Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty twist on two favorites: creamy Alfredo chicken and pull-apart bread. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken with rich, cheesy Alfredo…
Tip: save now, cook later.Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty twist on two favorites: creamy Alfredo chicken and pull-apart bread. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken with rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce all baked right into soft, buttery dough balls that you can pull apart with your fingers. It’s messy, comforting, and perfect for sharing.
I love making this when friends come over because it feels casual but special at the same time. The gooey cheese and creamy sauce soak into the bread just right, and everyone always ends up grabbing handfuls and laughing as they pull the bread apart. It’s one of those easy recipes that gets everyone talking and eating faster than you can say “pass the plate!”
My favorite way to serve Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the richness. It’s a great meal for movie nights or just a cozy dinner at home. Plus, since it’s made in one pan, I don’t have to worry about lots of cleanup, which makes me want to make it even more often!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast works great here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken to save time. Shredded or chopped both work well.
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe quick and easy. If you prefer, frozen bread dough or even crescent roll dough can be fun alternatives.
Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought Alfredo sauce is very convenient, but homemade sauce adds freshness and richness. You can also swap for a garlic cream sauce or pesto cream sauce for a twist.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts into gooey, stretchy cheese that everyone loves. Parmesan adds a nice sharp flavor. You could add provolone or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.
Butter & Garlic: Garlic butter coats the biscuit pieces for flavor and helps the bread brown nicely. Use fresh garlic for best taste, or garlic powder as a substitute in a pinch.
How Do You Make Sure the Monkey Bread Stays Soft and Easy to Pull Apart?
The secret is not overbaking and making sure the biscuit pieces are well coated with butter. Here’s how I do it:
- Cut biscuits into even pieces so they cook uniformly.
- Coat each piece in garlic butter to keep the bread moist and add flavor.
- Layer gently to avoid pressing down too much, which can make it dense.
- Bake until biscuit pieces turn golden brown but still soft. Avoid overbaking, or it can get hard.
- Let it rest a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set slightly, so it’s not too runny but still melty.
By following these steps, you get tender, pull-apart bread with cheesy pockets, perfect for sharing and dipping!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Bundt pan or deep round baking dish – perfect for shaping the monkey bread and helping it bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll use these to mix chicken, sauce, and coat the biscuit pieces easily.
- Kitchen scissors or knife – handy for cutting the biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces.
- Basting brush or spoon – great for spreading the garlic butter onto the biscuit pieces.
- Oven mitts – to safely handle the hot pan when it comes out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked sausage or pepperoni for a meatier, spicier twist that’s great for pizza lovers.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for some green veggies that add color and a mild crunch.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a different cheesy flavor that melts well.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning into the garlic butter for a bit of extra spice and herb aroma.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or 2 cans pre-made biscuit dough
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus an extra 5 minutes to cool before serving. So, plan for roughly 45 minutes total from start to finish—quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a bundt pan or a deep round baking dish so the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter with the minced garlic. Set this flavorful garlic butter aside for coating the biscuit pieces.
3. Cut and Coat Biscuit Pieces:
Cut each biscuit into quarters. Toss these bite-sized biscuit pieces in the garlic butter until they’re well-coated and flavorful.
4. Combine the Chicken and Cheese:
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the Alfredo sauce and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Assemble the Monkey Bread:
Dip or lightly coat each garlic buttered biscuit piece with some of the chicken Alfredo mixture. Then layer the coated pieces evenly into the greased bundt pan. Make sure to spread the chicken mixture among the biscuit pieces for even flavor.
6. Top With Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the layered monkey bread. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuit dough turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
7. Cool, Invert, and Garnish:
Remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely pop of green and fresh flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread warm, letting everyone pull apart the soft, cheesy, creamy bread pieces. It’s perfect for sharing as an appetizer or a main dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before mixing it with the Alfredo sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Pat it dry to avoid extra moisture in the monkey bread.
Can I Make Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the monkey bread, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake it a few extra minutes if needed until golden and bubbly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the bread soft and the cheese melty.
Can I Substitute the Biscuit Dough?
Yes! You can swap pre-made biscuit dough with crescent roll dough or frozen bread dough thawed completely. Each will give a slightly different texture but still taste delicious.
