This Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty snack! It’s loaded with spicy chicken and gooey cheese, all wrapped in soft, pull-apart bread. Perfect for game day or movie night!
Honestly, who can resist tearing off a piece and enjoying that cheesy goodness? It’s like the best sharing treat ever—just don’t eat it all yourself! 😄
I love to serve it with some ranch dip on the side. It makes every bite even better. Plus, it’s super easy to make; just mix, stuff, and bake—so simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: A 12-inch round loaf works best for this recipe. You can use a sourdough or Italian bread for extra flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
Shredded Chicken: I usually use rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can cook your chicken breast in advance or even use canned chicken if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but feel free to switch it up with any brand or flavor you like. If you prefer less heat, a mild hot sauce or even BBQ sauce could work well too.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella are my favorites for this dish, but you can mix in pepper jack for an extra kick. For a non-dairy option, try using vegan cheese shreds.
Blue Cheese: This adds a nice tang. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or substitute with feta cheese instead. Sour cream also works as a creamy alternative!
How Do You Cut the Bread Without Messing It Up?
Cutting the bread is key to this recipe. You want deep cuts without going all the way through the bottom. Here’s how to do it right:
- Place the loaf on a cutting board. Use a serrated knife to cut the bread.
- Slice it in one direction, then turn it 90 degrees to make another set of cuts. Aim for about 1-inch apart.
- Press gently to separate the bread slightly without breaking it completely apart. This creates perfect pockets for stuffing!
With practice, you’ll get the hang of it, making your bread look festive and ready for that delicious filling! Enjoy your baking!
Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round or oval loaf of crusty bread (about 12 inches)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
- Optional: carrot sticks and celery sticks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and cut the bread, plus around 15-20 minutes for baking. So in total, it’s about 30 minutes until you’re enjoying this cheesy, spicy delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your bread cooks perfectly and gets all melty!
2. Cut the Bread:
Take your loaf of bread and place it on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, make deep cuts in a crosshatch pattern about 1 inch apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through—leave the bottom crust intact so it can hold all the yummy fillings!
3. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a bowl, combine your cooked, shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Mix it well until all the chicken is coated in that spicy goodness.
4. Stuff the Bread:
Now comes the fun part! Carefully stuff the buffalo chicken mixture into the cut sections of the bread. Then sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese into those same sections. Make sure everything is evenly distributed and packed in there for maximum flavor.
5. Add Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of your stuffed bread. This will help it get crispy and golden brown while it bakes.
6. Bake the Bread:
Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the bread are nice and crispy.
7. Garnish:
When it’s done, take the bread out of the oven and sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions on top for that extra zing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious buffalo chicken pull apart bread warm, alongside some carrot sticks, celery sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy pulling apart those cheesy, spicy pieces with friends or family—it’s a guaranteed hit!
Happy baking and enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Any Type of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While a crusty round loaf works best, you can use any sturdy bread, like sourdough or ciabatta. Just make sure it can hold the fillings without falling apart.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the buffalo chicken filling and stuff the bread in advance, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Customize the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add other ingredients like cooked bacon, different cheeses, or chopped veggies for extra flavor. Just be mindful not to overload the bread, so it stays intact while baking.
