If comfort food dreams ever came true, you’d find Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls right at the top of the list. Imagine creamy, cheesy chicken Alfredo bubbling inside a crispy, golden bread bowl that’s been brushed with garlicky olive oil. Every bite is rich, hearty, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re spoiling your family on a cozy weeknight or dazzling friends at a casual dinner gathering, Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls bring the wow factor and heartwarming flavor everyone craves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The joy of Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls is how straightforward the ingredient list is—each one plays a crucial role, from building those flavor-packed layers to giving the dish its signature texture. Gather these essentials, and you’re well on your way to bread bowl bliss!
- 2 large sourdough bread boules (or 4 small bread bowls): These sturdy loaves will hold all that luscious Alfredo without getting soggy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and ensures the bread crisps up while toasting.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Where all that irresistible garlicky aroma begins.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a time saver or leftover roast chicken for an easy twist.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Essential for building your silky Alfredo sauce base.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, giving it that ultra-creamy texture.
- 1 ½ cups whole milk: For a rich, but not heavy, sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds extra velvety smoothness and decadence.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The Alfredo classic—brings nutty, salty flavor to the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that stretchy, gooey finish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and heightens all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Just the right hint of herbs to add depth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of color for the final flourish.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls
Step 1: Prep Your Bread Bowls
Preheat your oven to 375°F while you work your bread bowl magic. Slice the tops off your sourdough boules and carefully hollow out the interior, leaving about three-quarters of an inch as a sturdy border. This will give enough structure to hold your decadent filling. Place them on a baking sheet; you’re about to fill them with something extraordinary.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Oil
In a small skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute—just until the aroma is irresistible, but before it browns. Brush this garlicky oil generously onto the inside of your bread bowls. That golden flavor base will infuse every bite.
Step 3: Whip Up That Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add your flour and cook for just a moment to banish any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly. Watch as it thickens into a dreamy, glossy sauce—about three to four minutes. Next, add in the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything’s melty, smooth, and impossibly rich.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Fill the Bowls
Stir the cooked, shredded chicken right into your Alfredo sauce, ensuring every strand is deliciously coated. Now, divide the mixture evenly among your prepared, garlic-brushed bread bowls. The combination of creamy sauce and hearty bread is already enough to make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Bake
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the tops of each bowl—you want every inch covered for ultimate gooey goodness. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the bread bowls are perfectly toasted on the outside. Your Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls are ready to wow!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Fresh parsley is the crowning glory here—sprinkle it on just before serving to add a final burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty. Gather everyone around because these won’t last long!
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the impact of a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese over your Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls. Add a twist of cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes if your crew loves a gentle kick. For a bit more freshness, a few chopped chives or even a light squeeze of lemon can make each bite pop.
Side Dishes
Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls are a meal in themselves, but they love good company! Serve them with a simple garden salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or try some roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans for a vibrant, healthy touch. If you’re feeding a crowd, a platter of fresh fruit rounds everything out beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off these beauties family-style on a rustic wooden board for a cozy vibe, or place each Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowl atop colorful linen napkins for a dinner-party feel. For kids or casual get-togethers, use smaller bread rolls so everyone can have their own mini version. These bowls are crowd-pleasers, so don’t be shy—make it fun and interactive by letting everyone sprinkle on their favorite toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with extra Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls, let them cool to room temperature before storing. Wrap each one tightly in foil and place in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days, perfect for next-day lunches or a quick, indulgent snack.
Freezing
Want to save some for another busy weeknight? Assemble the Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls, but don’t bake them. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil, then pop them in the freezer. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual. The bread retains its texture, and the filling stays deliciously creamy!
Reheating
To reheat, place your leftover bread bowl (unwrapped) on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese is remelted. Skip the microwave—while it’s speedy, the bread tends to get chewy rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce for Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls?
You absolutely can use your favorite store-bought Alfredo in a pinch! However, the homemade sauce included in this recipe is well worth the extra few minutes for its rich, creamy flavor that makes these bread bowls truly special.
What kind of bread works best for these bowls?
Sourdough boules are ideal because their crust holds up well under the creamy filling. You can also use individual bread rolls for smaller portions, or even rustic ciabatta rolls in a pinch.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or baby spinach wilted into the sauce are all fantastic veggie add-ins that play beautifully with the other flavors.
How do I make this dish ahead for a party?
You can prepare the bowls and keep the filling separate (in the fridge), then fill and bake just before serving for fresh, toasty Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls everyone will love.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
If you’d like to lighten things up, use milk with a lower fat content and cut back on the Parmesan slightly, or boost the volume with extra veggies. It’ll still be luscious and satisfying!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that feels like a warm hug and gets everyone excited for dinner, Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls are your ticket. I hope you’ll give them a try—there’s something magical about biting through that crisp, garlicky bread and finding all that luscious, cheesy chicken inside. Share them, savor them, and get ready for compliments at your table!
Print
Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls that combine the flavors of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, all served in a crispy bread bowl. This comforting meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Bread Bowls:
- 2 large sourdough bread boules (or 4 small individual bread bowls)
Garlic Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Chicken Alfredo Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare Bread Bowls: Cut the tops off the bread boules, hollow out the centers, and brush with garlic oil.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, cream, cheeses, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine with Chicken: Stir in shredded chicken and fill the bread bowls.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella over the tops.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until bubbly and toasted.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the bread bowls before filling.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bread bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
