Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a delightful twist on traditional pull-apart bread, perfect for any gathering. This savory treat combines the flavors of cheesy alfredo and tender chicken wrapped in soft pizza dough. It’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its gooey cheese and flavorful filling, Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread promises to be a crowd-pleaser at your next party or family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal preparation and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavorful Combination: The rich flavors of alfredo sauce and melted cheese blend beautifully with tender chicken, creating a delicious bite every time.
• Perfect for Sharing: Pull-apart bread encourages friendly sharing, making it great for gatherings, game nights, or family dinners.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or vegetables to the mix for a personalized touch that suits your taste.
• Great Leftovers: This dish stays tasty even the next day; simply reheat and enjoy!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Bundt pan
• Cooking spray
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Bundt pan: The unique shape allows the bread to bake evenly while providing a beautiful presentation when inverted.
• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is crucial for combining the dough balls with seasonings without spilling.

Ingredients

To make Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 2 tubes (13.8 ounces each) pizza dough
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic, (minced)

For the Filling

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, (shredded, divided)
• 2 cups parmesan cheese, (grated, divided)
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, (shredded, divided)
• 1 cup alfredo sauce, (divided)

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, spray a large bundt pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough Balls

Cut the pizza dough into ½-inch pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Season the Dough Balls

Top the balls of dough with olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup parmesan cheese. Use your hands to thoroughly coat each dough ball.

Step 4: Layer in Bundt Pan

In the prepared bundt pan:
1. Add ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
2. Add ½ cup parmesan cheese.
3. Layer half of the seasoned dough balls.
4. Pour in 1 cup of shredded chicken.
5. Drizzle with ½ cup alfredo sauce.
6. Repeat with another layer of ½ cup mozzarella cheese and ½ cup parmesan cheese.
7. Top with remaining dough balls, remaining chicken, and remaining alfredo sauce.
8. Finish off with the last ½ cup of mozzarella and ½ cup parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake It!

Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Invert and Cool

Once baked, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a large plate to release the monkey bread. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread as a delightful appetizer or main dish!

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether for a casual gathering or a cozy family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the richness of the monkey bread with its crisp romaine and tangy dressing.
• Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds a light touch that balances the savory flavors.

Offer Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch makes for a perfect dip, enhancing each bite of the pull-apart bread.
• Garlic Butter: A warm garlic butter dip offers an extra layer of flavor that’s irresistible.

Serve with Veggies

• Grilled Vegetables: Charred bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus provide a colorful and nutritious side that pairs well.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a healthy contrast to the richness of the chicken Alfredo.

How to Perfect Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

Achieving the perfect Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to make your dish stand out.

• Bold Seasoning: Use fresh herbs and spices for an aromatic and flavorful dough. This enhances every bite.
• Even Dough Balls: Ensure that your pizza dough pieces are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent texture throughout.
• Proper Layering: Layer ingredients thoughtfully in the bundt pan. This ensures that every piece has an even distribution of chicken, cheese, and sauce.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time; the top should be golden brown and the cheese melted for optimal texture.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A crunchy garlic bread adds a delightful crunch alongside the soft monkey bread.
2. Mixed Greens: A simple mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides freshness to balance out the richness.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs offer a hearty complement to your main dish.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn can be enjoyed grilled or boiled as a fun side that contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, making it a great pairing for rich dishes like this monkey bread.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables provide nutrition and color on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread can be a delightful experience. However, there are a few common mistakes that could affect the outcome.

• Using cold ingredients – Always ensure your ingredients, especially the pizza dough, are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
• Overcrowding the bundt pan – Avoid cramming too many dough balls into the pan. This can prevent even cooking and result in unevenly baked bread.
• Skipping the seasoning – Failing to properly season the dough balls can lead to bland flavors. Always coat them well with olive oil and spices for a delicious taste.
• Not monitoring baking time – Keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. Every oven is different; check for a golden brown top to avoid overbaking.
• Forgetting to cool before serving – Allowing the bread to cool for just a few minutes helps it set and makes it easier to remove from the pan.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Freezing Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and reheat covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual pieces on medium power for 30-45 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over medium heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread.

Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can absolutely use homemade pizza dough for Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread. Just ensure it’s rolled into equal-sized pieces.

How do I customize my Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. You could also try different cheeses if desired.

What can I serve with Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread?

Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables, making for a complete meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough balls and layer them in the pan a few hours ahead. Just bake right before serving!

Final Thoughts

Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as an appetizer or even as a main dish. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a fun twist on traditional comfort food!