Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a delicious twist on two favorites rolled into one fun, shareable dish. Picture tender pieces of chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and soft, buttery bread all baked together into pull-apart goodness. It’s like a warm, cheesy hug that’s perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.
I love making this because it’s super easy to share with everyone at the table, and watching people pull apart the bread to get to that cheesy chicken inside always brings smiles. It’s a great way to mix up your usual chicken dinner, and the creamy Alfredo sauce makes every bite feel rich without being too heavy.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the pan with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies on the side. It’s great for game day, potlucks, or when you just want something comforting and a little bit special. I’ve found it’s nicest to warm it up just a bit before eating so all the flavors get cozy together again—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Using cooked, shredded chicken breast keeps the dish tender and lean. Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. For a vegetarian swap, try cooked mushrooms or cauliflower.
Biscuit or Pizza Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is easy and gives soft, fluffy bites. Pizza dough creates a heartier texture. Both work well, so use what you prefer or have on hand.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives stretchy, gooey cheese pull. Feel free to mix in Parmesan for extra flavor or use a blend of Italian cheeses.
Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought Alfredo sauce is convenient, but homemade adds fresh taste. You can lighten it up with a mix of cream and milk or use a dairy-free alternative to suit your diet.
Butter and Garlic: Melted butter with fresh garlic brings deep flavor and moistens the bread. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder works in a pinch.
How Do I Get the Perfect Pull-Apart Texture?
The magic of monkey bread is in the layered dough that bakes into soft, pull-apart pieces. Here’s how to nail it:
- Coat each dough chunk evenly in the butter-garlic mixture. This adds flavor and helps the bread crisp on the outside while staying soft inside.
- Layer the dough chunks tightly in the pan so they bake into one cohesive bread, but don’t overcrowd them.
- Adding cheese between layers keeps the bread moist and melty from the inside out.
- Cover the pan with foil for most of the bake. This traps steam so the bread cooks through without drying out.
- Removing the foil for the last minutes lets the top get golden and a little crisp—yum!
- Letting it cool briefly before flipping helps the bread keep its shape and makes it easier to serve.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Bundt pan or round cake pan – perfect for shaping the monkey bread and helps it bake evenly.
- Small bowl – to mix the melted butter, garlic, and seasonings easily.
- Basting brush or spoon – for coating dough pieces with the butter mixture evenly.
- Knife or kitchen scissors – to cut the biscuit or pizza dough into bite-sized chunks.
- Oven mitts – important for safely handling the hot pan when removing it from the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cooked chicken for cooked sausage or bacon for a smoky, meatier twist that adds bold flavor.
- Mix in sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers to add color, veggies, and a fresh taste.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese for a richer, tangy melt.
- Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the butter-garlic mixture for a little heat and extra herb flavor.
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough, cut into chunks
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Flavor:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 40-45 minutes for baking. Add a few extra minutes to let the monkey bread cool before serving. So, plan for roughly an hour from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Butter Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or round cake pan well with butter or non-stick spray. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
2. Coat and Layer the Dough:
Dip each piece of biscuit dough into the butter-garlic mixture, making sure each chunk is well coated. Layer the coated dough evenly around the prepared pan.
3. Add Cheese, Chicken, and Alfredo:
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the dough in the pan. Next, spread the shredded chicken evenly. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the chicken and dough layers. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
4. Bake and Crisp:
Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to help the bread cook through. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melty.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a fresh, colorful touch. Serve warm, pulling apart pieces to enjoy the cheesy, creamy, garlicky deliciousness.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding it. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prep the dough, chicken, and sauce layers in the pan and refrigerate it covered overnight. When ready, bake it fresh—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the bread soft and the cheese melty.
Can I Substitute the Alfredo Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to use homemade sauce, a lighter cream sauce, or even a dairy-free Alfredo alternative to suit your taste or dietary needs.
