This Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It features soft bread filled with spicy buffalo chicken and gooey cheese. Perfect for sharing at a party!
Who can resist tearing apart bread and munching on cheesy goodness? I love to serve it with a side of ranch for dipping. Trust me, it makes every bite even better! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Use a large round sourdough or rustic bread loaf for the best texture. If you can’t find sourdough, any soft bread like ciabatta works as an alternative.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and delicious! If you prefer, you can poach chicken breasts or thighs and shred them yourself.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice. If you like milder flavors, try a wing sauce labeled as “mild” or mix hot sauce with some butter for a homemade version.
Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar and mozzarella for that perfect blend of flavor and stretchiness. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, reduced-fat cheese can work too, but it may not melt as smoothly.
Ranch Dressing: Use your favorite brand, or make homemade ranch for a personal touch. If you want a different flavor, try using tzatziki or garlic dipping sauce instead.
How Do I Cut and Stuff the Bread Without Making a Mess?
Cutting the bread can be tricky, but the right technique helps a lot. Here’s how to do it carefully:
- Use a bread knife for smooth, even cuts.
- Cut deep into the loaf, without slicing all the way through. This keeps the bread together.
- Make horizontal cuts about 1 inch apart, then do the same vertically to create squares.
- Start stuffing from one side, applying pressure gently to push the filling into the cuts.
Patience is key! Once the bread is stuffed, the melted cheese will hold everything together nicely when you bake it.
Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 large round sourdough or rustic bread loaf
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
For the Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Optional:
- Celery sticks and extra buffalo sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread requires about 30 minutes total: 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for baking. You’ll be enjoying this cheesy treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread will bake evenly and perfectly!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your large round loaf of bread and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make deep cuts about 1 inch apart both horizontally and vertically, forming a grid pattern. Be sure not to cut all the way through the bottom—leave the bottom intact to hold everything together.
3. Mix the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce. Stir well until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the sauce. The buffalo flavor is what makes this dish special!
4. Stuff the Bread:
Next, gently stuff the buffalo chicken mixture into the cuts of the bread. Make sure to evenly distribute the chicken as you go. You want every piece to have some delicious filling!
5. Add the Cheese:
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses together. Carefully stuff the cheese into all the gaps between the chicken—this will create that gooey, cheesy goodness everyone loves!
6. Drizzle with Butter:
Lightly drizzle the melted butter over the top of the stuffed bread. This step adds flavor and helps the top crisp up nicely as it bakes.
7. Wrap & Bake:
Wrap the stuffed bread loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese melts and the bread is warmed through.
8. Crisp the Top:
After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This will give the top a nice, crispy texture.
9. Add the Toppings:
Once baked, take the bread out of the oven. Drizzle the ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions to add color and flavor.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the bread warm, with extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping. Don’t forget to add some celery sticks for a refreshing crunch!
Enjoy pulling apart the bread as the cheesy buffalo chicken spills from every piece. It’s perfect for sharing or devouring all on your own! 😊
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough or rustic bread is recommended for its structure and flavor, you can use any soft bread like ciabatta or even a baguette. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all the delicious filling!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like it hot, try adding more buffalo sauce or incorporating diced jalapeños into the chicken mixture. You can also use a spicier variety of wing sauce for added heat.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread and the filling ahead of time. Just keep the stuffed bread in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.