Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

Amazing Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

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I’m so excited to share one of my favorite answers to the age-old question, “What will I cook tonight?” When I’m craving something comforting, savory, and undeniably fun, my mind immediately goes to this incredible Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread. It’s the perfect pull-apart delight that takes classic chicken alfredo flavors and wraps them into a playful, shareable loaf.

This dish is all about making dinner exciting and easy, proving that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. With just about an hour of total prep and cook time, you can have a golden, cheesy, and utterly irresistible centerpiece on your table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unique twist on a beloved Italian-American classic!.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

I truly believe this recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks like me. Here’s why I know you’ll adore it:

  • It’s ridiculously easy to make. I use simple, readily available ingredients that come together with minimal fuss.
  • The flavors are incredible. Classic Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheeses baked into soft pizza dough – what’s not to love?
  • It’s a crowd-pleaser. This pull-apart bread is so much fun to eat and always gets rave reviews, whether I serve it for a casual dinner or a get-together.
  • It transforms dinner into an exciting event. Forget boring meals; this monkey bread makes every bite an adventure!
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

Key Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread & Smart Swaps

I always aim for recipes that are simple but still packed with flavor, and this Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a perfect example. Let’s look at the stars of the show and some smart swaps I’ve found helpful.

The Dough

I absolutely love using store-bought pizza dough for this recipe. It’s incredibly convenient, saves me so much time, and bakes up beautifully, giving us that soft, slightly chewy texture that’s perfect for pulling apart.

If I can’t find pizza dough, or just want to try something different, refrigerated biscuit dough or even crescent rolls can work in a pinch. Just cut them into smaller pieces before rolling them into balls.

The Chicken

Rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon for so many quick dinners, and it shines in this recipe. It’s already cooked, seasoned, and tender, which means I can shred it in minutes and have a delicious protein ready to go.

To shred it easily, I usually just use two forks, or even my clean hands, to pull the meat off the bones. If I don’t have a rotisserie chicken, I’ll quickly grill, boil, or bake a seasoned chicken breast, then shred it once it’s cooled slightly.

The Alfredo Sauce

Store-bought Alfredo sauce is another time-saver I lean on heavily. It provides that rich, creamy base without any fuss.

When I’m at the grocery store, I look for a brand with good quality ingredients and a flavor I already enjoy. Of course, if I have time, a homemade Alfredo sauce is always a treat, but for this quick recipe, store-bought is my go-to. For an [easy and flavorful one-pan dish] with similar components, I often reach for a different recipe.

The Cheeses & Seasonings

Mozzarella and Parmesan are non-negotiables for me in this dish. Mozzarella gives us that incredible, gooey pull, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth of flavor that complements the Alfredo sauce perfectly.

I’ve also experimented with other cheeses, and I can tell you that cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of Asiago can add interesting twists if you’re feeling adventurous. For [another cheesy chicken dish], I highly recommend giving that a try too! Italian seasoning brings an aromatic blend of herbs that screams comfort, and minced garlic adds that essential savory kick.

Equipment You’ll Need

Making this Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is pretty straightforward, and I bet you have most of these items in your kitchen already:

  • Large Bundt pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooking spray

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread: Step-by-Step

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a large bundt pan with cooking spray and set aside. I like to make sure my oven is fully preheated so the monkey bread starts cooking evenly right away.
  2. Cut pizza dough into ½-inch pieces. Roll each into a ball and set into a large bowl. Don’t worry about perfect uniformity; rustic is just fine!
  3. Top balls of dough with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup parmesan cheese. Use your hands to coat the dough balls. This is where the fun begins; I really get in there with my hands to make sure every piece of dough is deliciously coated.
  4. In the prepared bundt pan, add ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup parmesan, ½ of the dough balls, 1 cup of chicken, and ½ cup of the alfredo sauce. Then, add another ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup parmesan cheese, the remaining pizza dough balls, remaining chicken, and the rest of the alfredo sauce. Finally, end with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and ½ cup parmesan. I try to layer everything as evenly as possible so every serving gets a bit of everything!
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted. I always keep an eye on it towards the end; I want that beautiful golden crust and bubbly, melted cheese throughout.
  6. Invert the bundt pan onto a large plate. This is the big reveal! I let it sit for a minute or two before lifting the pan, just to ensure everything settles.
  7. Allow the bread to cool for 5 minutes before serving. It will be very hot, so giving it a few minutes to cool down makes it much easier and safer to pull apart and enjoy.
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Maya Anderson

Amazing Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

This incredible Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is the perfect pull-apart delight, taking classic chicken alfredo flavors and wrapping them into a playful, shareable loaf. It’s a delicious and easy dish that makes dinner exciting, proving that great meals don’t have to be complicated.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 262

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tubes pizza dough (13.8 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
  • 2 cups parmesan cheese grated, divided
  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken shredded, divided
  • 1 cup alfredo sauce divided

Equipment

  • Large Bundt pan
  • large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • sharp knife
  • measuring cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Cooking spray

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a large bundt pan generously with cooking spray, coating every nook and cranny. You can lightly flour the pan after spraying, tapping out any excess, for extra non-stick insurance.
  2. Cut pizza dough into ½-inch pieces. Roll each into a ball and set into a large bowl.
  3. Top 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 the dough balls.
  4. In the prepared bundt pan, add ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup parmesan, ½ of the coated dough balls, 1 cup of shredded chicken, and ½ cup of the alfredo sauce. Then, layer with another ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup parmesan cheese, the remaining pizza dough balls, the remaining shredded chicken, and the rest of the alfredo sauce. Finally, end with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and ½ cup parmesan. Try to layer everything as evenly as possible.
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end.
  6. Invert the bundt pan onto a large plate. Let it sit for a minute or two before lifting the pan to ensure everything settles and releases perfectly.
  7. Allow the bread to cool for 5 minutes before serving, as it will be very hot. This makes it easier and safer to pull apart and enjoy.

Notes

This recipe is highly flexible! For the dough, try refrigerated biscuit dough for a softer texture or crescent roll dough for a flakier bite. For chicken, use grilled, boiled, or finely diced seasoned chicken breast if rotisserie isn’t available. Experiment with cheeses like provolone, Asiago, or sharp cheddar, and add red pepper flakes for a kick. Vegetable add-ins like sautéed spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooked mushrooms, or steamed broccoli florets work well. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan, crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or chopped fresh basil. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pizza or biscuit dough. For a lighter version, opt for a lighter Alfredo sauce or a homemade cauliflower Alfredo base. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms, plant-based chicken alternatives, or roasted bell peppers and zucchini.
While best fresh, you can prepare the dough balls (coated with oil, seasoning, garlic, and cheese) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Shred the chicken and measure the Alfredo sauce ahead of time for quick assembly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual pieces gently in the microwave or cover the loaf loosely with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Freezing is not recommended.

Variations & Customizations for Your Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

I love that this Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread recipe is so flexible. It’s easy to make it your own with a few simple tweaks. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen; I encourage you to experiment!

CategoryCustomization Idea
DoughTry refrigerated biscuit dough for a softer texture or crescent roll dough for a flakier bite.
ChickenUse grilled chicken for a smoky flavor, boiled chicken for a lighter option, or finely diced seasoned chicken breast.
CheeseMix in some provolone, Asiago, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for extra tang.
Spice LevelAdd a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a subtle kick, or more for a bolder heat.
Vegetable Add-insFold in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), cooked mushrooms, or steamed broccoli florets.
Toppings/GarnishesSprinkle with extra grated Parmesan, crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or chopped fresh basil right before serving.

Dietary Adjustments & Lighter Swaps

I believe everyone should be able to enjoy delicious food, so I’ve also thought about some ways to adjust this Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread to fit different dietary needs or preferences.

Adjustment TypePractical Swap/Suggestion
Gluten-FreeUse gluten-free pizza dough or your favorite gluten-free biscuit dough alternative.
Lighter AlfredoOpt for a lighter store-bought Alfredo sauce, or try a homemade cauliflower alfredo base.
VegetarianSubstitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, plant-based chicken alternatives, or extra veggies like roasted bell peppers and zucchini.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

This Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is wonderfully versatile, and I love serving it in different ways. It’s fantastic as a fun main dish for a family dinner, but it also makes a show-stopping appetizer for game day or a potluck.

I often serve it with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A simple, light soup would also be lovely alongside. For a [hearty and comforting soup] option, consider this one. For dipping, I sometimes offer warm marinara sauce or extra Alfredo sauce on the side. And for those who love garlic, a little extra warm garlic bread never hurts!

Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

I know how important it is to have make-ahead options when you’re busy!

For this Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread, I usually don’t recommend assembling and baking it much ahead of time, as it’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, I can prepare the dough balls and coat them with the olive oil, seasoning, garlic, and cheese, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. I’ll shred the chicken and measure out the Alfredo sauce too, so assembly is super quick when I’m ready to bake.

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like to warm individual pieces gently in the microwave, or cover the entire loaf loosely with foil and bake it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish, as the dough can become a bit tough after thawing.

Common Questions About Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread (FAQs)

I get a lot of questions about making recipes easier and more successful, so I’ve compiled some common queries about this delicious monkey bread to help you out!

  • Can I use raw chicken in this recipe? I don’t recommend using raw chicken in this specific recipe. The cook time for the monkey bread isn’t long enough to guarantee fully cooked raw chicken, especially when it’s layered within the dough. I always use pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie, for convenience and safety.
  • How long does Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread last? I find that it’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • How can I prevent the monkey bread from sticking to the bundt pan? This is so important! I always make sure to spray my bundt pan very generously with cooking spray, coating every single crevice. Sometimes I even lightly flour the pan after spraying to create an extra non-stick layer. Take your time with this step; it makes all the difference for a perfect release.
  • Can I use different types of pasta sauce? Absolutely! While I love Alfredo for this recipe, I’ve also tried a marinara or a creamy tomato sauce for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the sauce isn’t too watery, or it might make the dough soggy.
  • How do I ensure the dough cooks evenly? To ensure even cooking, I make sure my oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature. Also, try to layer the dough balls and fillings as evenly as possible in the bundt pan, without packing it down too tightly. This allows the heat to circulate properly and cook everything through.

Conclusion

There you have it, my friends! This Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is truly one of my favorite answers when I’m wondering, “What will I cook?” It’s a delicious, easy, and incredibly fun way to bring a little excitement to your dinner table. I just love how the classic flavors of chicken alfredo come alive in this pull-apart format.

I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as delightful as I do. I’m always so eager to hear about your cooking adventures, so please, leave a comment below and tell me what you think! Did you try any fun customizations? Or do you have a question I can help with? Share your creations on social media using #WhatWillCookMonkeyBread so I can see your amazing results! Happy cooking!