When I first tried making chicken alfredo monkey bread, I had no idea it would quickly become a family favorite. The combination of rich, creamy alfredo sauce with fluffy, cheesy bread is simply irresistible.
Pulling apart those golden pieces, each bite packed with tender chicken and gooey cheese, is pure comfort food bliss! It’s also surprisingly easy to make, which means I can whip it up for a casual dinner or even a party, and it never fails to impress. Trust me, if you love fun, flavorful recipes, this one will steal the show every time!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create this delightful dish, with a few tips to elevate the flavors.
- Pizza dough (2 pounds) – Use refrigerated dough for quicker prep, and make sure it’s well-rested at room temperature for easy stretching.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons) – Helps coat the dough evenly and adds flavor when baking.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon) – Brings a balance of savory herbs; feel free to use your favorite blend.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic will pack more flavor compared to pre-minced jarred options.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded) – Freshly grated cheese melts more beautifully into creamy perfection.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to complement the alfredo sauce.
- Rotisserie chicken (2 cups, shredded) – Perfect for convenience; the seasoned chicken pairs well with the sauce.
- Alfredo sauce (1 cup) – Choose a good-quality jarred sauce or make your own for richer flavor.
Note: This recipe makes 6-8 servings, depending on portion sizes.
Variations
This recipe is versatile, and you can get creative with ingredient swaps and add-ins!
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions for added flavor and texture.
- Switch the Protein: Use shredded turkey, diced ham, or even crumbled cooked bacon.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Blend gouda, fontina, or sharp cheddar with the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Make It Healthier: Opt for whole-grain pizza dough and use a light alfredo sauce with reduced-fat cheeses.
Cooking Time
Here’s how much time you’ll need to make this delicious chicken alfredo monkey bread:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
- Bundt Pan – To create the signature pull-apart ring shape.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For evenly coating dough balls with seasonings and cheese.
- Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors – To cut the pizza dough into bite-sized pieces.
- Baking Spray – Ensures easy release and prevents sticking during baking.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread?
Making this dish is simple, fun, and totally worth the effort. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, cheesy masterpiece ready in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Cut your pizza dough into ½-inch pieces. Roll each cut piece into small balls and place them all into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season and Coat
Drizzle the olive oil over the dough balls, then add the Italian seasoning, garlic, ½ cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Use your hands to thoroughly mix and coat every piece of dough evenly with these flavorful toppings.
Step 3: Layer in the Pan
Spray your bundt pan generously with baking spray. Next, start layering half of the dough balls into the pan. Add ½ cup each of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, half the shredded chicken, and half the alfredo sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the monkey bread for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is perfectly golden brown and the cheese is nicely melted and bubbling.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Carefully remove the bundt pan from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Then invert it onto a large serving plate. Cut or pull apart pieces to serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Credit: iamhomesteader.com
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are a few things I learned to make this recipe foolproof and even more delicious.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Leave some space between the dough balls; this helps them bake evenly and prevents doughy spots.
- Shred Cheese Fresh: Grating mozzarella and Parmesan yourself ensures a creamy, perfect melt every time.
- Distribute Layers Evenly: Spreading the cheese and sauce evenly keeps every bite flavorful and gooey.
- Use a High-Quality Sauce: A good jar of Alfredo sauce makes all the difference. If time permits, make your own cream-based sauce for a richer taste.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread?
This cheesy bread is not only versatile but also a crowd-pleaser. Here are some fun serving ideas!
- Main Dish: Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
- Appetizer: Serve it at parties with extra Alfredo dipping sauce on the side.
- Side Dish: Enjoy it alongside hearty soups or a pasta dish for a comforting, complete meal.
For presentation, sprinkle fresh parsley or extra Parmesan on top and serve warm for maximum flavor!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving to keep you informed.
- Calories: 262
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 12 g
Make Ahead and Storage
- Refrigeration
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through. - Freezing
To freeze, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe bundt pan, wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish has everything to make it a new family favorite.
- Quick and Beginner-Friendly: You’ll have this masterpiece ready in just over an hour, with no complicated techniques needed.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a comforting family dinner. Everyone loves the creamy, cheesy goodness!
- Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Fun to Eat: The pull-apart style makes this bread great for sharing (or keeping it all to yourself!).
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chicken, alfredo, and gooey cheese ensures every bite is rich and satisfying.
Give this Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread a try, and I promise it’ll be one of those recipes you keep coming back to. Enjoy!
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- Pizza dough 2 pounds
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Italian seasoning 1 tablespoon
- Garlic 3 cloves, minced
- Mozzarella cheese 1 ½ cups, shredded
- Parmesan cheese 1 cup, shredded
- Rotisserie chicken 2 cups, shredded
- Alfredo sauce 1 cup
Instructions
- Cut your pizza dough into ½-inch pieces. Roll each cut piece into small balls and place them all into a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the dough balls, then add the Italian seasoning, garlic, ½ cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Use your hands to thoroughly mix and coat every piece of dough evenly with these flavorful toppings.
- Spray your bundt pan generously with baking spray. Next, start layering half of the dough balls into the pan. Add ½ cup each of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, half the shredded chicken, and half the alfredo sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the monkey bread for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is perfectly golden brown and the cheese is nicely melted and bubbling.
- Carefully remove the bundt pan from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Then invert it onto a large serving plate. Cut or pull apart pieces to serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Notes
- Quick and Beginner-Friendly: You’ll have this masterpiece ready in just over an hour, with no complicated techniques needed.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a comforting family dinner. Everyone loves the creamy, cheesy goodness!
- Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Fun to Eat: The pull-apart style makes this bread great for sharing (or keeping it all to yourself!).
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chicken, alfredo, and gooey cheese ensures every bite is rich and satisfying.
