This BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread is fun and delicious! Loaded with tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and melted cheese, it’s perfect for sharing. Plus, who doesn’t love tearing off pieces of bread?
I love serving it at parties—it’s always a hit! Just watch your friends race to grab the next piece. You might want to grab the first slice fast before it’s all gone! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pull-apart bread: A classic for this recipe. But if you can’t find it, a large sourdough or boule loaf works beautifully! It provides a nice crust while keeping the inside soft.
Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time. However, any cooked chicken can be used, including grilled or leftover roast chicken. If you’re vegetarian, try replacing it with sautéed mushrooms or jackfruit.
Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce for flavor! If you want something different, try a honey mustard, teriyaki, or spicy buffalo sauce for a twist.
Cheese: I love a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for melty goodness! If you’re dairy-free, there are great plant-based cheese options available, so feel free to substitute.
How Do You Cut the Bread Without Making a Mess?
Cutting the bread correctly is key to achieving the “pull-apart” effect. Here’s how to do it neatly:
- Use a sharp bread knife to make clean slices.
- Cut the loaf both horizontally and vertically, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through—leave that bottom crust intact!
- Make even cuts of about 1.5 to 2 inches apart. This allows the fillings to fit snugly without falling out.
This technique ensures you can easily pull apart the pieces later without the whole loaf disintegrating. Enjoy your delicious creation with friends and family! 🌟
BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf of pull-apart bread (or a large sourdough or boule loaf)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella or your favorite blend)
For the Flavor:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes for prep and 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes to whip up this delicious appetizer, making it perfect for parties or a cozy family night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to make cleanup easier later on.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take a sharp bread knife and carefully cut the bread into 1.5 to 2-inch squares, both horizontally and vertically. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom crust. The goal is to leave the loaf intact so it holds together while still allowing you to pull it apart later!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Give it a good stir so everything is coated in that delicious sauce!
4. Stuff the Bread:
Now it’s time to fill the bread! Gently open each square or slice you made in the bread and stuff it with a spoonful of the BBQ chicken mixture. Add a sprinkle of cheese in between the cuts as well, pushing some further down into the loaf. Fill it up generously!
5. Create the Butter Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Drizzle this tasty mixture evenly over the entire loaf. Make sure to get it into all those crevices!
6. Bake It:
Place the stuffed bread onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread has turned a lovely golden color!
7. Finishing Touch:
Once it’s out of the oven, drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a vibrant, tasty garnish.
8. Serve Warm:
Let it cool for a few minutes, then get ready to dig in! Serve warm, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Watch as everyone pulls apart the cheesy, BBQ chicken-filled pieces. Enjoy every delicious bite!
This crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack is perfect for sharing — messy, cheesy, and irresistible!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce before stuffing the bread.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread and stuff it with the chicken and cheese mixture a few hours ahead. Just cover it with foil and store it in the fridge. Bake it right before serving for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual pieces, but the oven will help keep the bread crispy.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Pepper jack adds a nice kick, while gouda or provolone can bring a unique flavor. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well!