If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both hearty and bursting with flavor, this Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine crusty French bread loaded with a creamy, cheesy chicken mixture that’s seasoned just right and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s perfect for game days, family dinners, or any time you want an easy yet impressive meal that’s packed with protein and goodness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and simple to throw together, making it a must-have recipe for every home cook’s collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but essential to creating that luscious blend of flavors and textures in the Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe. Each one brings something special, from creamy richness to sharp, cheesy notes and a hint of savory bacon crunch.
- French bread (1 loaf): The sturdy, crusty base that holds it all together and provides that signature crunch.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or chopped): The hearty protein star of the show, tender and ready to soak up the creamy mixture.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tanginess and a velvety texture that balances the cheese’s richness.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Brings moisture and creaminess, helping keep the filling luscious.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp and melty, it gives the filling that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Boosts depth and a bit of salty tanginess.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, aromatic background note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and savory complexity.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) & black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings that elevate every other flavor in the mix.
- Green onions or chives (½ cup, finely chopped): Brightness and a fresh, mild onion flavor to brighten the dish.
- Cooked bacon (½ cup, chopped, optional): For those who love a smoky, crispy contrast layered in.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon): A final vibrant, herbaceous touch to garnish and freshen.
How to Make Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the bread
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready for baking. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise, then carefully hollow out the center of each half, leaving about a half-inch thick shell all around. This sturdy bread “boat” will cradle the filling beautifully while toasting to perfection. Don’t toss the removed bread—it’s perfect for making breadcrumbs or adding to a soup later.
Step 2: Mix the filling
In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Then incorporate the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses along with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the chopped green onions and bacon (if you’re using it) for extra flavor and texture. This mixture should be well combined, thick, and irresistible.
Step 3: Fill and bake
Transfer the chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed French bread halves, spreading it gently but firmly so it’s nicely packed. Place the filled bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to catch any drips. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the filling is heated through and the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden dream.
Step 4: Garnish and rest
Remove your Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe from the oven and sprinkle the chopped parsley generously over the top. Let it rest for a few minutes to set slightly, making it easier to slice into perfect portions. This step also helps all those flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a hint of herbaceous brightness, but you can also try chives or a light dusting of smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Adding freshly cracked black pepper just before serving gives a subtle kick that enhances everything.
Side Dishes
This cheesy chicken bread pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads like arugula or mixed greens dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. For heartier meals, a bowl of creamy tomato soup is a spectacular companion, turning the whole experience into comforting soul food.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread into individual servings and arrange them on a wooden board for a rustic appetizing look. For parties, turn the recipe into mini stuffed bread bites by using individual small baguettes or ciabatta rolls. You could also sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a bubbly cheesy crust that’s irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bread slices separated with parchment paper to prevent sogginess and preserve that lovely texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, wrap the whole stuffed bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. This makes it super easy to prep ahead for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, place the frozen or refrigerated bread on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese bubbles again. Avoid the microwave to keep the crust crisp and the filling creamy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver and works wonderfully in this Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe, adding moisture and flavor to the filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and bacon and substitute with hearty vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even chickpeas along with extra cheese and seasonings for a delicious meatless version.
What bread types work best besides French bread?
While French bread is classic, rustic baguettes or ciabatta loaves also make excellent alternatives because of their texture and shape, holding the filling nicely without becoming soggy.
Can I add more spices or heat to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced jalapeños, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to the filling to give it a spicy kick that complements the creamy cheese and chicken.
How do I make sure the bread doesn’t get soggy?
Leaving a thicker shell when hollowing out the bread helps keep it sturdy. Also, baking the filled bread on a lined baking sheet and serving soon after baking ensures it stays crisp and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both homemade and special, perfect for sharing with family or friends any time you want a warm, cheesy, and satisfying treat. It’s straightforward to make, endlessly adaptable, and always delicious, so I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out and make it your own signature favorite.
Print
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 recipe combines tender cooked chicken with creamy cheeses and savory seasonings, all baked inside a hollowed-out French bread loaf for a deliciously cheesy and satisfying main course or appetizer. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup finely chopped green onions or chives
- ½ cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and carefully hollow out the center of each half, leaving a roughly ½-inch thick shell around the edges. Set aside the removed bread for breadcrumbs or discard.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, chopped green onions, and bacon if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fill Bread: Evenly spoon the chicken mixture into the hollowed-out bread halves, spreading it out neatly and filling the cavities completely.
- Bake: Place the filled bread halves on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes until the filling is hot and the cheese has melted to a bubbly finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, allow to rest for a few minutes, then slice into serving pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds delicious flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor.
- This recipe works well with other bread types like ciabatta or baguette.
