This Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty snack! It’s filled with spicy chicken and gooey cheese, all snuggled between fluffy bread pieces. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in!
Honestly, who doesn’t love tearing apart a cheesy, spicy loaf? It’s like a party for your taste buds! I usually serve it with some ranch dressing on the side for dipping—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A crusty loaf like sourdough or French bread gives the best texture. If you want a softer option, try a brioche or focaccia, but it won’t have as much crunch on the outside.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a favorite for its flavor and ease. If you’re short on time, canned chicken or pre-cooked frozen chicken can work too. Just season them well!
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the heat by choosing a milder buffalo sauce, or add hot sauce to taste. If you need a non-spicy version, use BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for a different twist!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess, but you could swap it for Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella combine well, but feel free to mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick or use any melting cheese you like!
How Do I Cut the Bread Just Right?
Cutting the bread correctly is key for perfect pull-apart pieces. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by placing the loaf on a cutting board. Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts.
- Make vertical cuts about 1 to 1.5 inches apart, going downwards without cutting through the bottom crust.
- Then, make similar horizontal cuts, creating a grid-like pattern. This helps separate the bread while keeping it intact on the bottom.
This method ensures each piece is filled with all that delicious buffalo chicken goodness while holding together nicely.
Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or French bread)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional, for topping)
- Celery and carrot sticks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, followed by around 30 minutes of baking time. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes from start to enjoy! Perfect for a delicious party snack or hearty appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your bread is ready to go. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup later.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, take your shredded chicken and pour in the buffalo wing sauce. Mix everything together well until the chicken is evenly coated. Taste it to see if you want to adjust the spice level by adding more sauce. Yum!
3. Make the Cheesy Filling:
In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until everything is well blended and creamy. This cheesy goodness will melt perfectly into the bread later!
4. Cut the Bread:
Using a sharp bread knife, carefully cut the loaf of bread into a grid pattern. Aim for cuts about 1 to 1 1/2 inches apart, both lengthwise and crosswise. Be sure not to cut all the way through the bottom, so the bread stays intact!
5. Stuff the Bread:
Gently pull apart the sections of bread a little to create pockets for the filling. Now, stuff the buffalo chicken mixture and the cheesy filling alternately into the cuts. Make sure you fill them generously!
6. Add the Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of your stuffed bread, ensuring it seeps into all those delicious cuts. This adds flavor and helps the bread crisp up!
7. Bake the Bread:
Wrap the entire loaf loosely in foil and place it on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Drizzle and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Now, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top, and if you like, sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles and fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
9. Enjoy!
Serve warm with celery and carrot sticks on the side for that classic buffalo experience. Now dig in and enjoy your delicious, ooey-gooey Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding. The best way to thaw it is to leave it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re short on time.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and cheese fillings in advance and stuff the bread up to a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Dish?
This bread is best served warm and freshly baked! Pair it with some ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce and crunchy celery and carrot sticks on the side for the ultimate buffalo chicken experience.
