Transform your dinner table with this irresistible Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Bacon-Stuffed Bread Loaf that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese all wrapped in crusty bread. This crowd-pleasing recipe delivers comfort food at its finest, perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or any time you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Bacon-Stuffed Bread Loaf brings together everything you love about comfort food in one spectacular dish. The combination of savory shredded chicken, smoky bacon, and three types of melted cheese creates an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. The crusty exterior gives way to a warm, gooey center that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 loaf of crusty bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Bacon-Stuffed Bread Loaf
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the top off your bread loaf, about 1/4 from the top. Hollow out the inside of the bread, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges and bottom. Save the bread pieces for another use or turn them into breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Make the Filling In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and dried oregano. Mix until smooth and well combined. Add the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix everything together until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Stuff the Bread Spoon the chicken and bacon mixture into the hollowed-out bread loaf, packing it down gently to ensure it’s well-filled. Replace the top of the bread loaf like a lid.
Step 5: Brush and Bake Brush the entire exterior of the stuffed bread with olive oil. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest and Serve Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Cut into thick slices and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Helpful Tips
Choose the right bread for the best results. A sturdy, crusty bread like ciabatta or a thick baguette works perfectly as it holds its shape during baking and provides a nice contrast to the creamy filling. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling. You can speed this up by microwaving it for 15-20 seconds if needed.
For extra flavor, consider seasoning your chicken with herbs and spices before shredding. If you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and any excess moisture before shredding. Cook your bacon until it’s crispy but not overly done, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8 people
Difficulty: Easy
Course: Main Dish, Appetizer
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Notes
This Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Bacon-Stuffed Bread Loaf is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your preferences. Feel free to add other ingredients like diced jalapeños for heat, sun-dried tomatoes for tang, or different herbs like basil or thyme. The recipe works well with different types of cheese too – try pepper jack for spice or Swiss for a milder flavor.
If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, rotisserie chicken from the grocery store works perfectly and saves time. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the chicken to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. The bread should be eaten fresh from the oven for the best texture, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed bread up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Q: What type of bread works best? A: Crusty breads like ciabatta, baguettes, or sourdough work best as they hold their shape and don’t get soggy from the filling.
Q: Can I freeze this recipe? A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the assembled (unbaked) loaf for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before baking and add extra cooking time as needed.
Q: How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy? A: Make sure your chicken is well-drained and your cream cheese isn’t too wet. Don’t overstuff the bread, and serve immediately after baking.
Q: Can I use different meats? A: Absolutely! Try ham, turkey, or even pulled pork instead of chicken. Just make sure the meat is cooked and not too wet.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Bacon-Stuffed Bread Loaf in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy and soggy.
For best results, slice only what you plan to eat immediately and store the remaining loaf whole. This helps maintain the texture and prevents the filling from drying out.
Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious comfort food recipes? Check out these favorites from Run of Life:
- Loaded Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas
- Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey
Conclusion
This Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Bacon-Stuffed Bread Loaf is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and satisfaction all baked into one incredible dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends for game day, or simply treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers every time. The crispy exterior, gooey cheese center, and savory chicken and bacon filling create a harmony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible.
The best part about this recipe is how customizable it is to your taste preferences while still maintaining that perfect balance of ingredients that makes it so special. Give it a try tonight, and watch as it quickly becomes a new favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to share your results and any creative variations you discover along the way!