Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a fun and delicious twist on two classic favorites. Imagine tender pieces of chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce baked into pull-apart dough, all mixed with gooey cheese that stretches with every bite. It’s a perfect combo of savory flavors and soft, pillowy bread that’s super satisfying.
I love making this dish when I want something easy to share with family or friends because it’s so interactive. Everyone can pull off their own piece and savor the cheesy, creamy goodness. One tip I always follow is to add a little garlic and Italian seasoning to the dough mixture—that extra flavor kicks it up just right.
Serving this warm, straight from the oven, is the best way to enjoy it. Sometimes I like to pair it with a simple salad or some steamed veggies to keep things balanced. It’s also one of those recipes that always gets people talking and coming back for seconds, which makes me happy every time I make it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit or Pull-Apart Bread Dough: This is the base of your monkey bread. Refrigerated biscuit dough works well for quick prep, but you could also use frozen bread dough or homemade pizza dough for a chewier texture.
Cooked Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe fast. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but grilled or baked chicken works fine too. For a vegetarian spin, swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or artichokes.
Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought Alfredo sauce saves time, but homemade sauce gives a richer flavor. You can also use a lighter cream sauce if you want to reduce calories.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts perfectly for gooey bites. Parmesan adds nuttiness and a nice sharpness. Feel free to add some provolone or fontina for extra cheesy goodness.
Garlic and Italian Seasoning: These add that classic flavor punch. Fresh garlic works best, but garlic powder is an easy stand-in. If you want more herb flavor, try adding basil or oregano too.
How Do You Layer Monkey Bread to Get Even Flavor in Every Bite?
Layering is key to make sure each pull-apart piece has a good mix of dough, chicken, sauce, and cheese. Here’s how I like to do it:
- Start with a layer of butter-coated dough pieces on the bottom of the pan.
- Add some shredded chicken evenly on top.
- Drizzle Alfredo sauce over the chicken so it wets the dough but doesn’t drown it.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan for cheesy pockets that melt during baking.
- Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top for a nice golden crust.
This layering helps the flavors blend while you bake and makes sure every bite is creamy and cheesy, with tasty bits of chicken baked right into the bread.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Bundt pan or tube pan – perfect for shaping monkey bread and helps bake it evenly.
- Baking sheet – to catch any drips from the bundt pan and keep your oven clean.
- Mixing bowls – useful for tossing dough pieces with butter and seasoning easily.
- Spoon or spatula – for spreading Alfredo sauce and layering ingredients without mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the butter, cheese, and seasonings just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked bacon or sausage for a smoky, hearty twist.
- Add spinach or broccoli florets between the layers to sneak in some greens.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder cheesy flavor.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or Italian herbs on top for a bit of heat and extra flavor.
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or pull-apart bread dough
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 to 30 minutes to bake, plus a short 5-minute cooling time before serving. So, all together, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish—a perfect recipe for a quick and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or tube pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to make sure your monkey bread doesn’t stick later.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. This mixture will add a tasty flavor to the dough pieces.
3. Prepare the Dough:
Cut each biscuit or bread dough piece into halves or quarters so they’re bite-sized. Toss all the dough pieces in the garlic butter mixture until they’re fully coated and flavorful.
4. Layer the Monkey Bread:
Start building your monkey bread directly in the bundt pan. Begin with a layer of coated dough pieces at the bottom. Sprinkle some shredded chicken evenly on top, spoon Alfredo sauce over the chicken, and add both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process until the pan is full, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The monkey bread should be golden brown, cooked through, and bubbly with melted cheese.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright and fresh finish, then serve warm. Pull apart pieces to enjoy the creamy, cheesy, savory bites of chicken Alfredo goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before using. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Shred or chop it before layering it into the monkey bread.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the monkey bread in the bundt pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or oven until heated through. Reheating in the oven helps keep the bread soft and the cheese melty.
Can I Substitute Alfredo Sauce with Something Else?
Yes! You can substitute with any creamy white sauce like a homemade béchamel or even a cream cheese-based sauce. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of grated Parmesan and garlic powder for flavor.
