Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Craving something hearty, cheesy, and downright irresistible? Chicken Stuffed French Bread is my personal hero for crowd-pleasing comfort food. Imagine a golden French bread loaf, packed to the brim with a creamy, cheesy chicken filling, then baked until bubbling and just begging to be sliced and shared. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at parties, family dinners, or honestly, anytime you want a meal guaranteed to make people swoon. Whether you serve it as a party appetizer, weeknight main, or sneaky midnight snack, this Chicken Stuffed French Bread hits every note: easy, flavorful, and pure fun to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Stuffed French Bread begins with simple, everyday ingredients. Every component adds something special, from creamy richness to melt-in-your-mouth texture, pop of green, or savory crunch. Gather these up and you’re halfway to heaven!
- French bread loaf: The sturdy, crusty base that holds all the goodness and bakes up perfectly golden.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Shredded or chopped, this is the star protein—rotisserie works great for extra ease.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds wonderful tang and creaminess to the filling without making it too heavy.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Amplifies the silky texture and brings all the flavors together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection throughout every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Boosts umami and gives the filling a little sharpness.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers gentle warmth and a perfectly balanced punch of flavor.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances savoriness without overpowering the mix.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Highlights every other flavor—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A gentle little kick to round out the taste.
- Green onions or chives (½ cup, finely chopped): Sprinkles in color and freshness, plus a mild onion bite.
- Cooked bacon (½ cup, chopped, optional): For smoky, crispy bonus flavor—so worth it if you love bacon.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon): For garnish, adding a fresh, vibrant touch at the end.
How to Make Chicken Stuffed French Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Let’s jump in! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This not only saves on cleanup, but also keeps your French bread loaf from sticking and ensures crispy edges. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 2: Hollow Out the French Bread
Take your loaf and slice it in half lengthwise, so you have two long pieces. Now, gently hollow out the center of each half with your fingers or a spoon, leaving about a ½-inch shell around the edges. This creates the perfect carby “boat” for your savory filling. Set aside the soft bread you remove; you can save it for homemade breadcrumbs if you’re feeling thrifty.
Step 3: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a big bowl, combine your cooked chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, green onions, and bacon if you’re using it. Mix thoroughly until everything is creamy and evenly distributed. It’ll smell amazing already—resist eating it straight from the bowl!
Step 4: Stuff and Arrange the Bread
Spoon your luscious chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bread halves, pressing down gently so it fills every nook and cranny. Once filled, place both bread halves on your prepared baking sheet. The anticipation builds!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake your Chicken Stuffed French Bread for 15 to 20 minutes, until the filling is hot, melty, and the top looks beautifully golden and bubbly. Your kitchen should smell outrageously inviting by now.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
When it’s out of the oven, sprinkle over the chopped parsley for that fresh, herbaceous pop. Let your bread rest for a couple of minutes to set (if you can stand the wait), then slice into generous pieces and serve warm.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffed French Bread
Garnishes
A final flourish can take Chicken Stuffed French Bread from great to unforgettable. I love a simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for brightness and color. If you’re craving a boost of zing, a few dashes of hot sauce or a little drizzle of extra mayo or ranch can really wake up the flavors.
Side Dishes
This stuffed bread is super satisfying on its own, but it also plays well with a crisp green salad, a bowl of tangy tomato soup, or even roasted veggies. For parties, pair it with pickles, olives, or potato chips to channel the ultimate casual, comfort-food vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
You can cut your Chicken Stuffed French Bread into thick, hearty slices for dinner, or slice it into thinner pieces for appetizers and party platters. Try tucking the slices into a basket lined with parchment or arranging them on a cutting board with a few dipping sauces—so inviting and interactive for guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices of Chicken Stuffed French Bread store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more, making each bite just as delicious (if not better) the next day.
Freezing
If you want to have some on standby, wrap individual, cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. This is perfect for future you—just thaw and heat for a quick, cozy meal.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until heated through and the edges are crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the bread will be much softer, so I recommend the oven if you have a few extra minutes!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Appetizer
Absolutely! While French bread delivers the iconic crust and structure, ciabatta and even baguette-style loaves work well. Just look for something with a firm enough crust to hold the generous filling without becoming soggy.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is my favorite hack—just pull it apart with two forks for quick, tender shreds. If you’re cooking chicken yourself, poaching or baking breasts or thighs and then shredding goes fastest.
Is there a lighter version of Chicken Stuffed French Bread?
You can definitely lighten things up by swapping in Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream and mayonnaise, and using part-skim cheeses. Add extra green onions, fresh spinach, or even diced tomatoes for a fresh boost.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can completely assemble the bread with filling (before baking), wrap tightly, and refrigerate up to one day ahead. When ready, just pop it in the oven as directed for a super speedy meal.
What add-ins can I use to change up the flavor?
This recipe is endlessly customizable. Try mixing in sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, diced jalapeños for kick, or sundried tomatoes for tang. The Chicken Stuffed French Bread is your perfect canvas for creativity!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your family, friends, or just yourself, Chicken Stuffed French Bread is a must-try. It’s endlessly cozy, completely craveable, and honestly—just plain fun from prep to that final, cheesy bite. Give it a go and watch it earn a place in your go-to recipe collection!
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Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a cheesy and savory delight with this Chicken Stuffed French Bread recipe. A perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and flavorful seasonings, all baked to golden perfection inside a French bread loaf. This dish is sure to become a family favorite for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions or chives
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and hollow out the center of each half, leaving about 1/2-inch shell around the edges. Set aside the removed bread.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, green onions, and bacon. Mix until fully combined.
- Fill Bread: Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bread halves. Place the filled halves on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for easy prep.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- This recipe works well with ciabatta or baguette-style loaves too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
