If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, cozy dish that blends gooey cheese, savory chicken, and the irresistible crunch of fresh French bread, then this Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe is absolutely for you. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden crust filled with a creamy, flavorful mix of shredded chicken, melty mozzarella, and a medley of vibrant veggies—each bite bursting with comfort and delight. It’s the perfect recipe for family dinners, game day snacks, or whenever you want a satisfying treat that feels special but comes together so easily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role in bringing the dish to life. From the creamy cheeses to the fresh vegetables and tender chicken, every component is key to creating an irresistible flavor and pleasing texture.
- French bread loaf: The crispy, airy shell that holds all the delicious filling and provides the perfect crunch.
- Cooked shredded chicken: A hearty base packed with protein and tender bites that soak up all the flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a stretchy, creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Cream cheese, softened: Gives the filling a rich, smooth creaminess that binds everything together.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the richness.
- Sour cream: Brings a gentle tartness that lifts the flavors perfectly.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, mild crunch and a touch of color.
- Diced red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and vibrant red color for visual appeal.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the filling with a lovely aromatic depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out all the flavors.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top for a gorgeous golden finish and extra flavor.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh herb garnish that brightens the presentation and taste.
How to Make Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your loaf of French bread and slice it in half lengthwise. Carefully hollow out the soft center of each half, leaving about a 1/2-inch shell to hold the filling later. Save the bread crumbs you remove by tearing them into small pieces and setting them aside in a bowl—these crumbs will add texture to your filling!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken with shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Stir in chopped green onions, diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget those bread crumbs you saved—they add the perfect bit of structure. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy, luscious filling.
Step 3: Stuff the Bread
Spoon the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bread halves, pressing gently to fill every nook and cranny. Place the stuffed halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter to give that beautiful golden touch as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is hot throughout and the tops turn a delicious golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes—this helps the filling set a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped parsley over the warm stuffed bread just before serving. Not only does it enhance the visual appeal, but the herbal brightness also complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides like a fresh green salad, crunchy coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. The lightness of these sides balances the rich, cheesy chicken filling, making your meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
You can slice your Chicken Stuffed French Bread into thinner pieces to make finger-friendly appetizers for parties or slice thicker pieces for a hearty lunch. For a festive touch, serve the slices on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, spicy aioli, or even a tangy marinara for guests to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply wrap the stuffed bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and you can enjoy the delicious flavors without any compromise.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed bread before baking. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftover slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives a classic melty texture, you can swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best results.
Is it better to use fresh bread or day-old French bread?
Fresh French bread works best for this recipe as it provides the perfect combination of a crispy crust and a soft interior shell to hold the filling. Day-old bread may be too dry or crumbly for stuffing.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! You can replace the shredded chicken with a plant-based alternative, cooked mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version that is just as satisfying and flavorful.
What are some additions to make this Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe more indulgent?
Adding cooked bacon bits or chopped spinach into the filling adds both flavor and texture. You could also sprinkle some Parmesan on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
How do I avoid the bread from getting soggy?
Hollowing out the bread carefully to leave a sturdy shell and incorporating bread crumbs into the filling both help manage excess moisture. Baking the bread exposed on a baking sheet also ensures the crust stays crisp while the filling stays creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, which makes it a true keeper to have in your recipe repertoire. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and experience just how deliciously satisfying this cozy classic can be!
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Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Stuffed French Bread is a deliciously creamy and cheesy dish perfect for parties, game day snacks, or a comforting main course. It features a mixture of shredded chicken, mozzarella, cream cheese, and fresh veggies stuffed inside hollowed-out French bread and baked to golden perfection. The buttery crust and savory filling combine to create an irresistible meal that’s both easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread
Stuffing
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Reserved bread crumbs from hollowed bread
Topping & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the bread and filling evenly.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Carefully hollow out the center of each half, leaving a 1/2-inch thick shell to hold the filling. Collect the hollowed-out bread pieces and tear them into small crumbs, placing them in a bowl.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped green onions, diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and the reserved bread crumbs. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Stuff the Bread: Spoon the prepared chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bread halves, pressing gently to fill them completely.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the stuffed bread halves on a baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter to promote browning and add richness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is hot throughout and the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool slightly. Slice into portions, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For convenience, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe.
- Add cooked bacon bits or chopped spinach to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- This dish is ideal for parties, game day snacks, or casual family dinners.
