If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavors, comforting textures, and ooey-gooey cheesy goodness, this Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, savory chicken mixed with creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, all tucked inside a crisp, freshly baked French bread shell, melting with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Each bite delivers a harmony of savory, tangy, and cheesy notes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish that everyone will want seconds of!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe comes together with straightforward ingredients that each add a unique touch to the final dish, creating a perfect balance of creaminess, savoriness, and comforting texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- French bread (1 loaf, about 16–18 inches): The sturdy base that holds all the delicious fillings and crisps nicely in the oven.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Tender and protein-packed, it’s the heart of the stuffing.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and binds the mixture together beautifully.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Brings a subtle tang and richness that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Offers sharp, melty cheesiness that defines the dish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Adds that wonderful stretch and mild flavor for balance.
- Diced green onions (1/4 cup): Infuses the mix with freshness and a slight bite.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a comforting warm aroma that ties all flavors together.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat to awaken your taste buds.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the stuffing.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Gives a gentle smoky depth and lovely color.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): For a bright, herby finish when garnishing.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, for brushing): Ensures a golden, flaky crust on the outer bread shell.
How to Make Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
First up, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your loaf of French bread and slice it lengthwise into two halves. Carefully hollow out the soft center of each half, leaving a sturdy one-inch thick shell all around. Don’t toss out that bread you removed — crumble it into small pieces and set it aside for the next step.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken, crumbled bread pieces, mayonnaise, sour cream, and both cheeses. Toss in your diced green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is creamy, cheesy, and evenly blended—this is the flavorful heart of your Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe.
Step 3: Stuff the Bread Shells
Spoon the savory chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bread halves, packing the filling well so every bite is loaded with that delicious blend. Place the stuffed halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Brush the outer crusts lightly with melted butter to achieve that irresistible golden crisp once baked. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the magic happen for about 15 to 20 minutes. When the tops bubble and turn golden brown, and the filling is warmed through, your Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe is ready!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Remove your masterpiece from the oven and let it cool for about five minutes—this rest time helps the filling set a bit so it won’t spill out too much when you slice. Sprinkle optional fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and herby brightness before cutting into generous slices.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for color and a subtle fresh flavor. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a dash of smoked paprika can add a bit of exciting contrast if you enjoy a little heat. These small touches make serving feel thoughtful and visually appealing.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a light soup can round out the meal perfectly. A chilled cucumber salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance, while a bowl of tomato bisque creates a cozy, comforting combo. The possibilities are endless when your Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe is the star!
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe on a wooden cutting board with slices arranged neatly for guests to grab. You could also cut it into smaller bite-sized pieces for a fun party appetizer. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine adds a rustic charm if sending to-go or serving picnic style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed bread before baking if you want to prep ahead. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be stored frozen for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices or the whole stuffed bread on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from getting soggy and lose its crisp crust.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred or chop it before mixing with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a great substitute that provides similar tang and creaminess without compromising the taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the cooked chicken with cooked, seasoned vegetables or a meatless protein like tofu or tempeh, and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Can I add more spice to this Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe?
Definitely! Add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or swap the cheddar for a spicy pepper jack cheese to give the dish a fiery kick.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Hollowing out the bread well and baking the stuffed bread immediately after filling helps keep the crust crisp. Also, brushing the outside with butter before baking seals it nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warm, cheesy, and satisfying comfort of this Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and packed with flavors that bring smiles around the table. Next time you want a meal that feels both homey and impressive, give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Stuffed French Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make baked sandwich featuring a crispy hollowed-out French bread loaf filled with a creamy, cheesy chicken mixture. Perfect as a main course for family dinners or casual gatherings, it combines shredded chicken, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and flavorful seasonings baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
For the Bread and Filling
- 1 loaf French bread (about 16–18 inches)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Garnish and Baking
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed bread.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread lengthwise down the middle and carefully hollow out the center of both halves, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell to hold the filling. Collect the removed bread pieces into a bowl and crumble them into small bits.
- Make Filling: In the bowl with the bread crumbs, add the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, diced green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined into a creamy filling.
- Stuff Bread: Evenly spoon the prepared chicken mixture into the hollowed-out halves of the French bread, pressing gently to fill.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the stuffed bread halves onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the outer crusts with melted butter to help achieve a golden finish during baking.
- Bake: Bake the stuffed French bread in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool for about 5 minutes. Slice into portions and garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep option.
- Add cooked bacon bits or chopped jalapeños to the filling for additional flavor and spice.
- Swap out cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese if you prefer a spicy twist.
