If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and impressively delicious, you’ve got to try this Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender, flavorful chicken mixed with a creamy, cheesy filling packed into a crusty French bread shell. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this recipe never fails to steal the show. The balance between the crispy bread and the warm, gooey center creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work together harmoniously to create bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a colorful presentation. Each element has a purpose, from creamy bases to sharp cheeses and fresh herbs.
- French bread (1 loaf): Provides a sturdy and crispy base that holds all the delicious filling without getting soggy.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or chopped): The star protein that makes the dish hearty and fulfilling.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the richness of the cheeses.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Gives moisture and smooth texture, helping bind all the ingredients effortlessly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings cheesy sharpness and melts perfectly for that irresistible pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Offers a slightly nutty depth and extra savory kick.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic warmth that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall savory profile with subtle sweetness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides a mild heat and earthy undertone.
- Green onions or chives (½ cup, finely chopped): Lends freshness and a bright pop of color.
- Chopped cooked bacon (½ cup, optional): Adds smoky crunchiness to elevate the flavor complexity.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon, for garnish): Offers a fresh herbaceous finish that brightens up each bite.
How to Make Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Slice your French bread loaf right down the middle, lengthwise, and gently hollow out the soft center, leaving about a half-inch thick shell on all sides. Don’t toss that bread you removed! Save it for breadcrumbs or another recipe later. This step is all about creating the perfect vessel to hold our delicious filling without sacrificing that satisfying crust.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, green onions, and the optional bacon if you want that extra smoky punch. Stir everything thoroughly so each bite is bursting with flavor and the mixture is creamy and well blended. This blend of ingredients is what makes this Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe truly special—creamy, cheesy, savory goodness combined into one unforgettable filling.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake
Now, take that cheesy chicken mixture and spoon it generously into the hollowed-out French bread halves. Place the stuffed bread on your prepared baking sheet and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the filling is hot through and the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden on top. This baking time lets all the flavors marry beautifully and gives the bread its irresistible crispy texture.
Step 4: Garnish and Rest
When your Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe comes out of the oven, sprinkle it with some fresh chopped parsley to add brightness and a hint of herbaceous flavor. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps everything set a little so your slices hold together nice and neat. Then grab a knife, cut into thick pieces, and get ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple yet effective, fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the filling. You can also add thinly sliced green onions for a bit more bite or even a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist.
Side Dishes
This stuffed French bread pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A bowl of tomato soup or a tangy coleslaw can also be fantastic companions, offering complementary textures and flavors that round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, cut the Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe into bite-sized sliders or sticks, perfect for sharing. Serve on a wooden board with little bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli for guests to customize their bites. You can also toast the stuffed halves a little extra for a crunchier texture to impress at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from the Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and keep the flavors intact so you can enjoy a quick reheat without sacrificing taste or texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. After baking and cooling completely, wrap the stuffed bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before popping it into the freezer. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, so you keep that glorious crispy crust!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that brings great flavor and saves prep time, making this recipe even easier to throw together on busy days.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and bacon, and substitute with cooked mushrooms, spinach, or even a plant-based chicken alternative to create a delicious meat-free version.
What other types of bread can I use besides French bread?
Ciabatta or a sturdy baguette work wonderfully well, too. Just make sure the bread you choose has a nice crust and enough structure to hold all the filling without falling apart.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready, stuff the bread and bake as instructed. This is great for quick assembly when you have guests coming over.
Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?
For sure! Ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or jalapeños add wonderful flavor, texture, and a little kick, making the recipe even more vibrant and personalized.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, cheesy, and full of heart. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to bring out for guests. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Once you taste that perfect combo of creamy chicken and crispy bread, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Chicken Stuffed French Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Stuffed French Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make baked sandwich featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with creamy sour cream, mayonnaise, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Flavored with garlic and onion powders, green onions, and optional crispy bacon, this hearty dish is perfect as a main course or appetizer that pleases any crowd.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup finely chopped green onions or chives
- ½ cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and carefully hollow out the center of each half, leaving about a ½-inch shell around the edges. Save the removed bread for breadcrumbs or discard it.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, green onions, and bacon (if using). Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Fill the Bread: Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed-out halves of French bread. Place the filled halves on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick and easy preparation.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- This recipe also works well with ciabatta or baguette-style loaves as alternatives to French bread.
