This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty twist on a classic! It features bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in garlic and Parmesan, all wrapped in soft, fluffy bread.
It’s like having a party in your mouth! Perfect for sharing, or just for you (no judgment here!). I enjoy dipping it in marinara sauce for an extra kick. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is a key ingredient for ease and texture. If you don’t have this, you can make your own dough using flour, baking powder, and buttermilk, or even use pizza dough for a different twist.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here. If you’re vegetarian, try swapping chicken for cooked mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative to keep the recipe hearty.
Cheeses: Mozzarella adds gooeyness, while Parmesan gives a sharp flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar and pepper jack could add unique flavors!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can work in a pinch, just use about 1 teaspoon instead of four cloves.
Italian Seasoning: This blend is a wonderful contrast to garlic and cheese. If you’re out, mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme as an alternative.
How Can I Make Sure the Monkey Bread Is Deliciously Fluffy?
Getting the perfect texture in monkey bread and ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked can be tricky. Start with the biscuit pieces, making sure they’re well-coated. This helps the bread rise beautifully.
- When cutting the biscuit dough, aim for even quarters so they cook uniformly.
- Layering is crucial. Press down gently to compact each layer, but don’t squash them too much!
- Keep an eye on the baking time; check for a golden-brown top and a toothpick coming out clean.
- Let it cool briefly before inverting. This step is vital for keeping it intact when serving.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and 30-35 minutes of baking. In total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a delightful dinner or tasty appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a bundt pan or a tube pan and grease it with some cooking spray or oil. This will help your monkey bread to come out easily after baking!
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir so everything is well combined and set it aside for later.
3. Preparing the Biscuit Dough:
Now it’s time to work with the biscuit dough! Open the cans and cut each biscuit into four pieces. It’s okay if they aren’t perfect; just keep them roughly the same size for even cooking!
4. Coat the Biscuit Pieces:
In a large bowl, toss the biscuit pieces with half of the garlic butter mixture. Make sure each piece of dough is evenly coated with that delicious flavor!
5. Layer Your Monkey Bread:
Start layering your prepared bundt pan by adding half of the coated biscuit pieces. Press them down gently as you go. Next, sprinkle half of the shredded chicken over the biscuit layer, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Yum!
6. Add More Flavor:
Pour half of the remaining garlic butter mixture over the chicken and cheese layer, making sure it drizzles down to add flavor.
7. Continue Layering:
Now, repeat the layering process with the remaining biscuit pieces, chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Pour the last bit of garlic butter mixture over the top layer. This is going to make it so tasty!
8. It’s Time to Bake:
Pop the bundt pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You want the monkey bread to be golden brown and fully cooked through. You might want to keep an eye on it towards the end!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving platter. Watch out for any drippings!
10. Final Touches:
Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart these delicious, cheesy garlic chicken bites with family and friends!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as directed. It will add flavor and make your preparation even faster!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder if needed. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. Just mix it into the butter mixture instead of fresh garlic. The flavor will still shine through!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers ahead! Assemble the monkey bread up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Enjoy it as a tasty snack or quick meal!
