Description
A flavorful and comforting Barbecue Chicken Bread that’s perfect as a hearty appetizer or casual meal. This recipe layers tender shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce over a halved loaf of bread, topped with crispy bacon, red onions, and melted cheddar cheese, then baked to gooey perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the loaf of bread lengthwise into two halves. Spread 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce evenly over the cut sides of each bread half to infuse flavor right from the base.
- Heat the chicken mixture: In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine shredded chicken with the remaining 1/2 cup barbecue sauce. Warm through until the chicken is thoroughly coated and heated evenly, ensuring that every bite bursts with barbecue taste.
- Assemble the bread: Spread the warm barbecue chicken mixture evenly over the bread halves. Sprinkle diced cooked bacon, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese on top to add layers of savory flavors and textures.
- Bake: Place the assembled bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the bread is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and cut each bread half into fourths. Serve hot with extra barbecue sauce for drizzling if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked shredded chicken for best texture and flavor.
- For a spicier twist, choose a spicy barbecue sauce or add jalapeños before baking.
- The bread works well with either sweet Italian or French bread; a sturdier bread will hold the toppings better.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven to keep the bread crisp.
- Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: barbecue chicken bread, BBQ chicken appetizer, baked chicken bread, cheesy barbecue bread, easy party recipe
