This Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread is a fun and tasty dish! It’s packed with zesty buffalo chicken and gooey cheese, all wrapped in soft pull-apart bread.
Get ready for a messy but delicious time! I can’t help but share it at parties—everyone loves tearing off a piece and diving in. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
Whenever I make this, I serve it warm with ranch dip on the side. It’s perfect for game day or just a cozy night in front of the TV with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A large round loaf works best for pulling apart. If you can’t find it, any soft artisan bread or sourdough also works well. Just make sure it’s unsliced so you can create those lovely sections!
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for quick prep or leftover roasted chicken. For a vegetarian twist, consider cubed tofu or jackfruit mixed with buffalo sauce, giving a similar texture and flavor.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic, but you can also try any hot sauce you like. If you prefer mild flavors, mix it with melted butter for a milder version. Adjust the heat based on your taste!
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but you can substitute with pepper jack for extra spice. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cheese shreds that melt well.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances flavor, but olive oil can be a healthier substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option.
How Do I Cut the Bread Without Messing It Up?
Cutting the bread for this recipe is simple, but it requires a gentle hand to keep it intact. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a sharp bread knife to make clean cuts.
- Cut straight down every 1 to 1.5 inches across the bread, without cutting through the bottom.
- After the first cuts, turn the bread 90 degrees and repeat. This creates a nice grid for stuffing.
Take your time while cutting! This technique helps keep the loaf sturdy while making it easy to pull apart later.
Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large round loaf of bread (about 10-12 oz), unsliced
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing (optional, for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
Optional Sides:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Carrot sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pull-apart bread will take about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of around 40-45 minutes. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your large round loaf and using a sharp bread knife, make cuts across the bread about 1 to 1.5 inches apart. Slice down almost to the bottom, but be careful not to cut all the way through. Turn the bread around 90 degrees and make another set of cuts in the same spacing, creating a grid pattern.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce. Mix it well to ensure all the chicken is coated with that spicy goodness!
4. Stuff the Bread:
Gently pull apart the squares of bread and stuff them with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Then, evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture into the cuts, pushing it deep inside every section.
5. Add the Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter generously over the top of the stuffed bread, making sure to let some seep into the cracks for added flavor.
6. Bake the Bread:
Place your stuffed bread onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven. If you like, drizzle ranch dressing on top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy it with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing and carrot sticks on the side for a delightful snacking experience!
Enjoy tearing apart this gooey, spicy Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread—it’s perfect for parties or just a fun night in!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken off the bones and mix it with the buffalo sauce before stuffing the bread.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you like it hot, use a hotter buffalo sauce or add extra cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture. You can also opt for pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, so the bread stays crispy.
Can I Freeze Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Bread?
Yes! After baking, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through.