Chicken Monkey Bread Recipe

Savory Chicken Monkey Bread Recipe: Pull-Apart Magic in Minutes

Crafting this delightful chicken monkey bread will transport you to a world of cheesy, savory comfort.

Pillowy dough chunks studded with tender meat create an irresistible pull-apart experience.

Crispy edges and a golden-brown exterior promise a mouthwatering adventure for anyone seeking a crowd-pleasing dish.

Layers of seasoned chicken and melted cheese make each bite a delectable surprise.

Weeknight dinners or game day gatherings demand this playful, shareable treat that sparks conversation and smiles.

Weekend kitchen experiments just got more exciting with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Jump in and create a memorable meal that everyone will be talking about.

What You’ll Need For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread

Main Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: The star ingredient that provides hearty protein and savory flavor to the monkey bread.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a stretchy, melty texture that binds the filling together.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy smoothness to the chicken mixture.
Cheese and Seasoning:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the chicken.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend that enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's flavor.
Bread and Binding Ingredients:
  • Refrigerated Biscuit Dough, Butter: Form the base of the monkey bread, creating a soft, buttery exterior.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that infuses the entire dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a slight herbal note.

Steps To Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread Easy

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350°F. Grab a bundt pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Chicken Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix until all ingredients are perfectly combined and looking super delicious.

Step 3: Transform Biscuit Dough

Crack open those refrigerated biscuit tubes. Slice each biscuit into four cute little quarters. Roll each quarter into a small ball, getting ready for some fun assembly.

Step 4: Build Buttery Layers

Dunk each biscuit ball into melted butter, ensuring a smooth, golden coating. Start placing these buttery balls into your bundt pan, creating delightful layers.

Step 5: Distribute Chicken Goodness

Sprinkle the chicken and cheese mixture between biscuit ball layers. Keep building up those delectable layers until you’ve used all your ingredients, making sure to end with a top layer of biscuit balls.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the top for extra crispiness. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Let the monkey bread cool for a few minutes. Carefully flip it onto a serving plate to reveal those mouthwatering layers. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Pull apart and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness with your favorite people!

Top Tips For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread Success

  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Drain excess liquid from shredded chicken to ensure crispy, not wet biscuit layers during baking.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for smoother, easier mixing and more even cheese distribution throughout the dish.
  • Season Like a Pro: Boost flavor intensity by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra garlic powder to the chicken mixture for a subtle kick.
  • Smart Storage Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain the bread's original crispy texture, avoiding microwave softening.
  • Pan Protection Hack: Line the bundt pan with parchment paper after greasing for even easier removal and minimal sticking of the monkey bread.

Tasty Ways To Switch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Monkey Bread: Replace regular biscuit dough with gluten-free biscuit mix or almond flour-based dough, maintaining the same cheesy chicken filling for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap biscuit dough with riced cauliflower mixed with cheese and eggs, creating a protein-packed alternative that's keto-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
  • Spicy Buffalo Chicken Remix: Incorporate shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce, add blue cheese crumbles, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a zesty flavor profile that kicks up the heat.

What Goes Great With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread

  • Enhance Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, garlic-parmesan flavors without overwhelming the delicate chicken and biscuit layers.
  • Craft Beer Pairing: Select a Belgian-style wheat beer or a hoppy pale ale that cuts through the creamy cheese and provides a refreshing contrast to the savory monkey bread's richness.
  • Perfect Side Salad: Prepare a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding bright, peppery notes that cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Herbal Beverage Option: Brew fresh iced tea with mint and lemon, offering a cool, clean accompaniment that refreshes the taste buds and lightens the meal's overall intensity.

How To Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place the monkey bread in a sealed container and keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve its delicious taste and texture.
  • Warm individual portions on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Add a damp paper towel on top to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Cover the monkey bread with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread Questions Answered

  • Is monkey bread typically a savory dish?

Monkey bread comes in both sweet and savory versions. This recipe transforms the classic sweet treat into a hearty, cheesy chicken-filled appetizer or main course that’s perfect for sharing.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred the meat and mix it into the cheese filling as directed in the recipe.

  • How do I know when the monkey bread is fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown top and make sure the biscuit dough is no longer raw in the center. The edges should be crispy and the center should look set, which typically takes 25-30 minutes of baking.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread Is A Must-Try

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Monkey Bread Is A Must-Try
  • Conquer Complex Cravings: Break free from boring meals with this inventive chicken monkey bread that transforms simple ingredients into a showstopping dish bursting with garlic and cheese flavors.
  • Master Quick Meal Magic: Leverage refrigerated biscuit dough and pre-cooked chicken to create a crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together faster than traditional chicken casseroles.
  • Create Interactive Dining Experience: Encourage social eating with pull-apart bread that invites everyone to dig in together, making mealtime fun and engaging for all ages.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding different herbs, using rotisserie chicken, or incorporating alternative cheeses to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
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Chicken Monkey Bread Recipe

Chicken Monkey Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Spicy chicken monkey bread delivers a carnival of flavors that dance across your palate with irresistible charm. Crispy edges, gooey cheese, and savory pulled chicken create a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Dairy:

  • 1 cup softened cream cheese
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup melted butter

Dough and Garnish:

  • 2 cans (16 ounces each) refrigerated biscuit dough
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and generously coat a bundt pan with cooking spray to ensure easy release after baking.
  2. Create a robust filling by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, mozzarella, cream cheese, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Separate refrigerated biscuit dough into individual pieces, then slice each biscuit into four equal quarters. Transform each quarter into a compact, round ball.
  4. Immerse each dough ball into melted butter, ensuring a light, even coating that will promote a golden, crispy exterior during baking.
  5. Construct the first layer of buttered dough balls in the bundt pan, then strategically distribute the chicken-cheese mixture over this initial foundation.
  6. Continue alternating layers of butter-coated dough balls and chicken-cheese mixture, building height and ensuring complete coverage throughout the pan.
  7. Conclude the layering with a final top layer of dough balls, then drizzle any remaining melted butter across the surface for enhanced flavor and browning.
  8. Transfer the prepared monkey bread to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and fully cooked dough.
  9. Remove from oven and allow a brief cooling period. Carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate to reveal the intricate layers.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm, inviting guests to pull apart the delectable, cheese-filled segments.

Notes

  • Choose a high-quality rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and easier preparation, ensuring the meat is freshly shredded and free from tough pieces.
  • Swap regular biscuit dough with gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe celiac-friendly, maintaining the same delicious texture and taste.
  • Add extra herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary to elevate the savory profile and create a more complex flavor dimension in the chicken mixture.
  • Consider reducing butter quantity for a lighter version, using olive oil spray as a healthier alternative while still achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 392
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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