Description
This Chicken Stuffed French Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make main course that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy cheese and fresh vegetables, all baked inside a hollowed French bread loaf. Perfect for an easy dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, it features a delightful mix of flavors and a golden, crispy crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 large loaf of French bread
Filling
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the stuffed bread.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or knife to hollow out the center of each half, leaving about a 1/2 inch thick border around the edges to hold the filling without breaking.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, finely chopped green onions, red bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Stuff Bread: Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into both hollowed halves of the bread. Press the filling gently to pack it firmly but avoid tearing the bread.
- Optional Butter Brushing: Brush the tops of the stuffed bread halves lightly with melted butter to enhance browning and flavor during baking.
- Bake: Place the stuffed bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bread crust is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly throughout.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly for safe handling, then slice into portions and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added flavor, incorporate chopped bacon or sautéed mushrooms into the filling mixture.
- Substitute mozzarella cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper or spicier taste.
