If you love comfort food with a cheesy, creamy twist, you’re going to adore Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread. This recipe takes the classic, pull-apart monkey bread and transforms it into a savory sensation filled with tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and gooey cheese. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread brings easy prep and big flavors without the fuss. Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible dish in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for any skill level.
- Family-Friendly: The cheesy, creamy flavors appeal to kids and adults alike, making dinner stress-free.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Its pull-apart style is great for sharing at parties and gatherings.
- Hearty and Filling: With chicken and Alfredo sauce, it’s a satisfying dish that feels indulgent without being complicated.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite cheeses, herbs, or protein substitutes to fit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and creaminess you’ll want to savor. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Cooked Chicken: Tender, shredded or diced chicken forms the hearty base.
- Refrigerated Biscuits: Soft, pull-apart biscuits act as the fluffy dough backbone.
- Alfredo Sauce: Creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce delivers rich flavor and moisture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a gooey, cheesy pull.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, savory undertones and a crispy topping.
- Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning: Simple spices that bring out the savory depth.
- Butter: Creates a golden, buttery coating for irresistible texture and taste.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness as a final touch.
Variations for Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Everyone loves to make a recipe their own, and Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is no exception. You can easily customize it to match your preferred flavors or dietary needs. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a subtle heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meatless option.
- Cheese Choices: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or provolone for different cheesy profiles.
- Herb Boost: Mix fresh basil or thyme into the Alfredo sauce for an herbal lift.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower biscuits or keto-friendly dough substitutes.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by shredding or dicing your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Open your refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits into individual pieces. Chunk the dough into smaller, roughly equal-sized pieces to ensure even layering and easy pulling.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Cheese
In a large bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Stir until well mixed and flavorful. Toss the biscuit dough pieces in melted butter first, then coat them lightly with the Alfredo mixture to add richness and flavor.
Step 3: Assemble in a Bundt Pan
Grease a bundt pan generously with butter to prevent sticking. Start layering by placing some buttered biscuit dough pieces into the pan, then add a layer of chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of biscuit dough and sprinkle Parmesan cheese liberally over the top.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Gooey
Bake the assembled Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread at 350°F (175°C) for around 30-35 minutes. The top should be golden brown and bubbling with melted cheese. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to make sure it holds its shape but still pulls apart easily.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate so the golden, cheesy layers shine. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and watch the smiles as everyone digs in.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
- Use Cold Butter: Ensure butter is slightly softened for easy tossing but not melted to keep biscuit pieces flaky.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently coat dough pieces without smooshing them to keep bite-sized fluffiness.
- Pre-Cook Chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save cooking time and add flavor.
- Layer Evenly: Distribute chicken and cheese layers well for balanced bites in every pull.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the monkey bread cool 5-10 minutes to firm up for better slicing and pulling.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a fresh burst of color and mild flavor that complements the creamy Alfredo beautifully. For extra flair, a dusting of grated Parmesan can’t hurt.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A simple Caesar salad or garlic sautéed broccoli provides freshness and crunch alongside the cheesy monkey bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of marinara or extra Alfredo sauce for dipping. For parties, slice it into wedges or pull apart bite-sized pieces to make sharing effortless and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be reheated easily.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully baked monkey bread in a freezer-safe container wrapped securely with foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or place the entire monkey bread in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade Alfredo sauce makes the Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread extra special and allows you to control the ingredients for a richer flavor.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
You can use a round cake pan or deep oven-safe dish, but the pull-apart effect might be less defined. Just adjust baking time accordingly.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s very kid-friendly thanks to the cheesy, creamy flavors and fun pull-apart style that little hands love.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute Alfredo sauce with a dairy-free alternative, use vegan cheese, and butter replacements to make it suitable for dairy-free diets.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Try folding in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers between layers to boost the veggie content without sacrificing comfort.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is an absolute game changer for cozy dinners and social gatherings alike. It turns simple ingredients into a flavorful, cheesy masterpiece that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become your new favorite way to enjoy the classic Alfredo’s creamy goodness with a scratch-made touch of magic!