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This mouthwatering cheese and chicken stuffed garlic bread blends the heartiness of a classic side with zesty chicken and pesto stuffing. Every mouthful offers the perfect mix of crunchy crust, juicy chicken, and gooey cheese, turning a simple French loaf into a standalone dish your household will beg you to make over and over.
I first threw this together just to use up some leftover chicken. These days it's our go-to 'special' midweek meal. The way the cheese sinks into the garlicky crust while the pesto-mixed filling stays nice and juicy always gets rave reviews from company.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Garlic Bread: Pick loaves with noticeable garlic chunks for extra taste. Freshly baked works better than defrosted options.
- Mini Chicken Fillets: Try to get similar-sized pieces for balanced cooking and bites.
- Red Pesto: Brings richness and complexity. The Tesco brand is great but whatever you can find will work.
- Mixed Cheese: Using both mozzarella and cheddar gives you perfect stringiness and sharp flavor.
- Red Pepper: Cut it super thin so it gets soft enough during the short cook time.
Step-By-Step Guide
- Step 1: Getting The Chicken Right
- Dry your fillets with paper towels before cooking for nicer browning. Give them plenty of space in the pan - work in batches if needed. Wait for golden edges before turning. Let them sit while you handle the veggies.
- Step 2: Cooking The Vegetables
- Make sure all slices are about the same size for even cooking. Keep stirring so nothing sticks. Cook until the peppers are completely tender. Mix in pesto while everything's still hot to spread the flavor better.
- Step 3: Putting It Together
- Slice bread carefully so it stays in one piece. Pack it well but don't stuff too much. Spread cheese in an even layer for smooth melting. Keep an eye on it during final baking so it doesn't burn.
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When I was a kid making regular garlic bread with my mom, I'd never have thought it could become a whole meal. Now this loaded version has taken over at all our family get-togethers.
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This dish has become my trademark party food. The blend of well-loved flavors in a surprising format makes it right for any event, from laid-back family dinners to birthday celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out the pesto type?
- For sure! Green basil pesto or chunky sun-dried tomato pesto taste fantastic too.
- → Which cheese should I pick?
- Try combining mozzarella with cheddar for the perfect gooey stretch and rich taste.
- → Can I get this ready beforehand?
- You can make the filling early but wait to stuff and bake the bread until you're ready to eat.
- → How do I keep the bread crunchy?
- Bake your garlic bread for a few minutes before adding your chicken mix to maintain that nice crunch.
- → Can I save extras in the freezer?
- Definitely! Just wrap them tightly and they'll keep for up to 3 months. Pop in the oven to warm up.