Introduction
Transforming everyday comfort food into a healthy and surprisingly elegant meal is easier than you think! This Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread recipe takes the beloved pull-apart bread concept and elevates it to a complete, satisfying, and surprisingly nutritious dinner. Get ready to experience a symphony of cheesy, savory, and subtly sweet flavors in every bite, all while enjoying a balanced and delicious meal.
Why This Works
This recipe is a game-changer because it cleverly combines the fun, shareable nature of monkey bread with the heartiness of chicken Alfredo. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The individual pull-apart portions make serving and portion control a breeze, adding to its appeal. We’ve focused on using healthier alternatives where possible without sacrificing flavor.
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 🍝 1 cup cooked whole wheat pasta
- 🧀 2 cups reduced-fat Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 🍞 1 loaf (16 oz) refrigerated bread dough
- 🌿 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧅 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, parsley, garlic, and onion. Mix well to combine.
3️⃣ Cut the refrigerated bread dough into 1-inch pieces.
4️⃣ Gently press a small amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture into the center of each dough piece.
5️⃣ Arrange the filled dough pieces in the prepared baking dish.
6️⃣ Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.
7️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the chicken is heated through.
8️⃣ Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy pulling apart and sharing!
Handy Tips
- For even cooking, ensure the dough pieces are evenly spaced in the baking dish.
- If using homemade Alfredo sauce, adjust the seasoning to your preference. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth.
- Roasting the chicken before shredding adds a deeper flavor.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the bread is fully cooked and golden brown without burning, while also gently heating the chicken Alfredo filling. Avoid overbaking, which can result in dry bread.
Crunch Factor
The exterior of the monkey bread develops a delightful golden-brown crunch, providing a pleasant textural contrast to the soft, creamy chicken Alfredo filling.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of sun-dried tomatoes to the chicken Alfredo mixture.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This makes a wonderful and unique gift! Present it in a festive baking dish or a beautiful loaf pan, covered with parchment paper and tied with a ribbon. A handwritten card with reheating instructions is a thoughtful touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Chicken Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling.
🌟 Spinach and Artichoke Alfredo: Stir in a cup of chopped spinach and marinated artichoke hearts to the chicken Alfredo mixture.
🌟 Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the filling for an earthy twist.
🌟 Bacon Alfredo: Crumble cooked bacon and add it to the filling for a salty, smoky flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Bread: If the bread is dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk or cream to the Alfredo sauce before mixing.
- Soggy Bottom: Ensure the baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking and a soggy bottom.
- Uncooked Chicken: If using raw chicken, ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the filling. Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
FAQ
- Can I use frozen bread dough? Yes, but thaw it completely before using.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Assemble the monkey bread and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Can I substitute other pasta shapes? Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Rotini, penne, or farfalle would work well.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe uses wheat bread dough. Gluten-free bread dough can be substituted for a gluten-free option.
- What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese? Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even nutritional yeast would be great substitutes.
Conclusion
This Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a fun and flavorful experience that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its balanced nutrition and ease of preparation make it a perfect addition to your healthy meal plan. Share this delicious recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to share your creations on https://a.ratemyrecipes.com! Enjoy!
Healthy Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread: Guilt-Free Comfort Food
A delicious and healthier twist on traditional monkey bread, featuring tender chicken and a creamy alfredo sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup whole wheat biscuit dough
- 1 cup cauliflower puree
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a large bowl, mix the cauliflower puree, low-fat milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create the alfredo sauce.
- Cut the whole wheat biscuit dough into small pieces and combine them with the shredded chicken in another bowl.
- Pour the alfredo sauce over the chicken and dough mixture, then gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Grease a bundt pan with olive oil and pour the mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding steamed broccoli or spinach to the chicken mixture.
- You can substitute the cauliflower puree with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.