This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed French Bread is a fun and messy meal that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine soft French bread filled with spicy and cheesy chicken goodness.
Honestly, who could resist pulling apart warm bread with gooey cheese and zesty chicken? It’s like the party in your mouth that you’ll want to host every week! 😄
I love making this for game days or movie nights because it’s easy to share. Just grab a piece, and you’re ready for a tasty treat without any forks or plates needed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread: A large loaf is the star here, providing a sturdy base. If you can’t find French bread, try a ciabatta or sourdough loaf as they both hold up well and offer a nice flavor.
Shredded Chicken: Use cooked chicken for a quicker option. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor! You can also substitute with shredded turkey or even canned chicken in a pinch.
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount to your spice level. If you’re looking for a milder taste, mix in some barbecue sauce. You can also make your own sauce by combining hot sauce with melted butter.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to the filling. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese works well. You can even skip it entirely for a lighter filling!
Ranch Dressing: This is optional but adds a nice coolness to the spicy filling. If you want a healthier twist, try using a yogurt-based ranch or skip it completely.
How Do I Make Sure My Stuffed Bread Isn’t Soggy?
To keep the bread from becoming soggy, hollow out the center of the loaf but leave some bread at the bottom for support. This helps soak up excess moisture without making the bread soggy.
- Choose a crusty bread like French or ciabatta, as they hold up better.
- Don’t overfill the bread; keep the filling to a moderate level.
- Consider toasting the hollowed-out bread lightly before filling it to create a barrier.
Lastly, bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly; this will crisp up the top while keeping the inside warm and flavorful. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed French Bread?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large French bread loaf
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing (optional)
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup cooked bacon bits (optional, for topping)
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed French Bread takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 25 minutes to bake. So, in about 35 minutes, you’ll have a cheesy and spicy treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This might take a few minutes, but it’s an important step to get everything nice and cooked evenly.
2. Prepare the French Bread:
Take your large French bread loaf and cut it in half lengthwise. Use your hands or a spoon to scoop out some of the soft bread from the center. Leave enough bread on the edges to form a cozy little boat for your filling!
3. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing (if you’re using it), and chopped green onions. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a little taste test to see if you want more buffalo sauce!
4. Stuff the Bread:
Spoon that delicious buffalo chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed-out French bread halves. Make sure to fill them nicely, but don’t overfill so everything spills out!
5. Add Toppings:
If you’d like some extra flavor, sprinkle the top with cooked bacon bits. This step is optional, but who doesn’t love bacon?
6. Bake it Up:
Place the stuffed bread halves onto a baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is slightly crispy on the outside.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the stuffed bread cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your stuffed French bread into pieces and serve warm. Enjoy the cheesy, spicy buffalo chicken goodness inside the soft bread—perfect for a party or a cozy night in!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and replace the cooked shredded chicken in the recipe with an equal amount of rotisserie chicken.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No problem! You can easily make a homemade buffalo sauce by mixing equal parts of hot sauce and melted butter. Adjust the heat to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce. You can also use any spicy sauce you like!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed French bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quicker option!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Substitute the shredded chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also use meat alternatives like shredded cauliflower or a store-bought veggie chicken substitute to keep it hearty and filling.
