This Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a fun twist on a classic dish! It features soft, doughy bites coated in creamy Alfredo sauce and shredded chicken. Yum!
If you love cheesy goodness, you’re in for a treat! I can’t help but pull apart every piece. Perfect for sharing (or not—no judgment here)! 😄
Making it is a breeze too! Just combine everything, bake it up, and enjoy a warm, cheesy snack that’s great for movie nights. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche or Pull-apart Bread: Brioche gives a sweet and soft texture that’s perfect for monkey bread. If you can’t find it, Italian or French bread works well too, just make sure it’s soft enough to pull apart easily.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease. If you want a healthier option, cooked turkey or even canned chicken can work. For a meat-free version, try sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead!
Cheeses: Mozzarella adds stretch, while Parmesan gives a sharpness. If you’re looking for alternatives, try cheddar for a stronger flavor or a dairy-free cheese for a plant-based option.
Alfredo Sauce: Homemade is always best for freshness, but store-bought saves time. If you’re keeping it lighter, use a cauliflower-based Alfredo sauce or a simple cream and garlic mix for a homemade version.
How Can I Ensure My Monkey Bread is Fluffy and Not Dense?
Getting your chicken Alfredo monkey bread fluffy requires careful handling of the bread cubes and proper baking. Here are some simple steps:
- Make sure your bread is fresh, as stale bread can lead to a denser texture.
- When tossing your bread cubes in butter, ensure they are evenly coated but not overly soggy. Too much liquid can weigh them down.
- Layer them loosely in the bundt pan. This allows space for steam to circulate and helps them rise beautifully.
- Covering with foil initially traps moisture, leading to fluffiness while baking.
- Be careful not to overbake! The top should be golden and lightly crispy, while the inside remains tender.
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 large loaf brioche bread or pull-apart bread, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
Preparing this Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes, with a baking time of about 40-45 minutes. You’ll have an irresistible, cheesy dish ready in just over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grab a bundt pan or a tube cake pan and grease it well so your monkey bread comes out easily later on.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic together until blended. This will add a delicious flavor to your bread.
3. Coat the Bread Cubes:
Add the brioche bread cubes to the garlic butter mixture. Toss everything together gently until all the bread pieces are well-coated with the buttery goodness.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
Start layering the mixture into the greased bundt pan. Sprinkle a bit of shredded chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese over the bread cubes as you layer. Repeat this process until you’ve used all the ingredients, making sure to finish with a layer of bread and cheese on top.
5. Add the Alfredo Sauce:
Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the layers you just created, letting it seep down to add creamy flavor throughout as it bakes.
6. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Cover the bundt pan loosely with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling delightfully.
7. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert the monkey bread onto a large serving plate, allowing all that cheesy goodness to show off!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top for a fresh touch, and serve warm. Enjoy pulling apart the delightful pieces of chicken Alfredo monkey bread!
This cheesy, garlicky Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night at home. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its softness, you can also use Italian or French bread, or even a savory pull-apart bread. Just make sure the bread is soft enough to pull apart easily for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, ensuring the cheese gets gooey again!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the monkey bread a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. Just add about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can leave out the chicken and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peppers for a delicious vegetarian option. Just ensure your Alfredo sauce is also vegetable-based!