INTRODUCTION
Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls are a delightful meal that combines two favorite foods: creamy chicken Alfredo and crispy bread. It’s a fun and tasty way to enjoy a classic dish. When you take a bite, you get the wonderful flavors of the pasta and the chicken all hidden inside a delicious bread bowl. This recipe makes for a hearty meal, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. You can present it in a fun way that everyone will love!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. The creamy Alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken and tender pasta. The garlic bread bowls add a crunchy texture that makes every bite exciting. You will love how the bread absorbs the creamy sauce, making it flavorful to the last bite.
Moreover, it is easy to customize! You can add different seasonings, switch up the pasta shape, or even replace chicken with cooked vegetables or other proteins. Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls are great for busy nights since they are quick to prepare and require minimal cleanup. Plus, they are a hit among both adults and kids. Everyone will want a second helping!
HOW TO MAKE Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls
To make Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls, follow the steps outlined below. You will need to gather all the ingredients and equipment first to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- A large skillet
- A pot for boiling pasta
- A baking sheet
- A sharp knife
- A mixing bowl
- Spoon for mixing
- Pastry brush
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 pieces chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 6 pieces kaiser rolls (or more if needed)
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (about 15 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 teaspoons garlic and herb seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken cubes with garlic and herb seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
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Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, boil salted water in a separate pot. Add the pasta and cook until it is al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
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Prepare the Bread Bowls: Take the kaiser rolls and carefully slice the tops off. Gently hollow out the centers of the rolls, creating bowls. Make sure to leave enough bread at the bottom to hold the filling.
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Season the Bread: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic and herb seasoning. Use a pastry brush to brush the inside and edges of the hollowed-out bread bowls with the butter mixture.
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Toast the Bread Bowls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the prepared bread bowls on a baking sheet. Bake for 4-5 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted.
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Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the drained pasta to the cooked chicken. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and stir to combine everything well.
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Fill the Bowls: Take the toasted bread bowls out of the oven. Carefully fill each bread bowl with the chicken Alfredo mixture, making sure to pack it in nicely.
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Add Cheese: Top each filled bowl with shredded parmesan cheese.
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Bake Again: Return the filled bread bowls to the oven for another 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is crispy.
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Serve: Take the bowls out of the oven and serve hot. You can garnish them with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired for an extra touch.
HOW TO SERVE Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls
Serve Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls while they are hot and fresh from the oven. These bowls make a great main dish and can be enjoyed on their own. You can present them on a large platter or individual plates. Adding a side salad or some steamed vegetables can create a well-rounded meal. Make sure to have forks handy because your guests will want to dig into these tasty bowls!
STORAGE & FREEZING: Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls
If you have leftovers or want to make them ahead of time, store the Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. When reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the bread soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken Alfredo mixture. To do this, store the filling in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. However, it’s best to keep the bread bowls separate and make them fresh when you are ready to enjoy.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Consider serving Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls with:
- A side salad, like Caesar or garden salad, for some greens.
- Steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables for a healthier touch.
- Garlic knots or breadsticks as additional sides.
- A glass of white wine for the adults, or lemonade for the kids.
These sides complement the richness of the Alfredo and make for a complete meal.
VARIATIONS
You can easily adapt Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or any other vegetables you like.
- Different Meats: Use cooked shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Other Sauces: Try using a pesto sauce or a tomato-based sauce instead of Alfredo for different flavor profiles.
- Cheese Varieties: Mix different types of cheese on top, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to change it up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While kaiser rolls work wonderfully, you can also use Italian bread, sandwich rolls, or even sourdough.
Can I make the chicken Alfredo in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken Alfredo mixture up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just fill the bread bowls right before baking.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls are generally a hit with kids. The creamy sauce and the fun bread bowls make it enjoyable for children!
How can I make it spicier?
If you enjoy spicy food, you can add red pepper flakes to the chicken or Alfredo sauce. You can also use a spicy Alfredo sauce variant.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls
- Preparation: You can cut the chicken and hollow out the rolls a day in advance. This will save you time on the day you want to serve.
- Cooking the Chicken: Pre-cook the chicken and refrigerate it until you are ready to make the bowls.
- Mixing the Alfredo: You can mix the pasta with the chicken and Alfredo sauce ahead of time as well. Just combine them right before filling the bread bowls.
By following these tips, you can create a delightful meal that everyone will love while reducing stress on the day you plan to serve it!
Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken cubes with garlic and herb seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- While the chicken is cooking, boil salted water in a separate pot. Add the pasta and cook until it is al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
- Take the kaiser rolls and carefully slice the tops off. Gently hollow out the centers of the rolls, creating bowls. Make sure to leave enough bread at the bottom to hold the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic and herb seasoning. Use a pastry brush to brush the inside and edges of the hollowed-out bread bowls with the butter mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the prepared bread bowls on a baking sheet. Bake for 4-5 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted.
- In a mixing bowl, add the drained pasta to the cooked chicken. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and stir to combine everything well.
- Take the toasted bread bowls out of the oven. Carefully fill each bread bowl with the chicken Alfredo mixture, making sure to pack it in nicely.
- Top each filled bowl with shredded parmesan cheese.
- Return the filled bread bowls to the oven for another 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is crispy.
- Take the bowls out of the oven and serve hot. You can garnish them with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired for an extra touch.