This BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty dish! Imagine soft, chewy bread filled with juicy BBQ chicken and gooey cheese. Perfect for sharing at parties or game days!
I love pulling apart the pieces and enjoying them warm. It’s like having a BBQ feast in finger food form! Just don’t be surprised if you want seconds—it’s hard to resist! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pull-Apart Bread: A soft, fluffy loaf is key for the best pull-apart effect. If you can’t find pull-apart bread, you can use a round loaf like sourdough or any sturdy bread that holds together well.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe! It’s already seasoned and saves time. You can also use shredded turkey or even canned chicken if you’re in a hurry.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for more personal flavor! Honey BBQ is sweet and tangy, while smoky BBQ offers depth. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a tangy vinegar-based sauce.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic but feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella gives a nice stretch, while pepper jack adds a bit of heat. You could also use dairy-free cheese if needed!
What’s the Best Way to Cut the Bread for Pulling Apart?
Cutting the bread correctly is essential for easy pulling apart. Start by slicing the bread into a grid pattern. Make cuts about 1 to 1.5 inches apart, being careful not to go all the way through the bottom. This helps keep the loaf intact while allowing you to fill it.
- Use a serrated knife for smooth slicing.
- Begin at the center and work your way outward. This helps ensure even cuts.
- Don’t rush! Take your time for the best results.
This technique allows the BBQ chicken and cheese to melt into the crevices, creating yummy bites you’ll love!
BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large loaf of pull-apart bread or a round bread bowl (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for serving
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, totaling around 40 minutes until it’s ready to serve! Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take your bread and place it on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut the loaf into a grid pattern, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches apart, but be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. We want it to hold together!
2. Mix the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, take your shredded chicken and add the BBQ sauce. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. This will be the delicious filling for your bread!
3. Stuff the Bread:
Now, gently pull apart the cuts in the bread and stuff the BBQ chicken mixture evenly between the sections. Don’t be shy—get a good amount in there! Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over and inside the bread, pressing some into the gaps.
4. Add the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder. Using a pastry brush, drizzle this flavorful garlic butter over the top and edges of the bread. This will give it a lovely golden finish once baked!
5. Bake:
Wrap the stuffed bread loosely in aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the bread are lightly toasted.
6. Serve:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. If you like, garnish it with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy this ooey-gooey delight with friends or family at your next gathering!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut since it’s already cooked and seasoned. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce as directed in the recipe.
What Type of Bread Works Best?
For the best pull-apart experience, a soft loaf like pull-apart bread or a round bread bowl is ideal. If you can’t find those, a sturdy sourdough or ciabatta loaf can work too!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed bread (up to the baking step) a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—add a couple more minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pull-apart bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
