Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread with Panko
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread with Panko is the ultimate comfort food. Crispy on the outside, gooey and savory on the inside, it’s layered with shredded chicken, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic butter, and a golden panko topping. Perfect for dinner, parties, or as a hearty snack, it brings together bold flavors and crunchy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread:
1 large French baguette or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
4 tbsp unsalted softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Chicken Layer:
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
¼ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
¼ cup cream cheese, softened
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese and Panko Topping:
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2: Make Garlic olive oil
Mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
Step 3: Prep the Bread
Spread garlic butter generously over the cut side of each bread half.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet, d side up.
Step 4: Prepare Chicken Mixture
In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, mayonnaise, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Spoon and spread evenly over the garlic-buttered bread.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Panko
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
Mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and Parmesan, then sprinkle on top for a crispy crust.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and panko is golden brown.
For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with extra parsley and optional red pepper flakes.
Slice and serve hot.
Time Breakdown
Task Time
Prep (cutting/mixing) 15 mins
Baking 18 mins
Optional Broil/Garnish 2 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – 1/6 of recipe)
Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Calcium: 200mg
Common Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I use raw chicken?
A: No, the chicken should be fully cooked before mixing. Use rotisserie or boil and shred your own.
Q2: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble the bread up to the cheese step and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q3: What if I don’t have cream cheese?
A: Substitute with more mayonnaise or use ricotta or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Q4: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, wrap tightly in foil and freeze. Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Q5: Can I make it spicy?
A: Absolutely! Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle o
f hot sauce to the chicken mix.