Chicken Stuffed French Bread

Get ready to fall in love with Chicken Stuffed French Bread—a gloriously gooey, golden-crusted delight that’s truly hard to resist. Imagine biting into a crispy French loaf that crackles as you slice through it, only to reveal a creamy, savory blend of shredded chicken, melted cheese, and fresh herbs inside. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or craving a comforting lunch, this dish brings big flavors and big smiles to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Stuffed French Bread comes together with a handful of familiar ingredients that each play a starring role—no fancy grocery trips required. Every component brings its unique magic, from the rustic base to the creamy filling and that signature cheesy stretch.

• French bread loaf: A hearty, crusty loaf forms the perfect shell for all the luscious filling, crisping up beautifully in the oven.
• Cooked shredded chicken: Roasted, poached, or rotisserie all work—just make sure it’s tender, as this is the hearty backbone of your filling.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and moisture, helping everything meld together into a scoopable, luscious mixture.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, giving the stuffing that much-loved cheesy pull.
• Garlic powder: A touch of this brings unmistakable warmth and aroma without overpowering the other flavors.
• Chopped parsley: Freshens things up, adding subtle herby notes and a pop of color to every slice.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to bring the whole filling to life—you can always add extra to taste.

How to Make Chicken Stuffed French Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your French bread loaf in half lengthwise, revealing that fluffy core. Gently hollow out a bit of the bread from each half—enough to make space for a generous serving of creamy filling yet leaving enough bread to hold everything together when baked.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly—you want the chicken coated in creamy, cheesy goodness so every bite is flavorful and moist.

Step 3: Fill and Assemble the Loaf

Spread your filling evenly inside the hollowed-out halves of bread. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture into every nook and cranny for even coverage. Carefully reassemble the loaf and give it a gentle press to secure. Wrap the whole creation tightly in foil—this traps heat and gives you that perfectly melty middle.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your wrapped loaf onto a baking sheet and into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 15 to 20 minutes: enough time for the filling to heat through and the cheese to melt deliciously. For extra crispness, you can open the foil for the last few minutes to let the top crust get golden and crunchy.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once hot and gooey, remove the Chicken Stuffed French Bread from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Unwrap, slice generously, and serve the pieces while still warm—watch that cheese stretch and enjoy the aromas while everyone gathers around!

How to Serve Chicken Stuffed French Bread

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of extra chopped parsley or even a dash of finely sliced green onions right before serving. This quick garnish adds fresh color and an herby spark that instantly elevates the look and flavor of each slice.

Side Dishes

Chicken Stuffed French Bread is a meal in itself, but it shines even brighter with friends on the plate. Pair it with a crisp side salad (think mixed greens with a zingy vinaigrette) or a tangy tomato soup. Even some roasted vegetables work beautifully to round out your feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, arrange the sliced bread on a rustic wooden board or a big platter scattered with fresh herbs. For a party appetizer, cut the loaf into slimmer strips for easy snacking. You can even make several loaves and offer different cheese blends or herbs to keep everyone guessing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers, wrap the slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days—just be sure to cool them fully before storing to keep the bread from going soggy.

Freezing

Chicken Stuffed French Bread is freezer-friendly! Wrap individual portions snugly in plastic wrap and foil, then stash them in a zip-top bag. They’ll hold up beautifully for about two months, ready to revive at any time.

Reheating

To reheat, simply remove the wrapping and place the slices in a preheated 350°F oven for around 10 minutes, until warmed through and crisp at the edges. If you’re in a hurry, a few minutes in the microwave works too—just know you’ll lose a bit of that coveted crust.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While traditional French bread gives the best crunch, you can sub in Italian loaves or even use baguettes for mini individual servings. Just ensure the bread isn’t too soft or thin for stuffing.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

You have options—a store-bought rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience, but leftover grilled, baked, or even poached chicken works just as well. The key is to shred it finely so the filling holds together nicely.

Can I prepare Chicken Stuffed French Bread ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the loaf earlier in the day, wrap it in foil, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add 5 more minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge.

Are there other cheeses I can use?

Yes! Feel free to swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack if you want a slightly different flavor or extra melty texture. Mixing two cheese varieties can give you the best of both worlds.

How can I make Chicken Stuffed French Bread a little spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños or sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. A bit of hot sauce or a layer of pepper jack cheese will add a great, gentle heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a warm, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together with just a handful of ingredients, Chicken Stuffed French Bread is absolutely worth a spot in your kitchen rotation. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself wanting to make again and again—so gather your favorites, bake up a loaf, and share the smiles. Enjoy every cheesy, satisfying bite!

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