This fun and tasty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread is perfect for sharing! It features fluffy dough balls coated in garlic and Parmesan, making every bite a treat.
I love the gooey, cheesy goodness this dish brings to the table. Plus, tearing off a piece is way more fun than using a fork! It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. 😄
Making this is a breeze—just mix, roll, and bake! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy chicken and bread together. Trust me, everyone will be asking for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: I use refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience, but you can make your own from scratch if you prefer a fresher taste. If you’re avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free biscuit dough in the store.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to since it saves time and adds rich flavor. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or even canned chicken in a pinch!
Cheeses: I like a combo of mozzarella and Parmesan for a creamy and nutty flavor profile. If you want a stronger flavor, try using aged cheddar or provolone instead of mozzarella.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here to control the saltiness. You can replace it with olive oil or a dairy-free butter if needed!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you only have garlic powder on hand, use about 1 teaspoon as a substitute.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor When Mixing the Ingredients?
The garlic butter mixture is key to infusing flavor throughout. It’s important to combine melted butter with garlic and seasonings well. This ensures every biscuit piece gets enough seasoning.
- In a bowl, blend together melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- After cutting the biscuits, toss them in this mixture for a couple of minutes to make sure they’re fully coated.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz each)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious garlic parmesan chicken monkey bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. You’ll need an additional 10 minutes to cool it before you can serve it. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour from start to finish. It’s an easy and tasty dish to whip up for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a bundt pan with cooking spray or butter. This will help your monkey bread come out smoothly when it’s done.
2. Making the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This mixture will add all that yummy flavor to your bread!
3. Preparing the Biscuit Dough:
Take each biscuit and cut it into quarters. In a large bowl, toss the biscuit pieces with the garlic butter mixture until they are well coated. Make sure each piece is nicely covered with that tasty butter mixture.
4. Layering the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to build your monkey bread! Layer half of the biscuit pieces in the bottom of the prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the shredded chicken on top, followed by half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.
5. Continuing the Layers:
Repeat this layering process with the remaining biscuit pieces, then add the rest of the shredded chicken and cheeses. This creates delicious layers that will pull apart perfectly when it’s ready.
6. Adding the Final Touch:
Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top of your layered biscuit mixture, making sure to get it all covered. This will help it get all brown and crispy while baking!
7. Baking:
Place the bundt pan in your preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked all the way through.
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, let the monkey bread cool for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. This makes for a lovely presentation with all those layers visible.
9. Garnishing:
Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Now you’re ready to pull apart the pieces and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness of your garlic parmesan chicken monkey bread!
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! If you’re starting with fresh chicken, cook it first by boiling or roasting until fully cooked, then shred it before adding to your recipe. This will take about 20-25 minutes depending on the cooking method.
What Can I Use Instead of Biscuit Dough?
If you want a healthier or gluten-free option, you can use homemade or store-bought biscuit dough alternatives, such as gluten-free dough or even puff pastry. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may differ from traditional biscuit dough.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain the cheesy texture.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the monkey bread up until the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. Bake as directed, adjusting the time if necessary!
