This fun Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread is packed with spicy chicken and creamy cheese, all tucked inside soft, pillowy bread. It’s a tasty twist for your snack time!
Pulling apart the pieces is the best part! Just be ready for some cheesy gooeyness, and maybe keep some napkins handy. You know, for when the fun gets a bit messy! 😄
I love making this when friends come over. It’s easy to bake and everyone loves digging in. Plus, it disappears fast, like magic! Just be prepared to share! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Loaf: A round sourdough loaf brings that chewy texture and tangy flavor. If you can’t find sourdough, any crusty round bread like ciabatta or French bread works nicely!
Chicken: For a quick option, rotisserie chicken is perfect here! You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken. If you want a vegetarian version, consider using shredded jackfruit with a similar flavor profile.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to try other brands if you want it milder or spicier. If you prefer a homemade version, mixing hot sauce with butter would work too!
Cheese: Mozzarella for that melty stretch and cheddar for flavor. You could use any cheese you like! Pepper jack adds a fun kick, while a dairy-free cheese can be used for lactose concerns.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the saltiness. Coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine can be great options for a dairy-free recipe.
How Do I Cut the Bread Without Making a Mess?
Getting the right cut on your bread is key for easy pull-apart pieces! Start with a sharp serrated knife, and take your time. Here’s how:
- Place the bread on a cutting board to stabilize it.
- Make even cuts about 1 to 1.5 inches apart, first cutting down one way and then the other, but don’t press through the bottom! Leave the bottom crust intact.
- Gently pull apart the cuts a bit to make room for the filling.
- If parts stick together, use your fingers to loosen them gently.
This technique ensures each piece will come apart easily when serving, making everyone happy to grab a piece! Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread!
Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round sourdough loaf or crusty bread
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
- Optional: celery or carrot sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and then around 25 minutes for baking. So, you’ll be enjoying warm, cheesy bread in about 35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get your oven nice and warm for baking your cheesy bread.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your sourdough loaf and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut the bread into 1 to 1 1/2 inch squares, making crosswise and lengthwise cuts. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom crust! You want to keep the loaf intact so it can hold all your filling.
3. Mix the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Toss them together until the chicken is well-coated in that delicious spicy sauce!
4. Stuff the Bread:
Now it’s time to fill the bread! Take small amounts of the buffalo chicken mixture and shove it into the cuts of the bread. You can add cheese as you go, making sure to stuff in mozzarella and cheddar as well. Be generous, this is the tasty part!
5. Add Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with the garlic powder. Using a brush or your fingers, drizzle this garlic butter all over the top of the bread and into those cracks to ensure extra flavor!
6. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the entire stuffed loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is slightly crispy.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, take your pull apart bread out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. You don’t want to burn your fingers when pulling it apart! For a splash of color, sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro on top.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Drizzle your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top if you like. Serve warm with extra dressing on the side and some crunchy celery or carrot sticks for dipping. Now dig in and enjoy the delicious, cheesy, and spicy goodness of your Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pulled Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought pulled chicken can save you time. Just make sure it’s already cooked and well-seasoned to match the flavors you want in your bread.
How Do I Make It Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or mix it with some ranch dressing before tossing it with the chicken. You can also use a milder hot sauce.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
You can prep everything up to the baking step ahead of time! Stuff the bread and wrap it tightly in foil, then store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Enjoy your delicious bread again!
