This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty dish! It’s made with fluffy dough balls filled with chicken, garlic, and cheesy goodness, all baked to golden perfection.
Honestly, it’s so easy to pull apart and share that you’ll forget it was ever a full loaf! I love serving it with a side of marinara for extra dipping fun. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken adds heartiness to this dish. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using shredded jackfruit or a mix of sautéed mushrooms for a similar texture.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness, but you can swap it with provolone or even cheddar. Cream cheese keeps everything creamy; if you need a lighter option, try cottage cheese, though the texture will be different.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful flavor, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder can work in a pinch. I recommend using about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for a similar taste.
Biscuit Dough: The refrigerated biscuit dough is essential for quick prep. If you’re feeling adventurous, make homemade biscuit dough or use puff pastry instead, but keep in mind that it might alter the final texture.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness. You may also use olive oil for a healthier option, which can complement the flavors nicely if you enjoy that twist.
How Do You Ensure All the Biscuit Balls Cook Evenly?
One challenge with monkey bread is getting the biscuit pieces to bake properly. Here are some tips to achieve this:
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters evenly, so they cook at the same rate.
- Layer the biscuit balls and chicken mixture carefully. Start with a layer of biscuit dough, then spoon the mixture on top, ensuring good distribution.
- Take your time while pouring the remaining melted butter; it helps moisture circulate through the dish as it bakes.
- Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the dough. It should come out clean when the monkey bread is fully cooked.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 45-50 minutes before you can enjoy this warm, cheesy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take a bundt pan (or any oven-safe dish) and grease it well so that the monkey bread easily releases once it’s done baking.
2. Make the Chicken and Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This mixture will create a deliciously cheesy filling!
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters and roll each quarter into small balls. This fun assembly makes for the perfect pull-apart bread!
4. Layer the Biscuits in the Pan:
Dip each biscuit ball into the melted butter to coat it lightly. Start layering the buttered biscuit balls in the bottom of your prepared bundt pan. It’s okay to stack them up a bit—this will create nice, fluffy layers!
5. Add the Chicken Mixture:
Once the first layer of biscuit balls is in, spoon some of the chicken and cheese mixture on top. Keep alternating layers of biscuit balls and chicken mixture until everything is used up, finishing with a layer of biscuit balls on top.
6. Drizzle and Bake:
Now, drizzle any remaining melted butter over the top of the dish to give it an extra crispy finish. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until you see a golden brown color and the biscuit dough is fully cooked.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. Carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate—this will reveal all those delicious layers! Finally, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish.
Enjoy your warm Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread, pulling apart those soft, cheesy pieces with friends and family!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and ensure to remove any skin and bones before mixing it into the cheese mixture. This will make your preparation even quicker!
Can I Substitute Another Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella or cream cheese with other types like cheddar or gouda. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly. Stick to cheeses that melt well for the best texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Biscuit Dough?
Yes, whole wheat biscuit dough can be a healthier alternative, but it may yield a denser texture. Just follow the same instructions, and your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread will still be delicious!
