Cheesy Stuffed Bread with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Parmesan Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Stuffed Bread:
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread (about 12-14 inches long)
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Chicken:
- Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces, garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Cheesy Stuffed Bread:
-
Prep the bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French or Italian bread lengthwise and hollow out a bit of the inside to create a “boat” for the filling. -
Make the garlic butter mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over both halves of the bread. -
Stuff the bread:
Layer the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and cooked garlic Parmesan chicken inside the bread. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. -
Bake:
Place the stuffed bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is slightly crispy on the edges.
Serve:
- Slice and enjoy:
Remove from the oven, slice into portions, and serve hot. You can drizzle a little more garlic butter on top or even add a side of marinara sauce for dipping if you’re craving that pizza-like experience!
Why it’s Better than Pizza:
- Cheesy, Garlicky Goodness: You get the cheesy melty goodness of pizza, but with garlic butter, Parmesan, and the added flavor of chicken.
- Stuffed Bread: Instead of just a pizza crust, you’re biting into a buttery, cheesy stuffed loaf—think of it like pizza, but elevated!
- Customizable: You can change up the filling to include things like bacon, spinach, or mushrooms if you like.
Give this a try and see if it surpasses your pizza cravings—it’s the perfect balance of cheese, garlic, and savory chicken all stuffed inside a crispy, buttery bread. Enjoy! 🍕🎉