Description
A crusty French loaf filled with a creamy mix of shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese — baked until the crust is golden and cheese is gooey. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large French bread loaf
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup softened cream cheese
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, extra melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice a deep “pocket" lengthwise down the center of the loaf, careful not to cut through the bottom.
- Brush the inside of the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder; set aside.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Spoon filling generously into the bread pocket, pressing lightly to pack it in.
- Wrap the stuffed loaf in aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Unwrap the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is golden.
- Remove from oven, optionally brush with extra melted butter, sprinkle with parsley. Let rest a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded) for smoother melting and gooey texture.
- Drain excess fat or moisture from bacon and chicken to avoid soggy bread.
- Don’t over-stuff the loaf — leave a bit of space so filling doesn’t burst out.
- Butter-brushing and garlic powder helps crisp the interior and adds flavor.
- Wrapping in foil for the first bake gently heats filling; unwrapping finishes with a crispy crust.
- Let loaf rest before slicing so filling sets nicely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main dish / Comfort food
- Method: Baking, Stuffed bread loaf
- Cuisine: American / Casual home cooking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ≈ 410 kcal