This Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty dish! It’s filled with spicy chicken and gooey cheese, all nestled between soft, fluffy bread pieces.
What makes it even better? You can pull apart each piece and enjoy it! I love serving this at parties—everyone gets to enjoy a cheesy, spicy bite without any fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A round sourdough loaf works best because of its sturdy crust. However, if sourdough isn’t available, any round white bread will also do. Just avoid soft varieties as you’ll want the bread to hold the filling well.
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken is essential here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even leftover chicken from another meal. For a lighter option, you can substitute with shredded turkey.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand. If you prefer less heat, opt for a milder sauce or add just a little hot sauce to your liking.
Cheeses: Mozzarella provides excellent meltiness, and cheddar adds flavor. For a twist, consider using pepper jack for extra spice or other cheese blends available. Cream cheese adds creaminess but can be replaced with ricotta if needed.
How Do You Cut the Bread Correctly?
Making those perfect cuts in the bread is key to this recipe. You want to create a criss-cross pattern while keeping the bottom intact. Here’s how:
- Hold the loaf steady. Use a sharp knife to make vertical cuts about 1 inch apart, stopping just before reaching the bottom.
- Then, turn the loaf and make horizontal cuts, matching the size of the vertical ones. Aim for a grid-like pattern that connects at the base.
- This will give the bread structure while allowing all the delicious fillings to melt down into every corner!
Taking your time with this step will ensure that each pull-apart piece is filled with cheesy goodness. Enjoy making your Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread! It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 large round sourdough or white bread loaf
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- Optional: carrot sticks and celery sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake. You’ll have this crowd-pleaser ready to serve in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your bread bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden color.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until the chicken is well coated. This adds that wonderful spicy kick that makes this dish so special!
3. Cut the Bread:
Take your bread loaf and make a criss-cross pattern by cutting vertical slices about 1 inch apart, followed by horizontal slices that are also about 1 inch apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom—this helps keep the bread intact for easy pulling apart.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In another small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the minced garlic and melted butter until well combined. This mixture will add a creamy texture to our filling.
5. Stuff the Bread:
Now comes the fun part! Stuff each cut section of your bread with a dollop of the cream cheese mixture, followed by some of the buffalo chicken, and finally a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Each piece should be filled to get that cheesy goodness in every bite!
6. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the stuffed bread loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is all melted and the bread is golden brown and crispy around the edges.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. Then, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top and sprinkle it with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread warm with extra buffalo sauce on the side and crunchy carrot and celery sticks if desired. Now pull apart those cheesy sections and enjoy every spicy, gooey bite!
This dish is not just a treat; it’s perfect for gatherings, parties, or game day. Treat your guests to this delightful combination of flavors, and watch it disappear!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the meat and mix it with the buffalo sauce, and you’ll be ready to go!
What Can I Substitute for Buffalo Wing Sauce?
If you’d like a milder flavor, you can use a hot sauce mixed with some melted butter for a lighter version. Alternatively, barbecue sauce can be used for a sweet twist!
How Do You Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread ahead of time, wrap it well, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before you plan to serve to maintain its freshness and gooeyness.