Introduction
Who needs a fancy restaurant when you can have Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread at home? This recipe takes all the gooey, cheesy goodness of Chicken Alfredo and transforms it into a fun, pull-apart masterpiece that’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any occasion where you want comfort food that’s both delicious and surprisingly easy to make! Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it cleverly combines two comfort food favorites – Chicken Alfredo and monkey bread – into one irresistible dish. The pull-apart nature makes it fun and interactive, perfect for sharing. It’s also incredibly forgiving; if your dough isn’t perfectly uniform, no one will care once they taste that creamy Alfredo sauce and tender chicken!
Key Ingredients
- 🥖 1 loaf (1 pound) refrigerated bread dough
- 🐔 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 🧀 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2️⃣ Cut the bread dough into 1-inch pieces.
3️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley (if using), and minced garlic (if using).
4️⃣ Gently toss the bread dough pieces in the chicken Alfredo mixture, ensuring each piece is coated.
5️⃣ Arrange the coated bread dough pieces in the prepared baking pan.
6️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7️⃣ Let the monkey bread cool slightly before serving. Enjoy pulling apart and savoring each delicious bite!
Handy Tips
- Use a good quality Alfredo sauce for the best flavor. Homemade is great, but store-bought works perfectly too!
- Don’t overmix the bread dough and the chicken Alfredo mixture; you want some chunks of chicken and cheese for added texture.
- If you want a crispier top, broil the monkey bread for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the bread dough cooks evenly while the Alfredo sauce heats through and the cheese melts beautifully. A lower temperature might result in undercooked dough, while a higher temperature could lead to burning before the inside is cooked.
Crunch Factor
While not overly crunchy, this monkey bread boasts a delightful combination of textures. The soft, pull-apart bread dough contrasts beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce and the slightly stringy melted mozzarella.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning to the chicken Alfredo mixture.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking.
- Add some sauteed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the mixture for a gourmet twist.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This makes a fantastic gift! Wrap individual portions in foil or parchment paper and tie with a ribbon. For a more elegant presentation, bake it in a smaller, individual-sized baking dish.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Chicken Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken Alfredo mixture.
🌟 Bacon Cheddar Alfredo: Crumble cooked bacon and add it to the mixture along with shredded cheddar cheese instead of (or in addition to) mozzarella.
🌟 Spinach and Artichoke Alfredo: Add a cup of chopped spinach and a can of drained and chopped artichoke hearts to the mixture.
🌟 Buffalo Chicken Alfredo: Use Buffalo wing sauce instead of regular Alfredo sauce, and add some crumbled blue cheese.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Monkey Bread: If your monkey bread is too dry, next time add a tablespoon or two more Alfredo sauce.
- Burnt Monkey Bread: If your monkey bread is burning on top, lower the oven temperature slightly or tent it with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
- Soggy Monkey Bread: If your monkey bread is soggy, ensure the bread dough pieces are not overcrowded in the baking pan; this can trap moisture.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen bread dough? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before using.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the monkey bread the day before and bake it the next day. Store the assembled monkey bread in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time.
- What can I substitute for Alfredo sauce? You can use a creamy tomato sauce or a white wine cream sauce.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Conclusion
This Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a game-changer! It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and fun, guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations and rave reviews on RateMyRecipes! Happy baking!