This Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty treat! Soft bread pieces are stuffed with spicy buffalo chicken and gooey cheese, making every pull so rewarding.
Honestly, it’s hard to resist this cheesy goodness. Perfect for parties or game days, I love serving it with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Don’t say I didn’t warn you—it’s addictive! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Round Loaf of Bread: A crusty loaf holds up well. Sourdough or a French bread loaf will work, too. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free bread alternatives that can still be pulled apart.
Shredded Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor, but you can also cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them yourself. Canned chicken is a quicker option but may have a different texture.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but you can use any buffalo sauce you prefer. For a milder version, mix the sauce with some ranch dressing. If you’re avoiding spice, try a BBQ sauce instead!
Cheese: Mozzarella is fantastic for its meltiness, but feel free to mix in provolone or cheddar. If you’re dairy-free, there are some great vegan cheese options available that melt well.
Blue Cheese: This gives a nice tang, but if you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use feta or goat cheese instead! Lastly, notice the garnish of chives — also try using parsley or omit it altogether!
How Do I Cut the Bread Perfectly for Pull Apart Bread?
Cutting the bread correctly is key to ensuring every bit is stuffed and pulls apart easily. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. Start by placing the loaf on a cutting board.
- Make long cuts down the bread, about 1 to 1.5 inches apart, all the way to the bottom crust but not through it. Think of a checkerboard pattern.
- Then, turn the bread and make cuts across in the same spacing. This creates small sections for stuffing.
Just be gentle when pulling apart the bread after baking, and enjoy pulling those delicious pieces out with your fingers!
Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (about 10-12 inches diameter)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish
- Optional sides: ranch or blue cheese dressing, carrot sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of about 35 minutes before you can dig in. Perfect for when you need a tasty snack in a hurry!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This will help make cleanup easier later on!
2. Cut the Bread:
Carefully take your round loaf of bread and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp bread knife to cut into the loaf in a grid pattern. Make long cuts lengthwise, then crosswise, about 1 to 1.5 inches apart. Be sure to cut through the top but not all the way through the bottom, so the loaf stays together.
3. Mix the Chicken and Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, add your cooked shredded chicken and the buffalo wing sauce. Stir well until all the chicken is coated with the spicy sauce. This will be your delicious filling!
4. Stuff the Bread:
Now it’s time to stuff the bread! Gently pull apart the sections you cut earlier and start filling them with the buffalo chicken mixture. Add some shredded mozzarella and crumbled blue cheese into each gap. Get creative, make sure to distribute the filling evenly throughout the loaf!
5. Drizzle with Butter:
Once stuffed, drizzle the melted butter over the top of the stuffed loaf. This helps enhance the flavor and gives it a nice golden color while baking!
6. Bake the Bread:
Transfer your stuffed loaf onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You want to see the cheese melted and the bread toasted and golden at the edges. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now!
7. Add Finishing Touches:
When the bread is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Sprinkle some extra crumbled blue cheese and fresh chives on top for a burst of flavor and a beautiful look.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious pull apart bread warm. It goes great with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. Don’t forget the carrot sticks to add a crunchy freshness! Pull apart the pieces and enjoy the melty, spicy buffalo chicken goodness!
This dish is perfect for game days, parties, or whenever you want a fun and tasty snack. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite! 😋
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! You can use any crusty round bread, like sourdough or French bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you love heat, consider using a hotter buffalo sauce or add chopped jalapeños or diced hot peppers to the chicken mixture for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or pop it in the microwave for a quick fix!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the bread (steps 1-4) up to a day ahead. Just wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate, then bake it just before serving!
