This BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread is a fun twist on pizza! Juicy chicken and tangy barbecue sauce snuggle between fluffy pieces of bread, making each bite a joy.
You can really make this your own by adding cheese or veggies. I love making it for game day—everyone loves tearing off their pieces, and it’s always a big hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Soft White Bread: A classic choice for this dish. You can use any soft loaf like brioche or Hawaiian bread for a slightly sweeter flavor. If gluten-free is your goal, opt for a gluten-free bread that has a similar texture.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here, making it faster! For a vegetarian option, consider using shredded jackfruit or even chickpeas mixed with barbecue sauce.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce! If you prefer it less sweet, go for a vinegar-based barbecue sauce. You can also swap with hot sauce for a spicy kick!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice sharpness, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor. Vegan cheese is a great substitution if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Cut Bread for Pull Apart Bread Without Crushing It?
Cutting the bread properly is key for this recipe! Use a serrated bread knife for a clean slice and be gentle to keep the bread intact. Here’s how:
- Place the loaf on a cutting board and hold it steady.
- Start cutting downwards into 1 to 1½ inch cubes—don’t press down too hard.
- Try to keep the bottom of the loaf intact to hold all the delicious filling inside.
With practice, it gets easier, and you’ll have beautifully cut bread ready for your filling!
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Ingredients?
Layering properly ensures each piece is packed with flavor! Here are some tips:
- After tossing the bread with butter, start layering in the loaf pan.
- Alternate between bread cubes, chicken, and cheese. This way, every piece will be flavor-packed!
- Don’t fret if it looks messy; it’ll all come together while baking!
Enjoy making this delicious dish, and remember that a bit of chaos in the assembly can lead to greatness in taste!
BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf of soft white bread (such as sandwich bread or pull-apart bread loaf)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then another 30 minutes for baking, so you’ll need around 45 minutes total. It’s quick to prepare and even quicker to devour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take a loaf pan, grease it lightly, or line it with parchment paper to make removal easier later. This will ensure your bread comes out beautifully!
2. Cut the Bread:
Take your loaf of bread and carefully cut it into 1 to 1½ inch cubes. Be gentle as you cut to keep the cubes from squishing. It’s important to keep the bottom of the loaf mostly intact so all the delicious filling stays inside!
3. Mix the Chicken Filling:
In a large bowl, add your shredded chicken. Pour in 3/4 cup of barbecue sauce, the smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the sauce. This step brings all that barbecue flavor to the chicken!
4. Prepare the Bread Cubes:
Now, in another bowl, toss the bread cubes with the melted butter. You want to coat them lightly, so every piece has a touch of buttery goodness. It adds flavor and helps them crisp up during baking!
5. Layer the Ingredients:
In your prepared loaf pan, start layering the bread cubes. Add small amounts of the chicken mixture and some cheese in between layers. Repeat until all the bread, chicken, and cheese are used up. The goal here is to create a delicious mix of flavors in every bite!
6. Top It Off:
Once your pan is filled, drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce over the top and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on. This will create a gooey, melted top layer, which is the best part!
7. Bake It:
Cover your loaf pan loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, and bake for 20 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. This helps it set a little more and makes it easier to pull apart. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice touch!
9. Enjoy:
Now comes the fun part! Serve your BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Bread warm, and enjoy pulling apart those cheesy, flavorful pieces. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
This dish is all about fun and flavor, bringing everyone together with its gooey, delicious layers. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted, grilled, or even rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred it up and mix it with the barbecue sauce as instructed!
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can substitute with buffalo sauce for a spicy kick, or even a homemade sauce. A mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce can also work well!
Can I Prepare This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the pull-apart bread a few hours ahead and cover it in the fridge. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, drizzling a bit of extra barbecue sauce to keep it moist while warming up.
