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- 4 large round bread loaves - 2 cups cooked chicken breast - 2 cups heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish To make Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bread Bowls, you will need a few key ingredients. First, choose four large round bread loaves. Italian or sourdough bread works best. These loaves will hold your creamy filling well. Next, you need cooked chicken breast. Shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. You can use leftover chicken or cook it fresh. Heavy cream is essential for rich, creamy sauce. It gives the dish its Alfredo character. You'll want both grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. These cheeses melt well and add a delicious taste. Unsalted butter and minced garlic bring a lovely base flavor. The garlic must be fragrant, but not browned, for the best result. Italian seasoning adds depth. A pinch of salt and black pepper enhances the overall flavor. Finally, fresh parsley is for garnish. It adds color and freshness. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a comfort dish that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets the oven ready for baking. 2. Take your large bread loaves. Cut off the tops carefully. Use your hands or a spoon to remove the insides. Leave about 1/2 inch of bread on the edges. This makes sturdy bowls. Set the bread insides aside for later use, like croutons. 1. In a large saucepan, heat over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. 2. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell nice but not brown. 3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. 4. Add the Italian seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. 5. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and the sauce is smooth. 6. Now, add the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce is creamy. 1. Take the shredded chicken and mix it into the Alfredo sauce. Make sure each piece gets coated well. 2. Use a spoon or ladle to fill each hollowed-out bread bowl. Pack the filling in well. 3. Place the filled bread bowls on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for the edges to be crispy and golden. 4. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a minute. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. - Choosing the right bread For this dish, I love using large round bread loaves like Italian or sourdough. These types have a nice crust and a soft inside. They hold the creamy sauce well and add flavor. - Tips for flavor enhancement Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the sauce. A dash of lemon juice brightens the flavors. If you want spice, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. - Sauce too thick or thin? If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of milk or chicken broth. Stir well until it reaches your desired creaminess. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken. You can also whisk in more cheese. - Bread bowls collapsing Make sure to leave enough bread around the edges when hollowing out. This keeps the structure strong. If your bread bowls still collapse, try using a sturdier bread next time. - Alternatives to parsley If you’re not a fan of parsley, try using fresh basil or chives instead. Both add a nice pop of color and flavor. - Additional toppings You can sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking. Crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms also make great toppings. For a fresh touch, add sliced green onions right before serving. Pro Tips Use Stale Bread: If you have day-old bread, use it for the bowls. Stale bread holds up better to the creamy filling and won’t get soggy as quickly. Customize the Chicken: Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken or even turkey. This recipe is versatile and can accommodate whatever protein you have on hand. Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, consider mixing in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli into the Alfredo sauce. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as gouda or cheddar for a unique flavor twist in your Alfredo sauce. {{image_4}} For a healthier dish, swap heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based cream. This change cuts calories while keeping some creaminess. You can also use whole wheat bread for added fiber. If you're looking for vegetarian options, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You can also use a mix of your favorite veggies. This keeps the dish tasty and filling without meat. Want some heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. This gives your Alfredo a spicy kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese for extra flavor. Adding vegetables makes this dish even better. Consider mixing in broccoli, bell peppers, or peas. They add color and nutrition to your bread bowls. Pair your Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bread Bowls with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works well. You can also serve with garlic bread for extra flavor. For drinks, try a light white wine. A crisp sparkling water with lemon is also refreshing. These drinks complement the rich flavors in the dish. To store your bread bowls, first, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh and tasty. For the best taste, eat them within three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This makes them warm and crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but the bread may get soft. Yes, you can freeze bread bowls! This is a great way to save leftovers. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each bowl in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat them, move them to the fridge overnight. This lets them thaw slowly. To heat, follow the same steps as reheating fresh bowls. In the fridge, your Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bread Bowls last for about three days. After that, they may spoil. Look for signs of spoilage. If the bread feels hard or the filling smells bad, it's time to throw it out. Always trust your nose and eyes when checking food! To make Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bread Bowls, follow these steps: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Hollow out the bread loaves. Cut the tops off and scoop out the insides. Leave about a half-inch of bread. 3. Melt butter in a pan and sauté minced garlic for about one minute. 4. Add heavy cream slowly. Stir and let it simmer. Mix in Italian seasoning and season with salt and black pepper. 5. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted, then add mozzarella cheese. 6. Mix in shredded chicken until all is coated in the sauce. 7. Fill the bread bowls with the chicken Alfredo mixture. 8. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy. 9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. This dish is easy and full of flavor. It’s great for a cozy night in or a fun dinner with friends. Yes, you can use leftover chicken for this recipe! Here are some best practices for using leftovers: - Shred the chicken into small pieces. This helps it mix well with the sauce. - Heat the chicken gently in the sauce to keep it moist. - Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Leftover chicken should be reheated to at least 165°F (74°C). Using leftover chicken saves time and adds great flavor to your bread bowls. The best bread for bread bowls includes: - Italian bread: It has a nice crust and holds the filling well. - Sourdough: This bread adds a tangy flavor and is strong enough to hold the sauce. - Boules: Round loaves are perfect for shaping a bowl. Choose bread that is sturdy. You want it to hold the creamy Alfredo and not get soggy. You’ve learned how to make tasty Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bread Bowls. We covered the key ingredients and simple steps to create this dish. You can choose alternatives and tips to suit your taste. Storing and freezing ideas help you enjoy leftovers too. Now, gather your ingredients and enjoy this fun cooking project. You’ll impress your family and friends with your tasty creation! Remember, cooking is about trying new things and having fun. Enjoy each bite!

Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bread Bowls

Delicious bread bowls filled with creamy chicken Alfredo sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large round bread loaves (such as Italian or sourdough)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Carefully hollow out the bread loaves by slicing off the tops and using your hands or a spoon to remove the insides, leaving about 1/2 inch of the bread intact around the edges to create sturdy bowls. Set aside the bread insides (the crumbs) for use in other recipes or to make croutons later.
  • Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  • Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add in the Italian seasoning, and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it has completely melted and the sauce has become smooth. Then, add the shredded mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until it melts and the sauce becomes richly creamy.
  • Incorporate the shredded chicken into the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure that each piece is thoroughly coated with the delicious Alfredo mixture.
  • Using a spoon or a ladle, generously fill each hollowed-out bread bowl with the creamy chicken Alfredo filling, ensuring each bowl is well-packed.
  • Transfer the filled bread bowls onto a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the bread edges are slightly crispy and golden with a delightful aroma.
  • Take the bread bowls out of the oven and allow them to cool for a minute. Before serving, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

You can use the bread insides to make croutons or breadcrumbs.
Keyword Alfredo, bread bowls, cheesy, chicken