Stuffed Chicken Bacon Chive Bread Loaf: A Cheesy, Savory Delight!
If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor, this Stuffed Chicken Bacon Chive Bread Loaf is a must-try! Perfect for family gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in, this recipe combines savory shredded chicken, crispy bacon, fresh chives, and gooey cheese—all packed into a rustic bread loaf.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Bread:
- 1 large loaf of rustic bread (baguette or ciabatta work best)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works best)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula for spreading the filling
Instructions
Ready to create this cheesy masterpiece? Follow these steps:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, slice your bread loaf in half lengthwise to create two long halves.
2. Hollow Out the Bread
Carefully hollow out both halves, leaving about 1/2 inch of bread along the edges to form a pocket for the filling. Save or discard the bread you remove—it’s perfect for making homemade croutons or breadcrumbs later!
3. Prepare the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped chives, and shredded cheese. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, and Dijon mustard (if using). Pour this mixture over the chicken and bacon mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff the Bread
Stuff each half of the bread with the chicken, bacon, chive, and cheese mixture. Press the filling down gently to pack it in tightly.
5. Bake
Place the stuffed bread halves on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
6. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
While the bread bakes, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the heavy cream and milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
7. Serve
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Slice and serve warm for the ultimate savory experience!