Pin It A comforting, gooey pull-apart bread loaded with succulent leftover chicken, melty cheese, and savory herbs perfect for sharing at parties or as a cozy family meal.
I always enjoy making this recipe when I have leftover chicken; it turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 1 lb / 450 g)
- Filling: 2 cups (250 g) cooked chicken, shredded (leftovers work great); 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Topping: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Using a serrated knife, cut the bread loaf in a crosshatch pattern, slicing almost to the base but not all the way through, creating 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Be careful not to cut through the bottom.
- Step 3:
- In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, mayonnaise, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Step 4:
- Gently pull apart the bread sections and stuff the chicken-cheese mixture evenly between all the cuts.
- Step 5:
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the stuffed bread, allowing it to seep into the crevices.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and chives (if using) over the top.
- Step 7:
- Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Step 8:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 9:
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm. Pull apart pieces to enjoy.
Pin It Making this dish always brings my family together around the table for a comforting meal.
Required Tools
Serrated bread knife, mixing bowl, spoon or spatula, baking sheet, parchment paper, aluminum foil
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread), Milk (cheese, butter), Egg (mayonnaise—check label). May contain Soy (depending on mayonnaise or bread brand). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 410, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 31 g, Protein: 21 g (per serving)
Pin It This recipe is a surefire way to transform leftovers into a deliciously cheesy centerpiece.
Questions About This Recipe
- → How should I prepare the bread for this dish?
Use a serrated knife to cut a sourdough loaf in a crosshatch pattern, slicing almost through but leaving the base intact to create pull-apart cubes.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, cooked turkey works well as a substitute and blends nicely with the cheese and herbs.
- → What cheeses are ideal for this pull-apart bread?
Mozzarella and cheddar provide meltiness and flavor, while a finishing sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory touch.
- → How do I get the bread extra gooey and flavorful?
Drizzling melted butter over the stuffed bread before baking helps it soak into the crevices, ensuring a moist and rich result.
- → Are there any suggested flavor add-ins?
Consider adding smoked paprika, red pepper flakes for heat, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the savory profile.