Soft Chicken Alfredo Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting twist on classic bread, you’ve got to try this Soft Chicken Alfredo Bread Recipe. Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy loaf bursting with creamy Alfredo chicken and melty cheese—that’s exactly what this recipe delivers. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel right at home, perfect for a lazy weekend or a casual gathering with friends.
I first made this recipe when I wanted something more exciting than plain bread but still easy to eat and share. What makes this Soft Chicken Alfredo Bread Recipe so special is the combination of tender chicken thighs in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce baked right into the dough—every bite is a little party for your taste buds. Plus, you don’t need fancy ingredients to get the magic to happen, which makes it super accessible for any home cook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are simple but come together beautifully to create that soft texture and rich flavor profile this bread is known for. Keep an eye on the quality of your chicken and cheese—these will really make or break the final bake.
- Flour: I use all-purpose flour, which gives a great soft texture without being too dense.
- Salt: Balances flavor and enhances the dough.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a subtle herbaceous note both in the dough and the filling.
- Instant yeast: Makes dough rise nicely and doesn’t require proofing, saving you time.
- Sunflower oil: Keeps the dough tender and slightly moist.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness to enrich the dough’s flavor.
- Water: Use lukewarm water to help activate the yeast.
- Herb cream cheese: This adds a lovely creamy tang inside the bread layers.
- Grated cheese: I recommend a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for melty stretch and flavor.
- Butter: Used to sauté the chicken mixture and boost richness.
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps cook the chicken evenly.
- Chicken thighs: I prefer thighs over breast for juiciness and tenderness.
- Yellow onion: Gives sweetness and depth once cooked down.
- Cayenne powder: Just a pinch for a gentle spicy kick.
- Garlic powder: For that unmistakable underlying garlicky warmth.
- Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor beautifully.
- Black pepper powder: Freshly cracked is best for zing.
- Chicken stock cube: Dissolved to add savory depth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Makes the Alfredo sauce luscious and thick.
- Cheese mix: I use mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan for complexity.
Variations
I love to shake this Soft Chicken Alfredo Bread Recipe up depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. It’s a super forgiving recipe, so feel free to personalize it with your favorite flavors or dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian: I once swapped the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and spinach—equally delicious and a great plant-based option.
- Spicy kick: Add extra cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want more heat; it really wakes up the creamy sauce.
- Low carb: Use almond flour in the dough and skip some cheese for a lighter version I enjoyed on a keto kick.
- Herb swaps: Try basil or oregano instead of Italian seasoning for slight flavor differences that keep the bread exciting.
- Cheese blends: Mixing in smoked gouda or fontina can take the flavor to another level—I’m all for experimenting here.
How to Make Soft Chicken Alfredo Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining your flour, salt, Italian seasoning, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Warm the water just enough so it’s comfortably warm—not too hot, or it’ll kill the yeast—and mix in the honey and sunflower oil. Pour this wet mixture gradually into the dry ingredients and knead until you have a smooth, soft dough. I recommend kneading for about 8-10 minutes by hand or 6 with a stand mixer until it’s elastic and slightly tacky. Then cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size—that’s when you know your yeast is happy and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Alfredo Mixture
While your dough is rising, melt butter with olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced yellow onions and sauté until translucent and sweet. Next, toss in bite-sized chicken thighs seasoned with cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and the crushed chicken stock cube for a flavor punch. Cooking this mixture until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown ensures it stays juicy inside the bread. Pour in the heavy cream and the cheese mix, stirring gently until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth. This is the heart of your filling, so taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let it cool down a bit before spreading.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread
Once your dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread a generous layer of herb cream cheese, then spoon the cooled chicken Alfredo mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning and extra grated cheese for that golden finish. Carefully roll it up like a jellyroll, seal the edges, and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet. Let it rest for another 30 minutes to get puffy again.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for around 30-35 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and the cheese inside is bubbling. If the bread browns too fast, tent it with foil to avoid burning. Once done, remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing—that way, you get perfect slices without the filling oozing out everywhere.
How to Serve Soft Chicken Alfredo Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top right after baking—it adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness nicely. A little drizzle of garlic butter or even a sprinkling of extra Parmesan on top works wonders too!
Side Dishes
This Soft Chicken Alfredo Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies to balance the creaminess. On chillier days, a bowl of tomato soup makes for a cozy, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I sometimes slice this bread into pinwheels and serve with toothpicks—they’re perfect finger foods! Alternatively, baking it in a pull-apart bread pan turns it into a fun, shareable centerpiece that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Soft Chicken Alfredo Bread in an airtight container in the fridge; it stays soft for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it fresh, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap before the container helps preserve the moisture better.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this bread both before and after baking. If freezing before, I wrap the rolled dough tightly, and after thawing, I let it rise a bit longer before baking. Baked leftovers freeze well wrapped and reheated gently—just make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop individual slices into a toaster oven or bake at 160°C (320°F) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust soft but not soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Soft Chicken Alfredo Bread Recipe?
Yes, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts, but keep in mind breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily. To keep them juicy, cook just until done and consider adding a little extra cream or butter to maintain moisture in the filling.
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Is it okay to prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Just take it out an hour before baking to come to room temperature and finish the steps. It’s a great time-saver if you want fresh bread with less active prep time.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free spread and use a plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream for the Alfredo sauce. Use dairy-free cheese to keep that melty texture, though results will be slightly different in richness and taste.
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What’s the best way to prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Allow the chicken Alfredo mixture to cool completely before spreading it onto the dough. Warm filling can make the dough soggy and harder to handle. Also, don’t overload the filling—thin, even layers work best for structure.
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Can I make the Soft Chicken Alfredo Bread Recipe gluten-free?
Gluten-free baking can be tricky since the dough needs structure from gluten, but using a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread along with binder additives like xanthan gum can work. The bread might be a little denser, but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Soft Chicken Alfredo Bread Recipe has become one of my top go-to comfort foods because it’s deceptively simple yet full of flavor and texture. I love sharing it with friends and watching their faces light up when they pull apart those soft, cheesy slices. I’m sure once you try making it yourself, you’ll fall for it just like I did. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to this cozy, delicious bread—you won’t regret it!
Print
Soft Chicken Alfredo Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Enjoy a deliciously soft Chicken Alfredo Bread featuring a tender homemade dough filled with a creamy, flavorful chicken mixture seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of classic Alfredo with a delightful bread twist, perfect for a hearty snack or a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Dough
- 300 g flour
- 5 g salt
- 1 g Italian seasoning
- 5 g instant yeast
- 20 ml sunflower oil
- 10 g honey
- 150 ml water
Extra
- Herb cream cheese (amount as desired for spreading)
- Grated cheese (amount as desired for topping)
- Italian seasoning (for sprinkling)
Chicken Mixture
- 25 g butter
- 20 ml olive oil
- 400 g chicken thighs, chopped
- 150 g yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 g cayenne powder
- 2 g garlic powder
- 2 g onion powder
- 1.5 g black pepper powder
- 7 g chicken stock cube, crumbled
- 75 ml heavy cream
- 250 g cheese mix (such as mozzarella and cheddar), shredded
- 1 g Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, Italian seasoning, and instant yeast. Add sunflower oil, honey, and water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Cook the Chicken Mixture: In a skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add chopped chicken thighs, then season with cayenne powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, crumbled chicken stock cube, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned. Reduce heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir in the shredded cheese mix. Cook until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread a layer of herb cream cheese evenly over the dough. Then, spread the cooled chicken mixture on top. Roll the dough carefully into a log or fold as preferred, then place it onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle grated cheese and Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake the assembled bread for 25-30 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese on top is melted and bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Be sure to allow the chicken mixture to cool before spreading on the dough to avoid sogginess.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs offer more moisture and flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning levels to taste, especially the cayenne powder for heat.
- Using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar in the cheese blend adds both meltiness and sharpness.
- Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly for a soft, airy texture in the bread.
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Bread, Soft Bread, Homemade Bread, Chicken Stuffed Bread, Italian Bread Recipe, Creamy Chicken Bread
