Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread Recipe | Easy Pull-Apart Dinner
I have always loved the fun and interactive nature of monkey bread, but usually, my mind goes straight to the sweet, cinnamon-sugar versions we all grew up with. Recently, I decided to shake things up in the kitchen by trying a savory version that combines all the comfort of a pasta night with the fun of pull-apart bread. The result was this incredible Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread Recipe, and let me tell you, it disappeared faster than I could even get it onto the serving platter.
The layers of gooey cheese, tender chicken, and rich sauce make this the perfect appetizer for game days or a cozy family dinner. Trust me, you are going to want to add this to your regular rotation immediately. If you enjoy experimenting with sauces, you might also like my Chicken Wings Sauce Recipe for a flavorful twist.
Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Here is everything you need to recreate this cheesy masterpiece. I find that using quality ingredients really makes a difference in the final flavor profile.
- 2 tubes (13.8 ounces each) refrigerated pizza dough – Using store-bought dough saves time and puffs up beautifully in the oven.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This helps the seasoning stick to the dough balls and adds a nice richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A simple blend of dried herbs gives the bread that classic pizzeria aroma.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic – Fresh garlic is best for a punchy flavor, but jarred minced garlic works too.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – This is essential for that perfect cheese pull we all love.
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, salty kick that cuts through the creaminess of the sauce.
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded – Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver and usually stays very moist.
- 1 cup alfredo sauce – You can use your favorite jarred brand or whip up a quick homemade version if you prefer.
Note: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavors to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken entirely and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts for a hearty veggie version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the alfredo sauce or mix in some diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Meat Lovers: Swap the chicken for cooked Italian sausage crumbles, pepperoni, or chopped bacon for a different savory profile.
- Pesto Twist: Replace half of the alfredo sauce with basil pesto for a vibrant, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough alternative, though baking times may vary slightly.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Bundt Pan: Essential for achieving the classic monkey bread shape and ensuring even cooking throughout the layers.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Used for holding the dough balls and tossing them with the oil and seasonings.
- Kitchen Shears or Knife: Necessary for cutting the pizza dough into uniform pieces quickly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for getting the right balance of cheese, sauce, and seasonings.
- Serving Platter: You will need a large, flat plate to invert the bread onto once it is baked.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread Recipe
Preparing the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it is hot and ready when you are done assembling. Take your large bundt pan and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the bread releases easily later.
Cutting the Dough
Open your tubes of pizza dough and cut the dough into pieces that are about half an inch in size. Take each small piece and roll it briefly between your palms to form a smooth ball, then place them all into a large bowl.
Seasoning the Dough
Pour the olive oil over the dough balls and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, minced garlic, half a cup of the mozzarella, and half a cup of the parmesan. Use your hands to toss everything together until every dough ball is well coated in the oil and cheese mixture.
Layering the Ingredients
Begin assembling by scattering half a cup of mozzarella and half a cup of parmesan into the bottom of the prepared pan, followed by half of the dough balls, half the chicken, and half the alfredo sauce. Repeat this layering process with the remaining dough, chicken, and sauce to ensure every bite is packed with filling.
The Final Topping
Finish the assembly by sprinkling the remaining half cup of mozzarella and half cup of parmesan cheese over the very top. This final layer of cheese will melt down into the cracks and create a delicious, golden crust on the bottom of the bread once inverted.
Baking the Bread
Place the bundt pan into the preheated oven and bake for roughly 45 to 50 minutes. You are looking for the top to become a deep golden brown and for the cheese to be completely melted and bubbly.
Inverting and Cooling
Remove the pan from the oven and carefully flip it over onto a large plate or serving platter to release the bread. Let it sit and cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly so nobody burns their mouth.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
- I always recommend shredding your own cheese from a block if you have the time because pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- If you notice the top of the bread browning too quickly before the center is cooked through, you can loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Make sure your chicken is shredded into bite-sized pieces so that it distributes evenly and you get a little bit of meat with every single pull of bread.
- I like to warm up the alfredo sauce slightly before pouring it over the layers, as this helps it spread more easily into the nooks and crannies of the dough.
- Don’t skip the resting period after baking; letting it sit for five minutes helps the structure firm up so it doesn’t collapse when you pull it apart.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
This dish is best served warm, straight from the oven, while the cheese is still gooey and stretchy. Since it is a pull-apart bread, you don’t really need a knife; just place the platter in the center of the table and let everyone dig in with their hands or forks.
For a nice presentation, garnish the finished bread with some fresh chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color. You can also serve a small bowl of extra warm marinara or alfredo sauce on the side for dipping. This makes a fantastic heavy appetizer for parties, but it is hearty enough to serve as a main dish alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 262 kcal per serving
- Protein: High protein content from chicken and cheese
- Carbohydrates: Moderate carbs from the pizza dough
- Fat: Contains healthy fats from olive oil and dairy
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerator Storage
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the desired amount on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds until warm.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the baked monkey bread for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven to restore texture.
Reheating Tips
For the best results, reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps crisp up the dough again, whereas the microwave can sometimes make the bread a little soft or chewy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It is incredibly easy to prepare using convenient store-bought dough and pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- The interactive “pull-apart” style makes eating fun and encourages sharing and conversation at the table.
- You can easily customize the fillings with different meats, cheeses, or veggies to suit picky eaters.
- It combines two classic comfort foods—pizza and pasta alfredo—into one delicious, hand-held package.
- The recipe yields a large amount, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
