BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread is a tasty treat that’s fun to eat! This dish features soft bread pieces filled with juicy BBQ chicken and cheese, making it perfect for sharing.
It’s the ultimate finger food for game night or gatherings. I love tearing off a piece and enjoying the gooey cheese! Just make sure to have napkins ready—things might get messy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pull-Apart Bread: You can use a loaf of pull-apart bread, which is soft and perfect for tearing. If unavailable, a large round sourdough or Italian bread works well too. For a twist, try using garlic bread for added flavor!
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my favorite for convenience, but any cooked chicken breast works great. Leftover chicken from previous meals is also a smart substitute.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce that you love! Sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties can all work well. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider making your own BBQ sauce or using a reduced sugar version.
Cheeses: I use mozzarella for its wonderful melting qualities. You could also mix in cheddar for an extra punch of flavor, or try pepper jack if you like a little heat.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess. If you want a lighter option, substitute it with Greek yogurt or skip it altogether.
How Do I Cut the Bread Without Messing It Up?
Cuts are vital for filling the bread without ruining the loaf. Here’s how to do it right:
- Place the loaf on a cutting board. Use a sharp serrated knife to make diagonal cuts, forming a diamond pattern.
- Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom; leave about half an inch intact.
- Wiggle the knife gently to separate the bread slightly, making it easier to stuff later.
This technique keeps the bread whole while allowing the delicious fillings to seep into every pocket. Just take your time, and you’ll nail it!
BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf of pull-apart bread or a large round bread loaf (like sourdough or Italian bread)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for brushing bread)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread takes about 15 minutes for prep and 30-40 minutes in the oven, bringing the total time to around 1 hour. You’ll have a gooey, cheesy delight ready to share in no time—perfect for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your loaf of bread and carefully cut it in a crosshatch pattern. Make cuts diagonally across the top, but don’t cut all the way through the bottom crust! This helps keep the loaf intact while allowing you to stuff it.
3. Mix the Chicken Filling:
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated and flavorful.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the shredded mozzarella until they are well blended and creamy.
5. Stuff the Bread:
Starting with the chicken mixture, stuff it into every cut you made in the bread. Get that tasty sauce and chicken nestled deep inside! Then, follow with the cheese mixture, ensuring each cut gets a generous helping of gooey goodness.
6. Optional Brushing:
If you like a crispy outer crust, brush the outside of the loaf with a little olive oil or melted butter.
7. Bake the Bread:
Wrap the stuffed loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Then, unwrap the foil and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes or so—this will make the cheese all bubbly and delicious!
8. Final Touches:
Once it’s out of the oven, drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the top for that finishing touch. If you want, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for color.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the bread cool slightly before you dig in. Pull apart the sections and enjoy this cheesy, flavorful delight with friends and family!
This BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread is perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun family meal. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great. Just shred or chop it and mix it with the BBQ sauce as directed in the recipe.
Can I Prepare This Bread in Advance?
Yes, you can assemble the bread up to a day ahead. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to avoid a cold start.
What Should I Pair with BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread?
This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can serve it with a side of coleslaw, pickles, or even a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It’s also fun with extra BBQ sauce for dipping!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual sections in the microwave or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
