This Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It’s made with fluffy bread and filled with spicy chicken, creamy cheese, and a hint of ranch flavor.
Honestly, pulling apart the cheesy, warm pieces is the best part! I love serving it at parties—everyone can grab a tasty bite. Who can resist that cheesy goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: A round loaf like sourdough or Italian provides a great base. You can also use a baguette for a different texture. Just make sure it holds up well to all the fillings.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to. It’s already cooked and super flavorful! If you’re making this dish vegetarian, you could swap it with shredded jackfruit, tempeh, or even cooked cauliflower.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the spice level to your taste. If you’re looking for milder heat, a cayenne pepper sauce can work. For a homemade option, mix hot sauce with melted butter.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella blend beautifully, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for extra heat or a combination of cheeses you love. Just ensure they melt well!
Ranch Dressing: If you’re not a fan of ranch, blue cheese dressing is an excellent alternative. You can also make your own ranch using Greek yogurt, herbs, and spices if you prefer a healthier option.
How Do I Make Deep Cuts in the Bread Without Cutting All the Way Through?
This technique is key for pulling apart the bread easily. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts and an easier slicing experience.
- Position the bread on a cutting board and gently start making cuts about 1 to 1.5 inches apart.
- Ensure the knife is angled slightly to avoid cutting straight down through the bottom crust; you want to create a pocket for the filling without completely slicing it through.
Taking your time on this step ensures each piece stays connected and is easy to pull apart later!
Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or Italian bread)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Drizzling and Garnish:
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Optional: additional ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling or dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 to 20 minutes of baking time. In total, you should plan for about 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish, making it quick and perfect for gathering with friends or family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting it nice and hot will help everything bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Using a sharp bread knife, carefully make deep cuts in the loaf of bread in a crisscross pattern. Space the cuts about 1 to 1.5 inches apart, being careful not to slice all the way through the bottom. You want to create pockets for the filling!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, take your shredded chicken and mix it with the buffalo wing sauce. Make sure each piece of chicken is nicely coated in the sauce to bring out that signature buffalo flavor!
4. Stuff the Bread:
Now it’s time to stuff! Gently fill each of the cuts in the bread with the buffalo chicken mixture. Once that’s done, sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the cuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed for maximum cheesy goodness.
5. Add Some Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the stuffed bread. This helps it get a beautiful golden color and keeps things moist while baking.
6. Bake the Bread:
Place your stuffed bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to catch any drips. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melty and bubbly, and the bread is warmed through.
7. Add Some Extra Flavor:
Once the bread is out of the oven, drizzle the ranch or blue cheese dressing on top in a fun zig-zag pattern for that extra flavor burst. It’s optional, but highly recommended!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some sliced green onions and any optional parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh finish. Serve warm and invite your friends or family to pull apart their cheesy, spicy pieces of deliciousness. You can also offer additional ranch or blue cheese on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread that combines spicy buffalo chicken, melted cheese, and creamy ranch for a perfect game-day or party appetizer!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred the meat and you’re good to go!
What If I Want a Milder Flavor?
If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or use a milder hot sauce. You can also mix in some cream cheese with the chicken mixture for extra creaminess without the heat.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual pieces briefly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed bread a few hours ahead! Just cover it with foil and keep it in the fridge before baking. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven without needing to allow for extra time to come to room temperature.
