This BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty treat that everyone will love! It features fluffy bread filled with juicy BBQ chicken and melted cheese, making it perfect for sharing.
Pulling off a piece is half the fun! I often make this for game day or a cozy movie night. Trust me, everyone’s hands will be reaching for a bite, and you might need to hide a few pieces! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A large loaf of bread is essential for pull apart bread. I prefer Hawaiian sweet bread for its touch of sweetness, but sourdough or French bread works too. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat bread can also be a good choice.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe because it’s already cooked and super flavorful. If you’re vegetarian, you could substitute with jackfruit or mushrooms for a guilt-free version!
BBQ Sauce: Any BBQ sauce you enjoy will work! For a twist, try a spicy version if you like some heat. You can also make your own if you prefer a homemade touch.
Cheese: I love a good mix of cheddar and mozzarella for that stretchy, gooey texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, use part-skim mozzarella, or switch to dairy-free cheese if needed.
How Do You Cut the Bread Without Breaking It?
Getting the grid cut just right is key to the pull-apart fun. To do this:
- Use a serrated bread knife to slice the loaf into a grid pattern, about 1 inch apart. Make sure not to cut all the way through the bottom of the bread so it holds together well during baking.
- Start with vertical cuts, then follow with horizontal cuts for a perfect crosshatch. Take your time for even cuts so every piece can get filled with that delicious mixture.
This technique ensures the BBQ chicken filling and cheese get distributed nicely, making each pull a delightful surprise! Happy baking!
BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread and Filling:
- 1 large loaf of white bread or pull-apart bread (Hawaiian sweet bread or sourdough works great)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll have a warm, cheesy treat ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for a quick snack or party food!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it—this will help with easy cleanup later on!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your loaf of bread and place it on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into a grid pattern. Slice about 1 inch apart both vertically and horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through the bottom crust—this is important to keep the loaf intact for easy pulling later!
3. Mix the Chicken and BBQ Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir it well until all the chicken pieces are coated evenly. This will give your bread a delicious flavor!
4. Stuff the Bread:
Using your fingers or a spoon, carefully fill the cuts in the bread with the BBQ chicken mixture. Make sure to spread it evenly throughout all the sections for delicious bites every time!
5. Add the Cheese:
Now comes the fun part—cheese! Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the top of the bread and into the cuts. The more cheese, the better, right?
6. Brush with Butter:
Take your melted butter and brush it over the top of the bread. This will help everything turn golden brown and give the bread a nice, buttery flavor.
7. Bake the Bread:
Carefully place the stuffed bread onto the prepared baking sheet and pop it into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are lightly toasted.
8. Final Touches:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top for added flavor. This is also a great time to show off your presentation skills!
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. Let the bread cool for a few minutes, then serve it warm. Enjoy pulling apart the pieces and savoring the cheesy BBQ chicken goodness!
Happy eating! 🍞🍗🥳
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop it up and mix with BBQ sauce as directed. It’s flavorful and perfect for this recipe!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread and fill it a few hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and bake it when you’re ready to serve. For best results, bake within the same day!
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute it with other sauces like терияки, honey mustard, or even ranch dressing for a different flavor. Just make sure the sauce complements the chicken and cheese!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The bread might lose some of its crispness, but it will still taste delicious!
