Name: Barbecue Chicken Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf sweet Italian or French bread; 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken; 1 cup barbecue sauce (divided, plus extra for drizzling); 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4 slices thick cut bacon, cooked and diced; 1/4 cup red onion, diced

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Introduction

This Barbecue Chicken Bread is a delicious twist on classic BBQ chicken, served on a crusty loaf of bread. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a hearty snack with layers of tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and red onion.

The image shows several mini pizzas on a white marbled surface with a piece of parchment paper. Each pizza has a golden-brown crust as the base layer, topped with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese melted and slightly browned on top. Pieces of crispy bacon and finely chopped red onions are spread over the cheese, adding red and purple colors. A small metal container with dark red barbecue sauce sits near the pizzas. One mini pizza in the foreground has a slice cut out, revealing the thick crust and toppings. Small bits of bacon and onion are scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf sweet Italian or French bread
1 1/2 cups shredded chicken

1 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 slices thick cut bacon (cooked and diced)
1/4 cup red onion (diced)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Spread 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce evenly over each half.
Step 3: In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken with the remaining 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce. Heat until warmed through and chicken is fully coated.

Step 4: Spread the barbecue chicken evenly over the two bread halves. Sprinkle the cooked diced bacon, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese has melted.
Step 6: Remove from oven and cut each bread half into fourths. Serve hot with extra barbecue sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar or add a few dashes of smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
Substitute cooked pulled pork or beef for the chicken for a different BBQ twist.
Customize with jalapeños or green onions for a bit of heat and freshness.

Use a baguette for a crunchier texture or sandwich rolls for individual portions.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the bread crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Two slices of toasted bread are placed side by side on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Each slice has three main layers: the bottom is golden brown toast, the middle is a mix of shredded chicken with small pieces of reddish-brown bacon, and the top is melted cheddar cheese with bits of finely chopped red onion scattered over it. The cheese is melted and slightly browned in some spots, creating a crispy texture. The background is a white marbled texture, with a striped blue and white cloth on the left edge and a small white bowl filled with shredded cheese on the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and works perfectly in this recipe.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the bread with the chicken, bacon, and toppings, then refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours before baking. This helps keep the bread from becoming soggy. Bake just before serving.