bread can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Comfort meets excitement with this delectable combination of flavors and textures.

Melted cheese cascades over tender chicken pieces, creating a symphony of deliciousness.

Layers of golden bread cradle savory ingredients that promise pure satisfaction.

Garlicky aromas will drift through your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create something extraordinary.

You’ll want to slice into this irresistible dish and savor every single bite.

Why Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread Feels Like A Hug

  • Satisfy Hunger Instantly: Packed with tender chicken, melted cheese, and aromatic garlic, this recipe transforms ordinary bread into a mouthwatering meal that conquers hunger pangs in minutes.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: No complex techniques required – just mix, spread, layer, and bake. Perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Guaranteed to win smiles from kids and adults alike, this cheesy chicken garlic bread offers universal appeal as a crowd-favorite appetizer or main dish for gatherings, movie nights, or casual dinners.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping chicken with other proteins, adjusting cheese types, or adding extra herbs to match personal taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

What You Need For Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread

Main Ingredients:
  • French Bread: A classic base that provides a crispy and soft foundation for the cheesy chicken topping.
  • Chicken: A protein-rich ingredient that adds savory flavor and substance to the garlic bread.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a gooey, stretchy texture and rich flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that adds a sharp, salty depth to the overall dish.
Dairy Components:
  • Butter, Cream Cheese: Ingredients that create a rich, smooth base for the herbed spread.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper, Parsley, Dried Oregano: Seasonings that provide aromatic and zesty notes to elevate the overall taste of the garlic bread.

How To Make Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Split French Bread

Take your french bread and slice it lengthwise, creating two perfect halves that will become a canvas for deliciousness.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Butter Blend

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Softened butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Enhance Butter With Herbs

Fold in:
  • Chopped parsley
  • Dried oregano

Mix thoroughly to distribute herbs evenly throughout the butter mixture.

Step 5: Spread Herb Butter

Generously coat both bread halves with the herbed butter, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge.

Step 6: Layer Chicken

Distribute shredded chicken evenly across the buttered bread, creating a delectable protein layer.

Step 7: Add Cheese Goodness

Sprinkle over the chicken:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Grated parmesan cheese

Cover the chicken completely with a generous cheese blanket.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place the prepared bread on the baking sheet with cheese facing upward. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Step 9: Check For Golden Deliciousness

Look for completely melted cheese and golden brown edges as your doneness signal.

Step 10: Rest And Slice

Remove from oven and let sit for 2-3 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes cutting easier.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Slice diagonally into portions. Serve immediately while still warm and wonderfully gooey.

Helpful Hints For Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread Perfection

  • Bread Selection Matters: Choose a fresh, sturdy french bread with a crisp crust to ensure maximum support for the cheesy toppings and prevent sogginess.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese just before adding to the bread for optimal melting and smoother texture, preventing clumping and ensuring even coverage.
  • Garlic Intensity Control: Adjust minced garlic quantity based on personal preference, using fresh garlic for more robust flavor or roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter taste.
  • Protein Swap Option: Replace chicken with shredded turkey, pulled pork, or plant-based protein alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
  • Herb Enhancement: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of dried oregano to elevate the flavor profile and add a bright, aromatic dimension.

Ways To Mix Up Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread

  • Spicy Southwest Garlic Bread: Replace shredded chicken with spicy taco-seasoned ground beef and add diced jalapeños for heat.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Garlic Bread: Swap chicken with roasted bell peppers, artichokes, and crumbled feta cheese for a vegetarian option.
  • Buffalo Chicken Garlic Bread: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce before layering, top with blue cheese crumbles for tangy kick.
  • Barbecue Pulled Pork Garlic Bread: Use slow-cooked pulled pork instead of chicken, drizzle with barbecue sauce and add cheddar cheese for rich flavor.

Perfect Pairings For Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread

  • Sip a Robust Red Wine: Pair this cheesy chicken garlic bread with a bold cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel that complements the rich, garlicky flavors and cuts through the creamy cheese.
  • Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, indulgent bread and provide a light, refreshing contrast to the rich dish.
  • Match with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick garlic aioli or marinara sauce to enhance the chicken and cheese flavors, adding an extra layer of zesty excitement to each bite.
  • Choose a Cold Beer Sidekick: Select a hoppy IPA or crisp pilsner that can stand up to the strong garlic and cheese notes while cleansing the palate between bites.

How To Keep Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread Fresh

  • Store leftover cheesy chicken garlic bread in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 1 month.
  • Restore crispy texture by warming in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, ensuring cheese melts and bread crisps up without drying out.
  • Avoid microwaving to maintain the bread's original crunch and prevent soggy texture, as microwaves can make the garlic bread lose its delightful crisp edges.

Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread FAQs You’ll Appreciate

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing this cheesy garlic bread.

  • What if I don't have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley can be substituted, using about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs for the same flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

While best served immediately, you can prepare the spread and assemble the bread ahead of time, then bake just before serving to maintain crispy texture.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free French bread or a gluten-free baguette as a direct substitute to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

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Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 27-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cheesy chicken garlic bread delivers a mouthwatering fusion of comfort and flavor that elevates classic appetizers. Crispy edges, gooey melted cheese, and savory chicken create an irresistible combination you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 loaf french bread
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Binding and Spreading Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Slice the french bread lengthwise, creating two equal halves for maximum cheesy coverage.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, cream cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
  4. Fold in chopped parsley and dried oregano into the butter mixture, ensuring even distribution of herbs.
  5. Generously spread the herbed butter mixture across both bread halves, covering every inch of the surface.
  6. Layer shredded chicken evenly over the buttered bread, creating a uniform protein base.
  7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese liberally over the chicken, followed by an even coating of grated parmesan cheese.
  8. Transfer the prepared bread to the prepared baking sheet, positioning it with the cheese facing upward.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to set slightly.
  11. Slice into diagonal portions and serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Notes

  • Customize chicken’s flavor by marinating it beforehand with Italian seasoning or lemon juice for extra zest.
  • Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save preparation time and add smoky depth.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or cauliflower crust as a base alternative.
  • Reduce calorie content by using low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and butter.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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