Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Recipe
This rich and indulgent dish combines toasted French bread topped with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheeses for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 loaf French bread, cut in half horizontally
- 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce, such as Rao's
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cooked skinless, boneless chicken breasts, roughly chopped
- 6 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together 5 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon parsley.
- Place the French bread, cut sides up, on a baking sheet. Brush the butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside. Keep the oven on.
- Meanwhile, heat the Alfredo sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat.
- Spread half of the Alfredo mixture evenly over the toasted bread.
- Top with the chopped chicken, then evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, Gruyere, and Monterey Jack cheeses over the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- To serve, cut into 2-inch slices. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with the remaining Alfredo sauce on the side.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 1111 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 74g (95% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 44g (221% DV) |
| Cholesterol | 271mg (90% DV) |
| Sodium | 2042mg (89% DV) |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48g (17% DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g (8% DV) |
| Total Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 63g (126% DV) |
| Vitamin C | 4mg (4% DV) |
| Calcium | 974mg (75% DV) |
| Iron | 5mg (27% DV) |
| Potassium | 494mg (11% DV) |
Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is not available for all ingredients. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
The Story Behind Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread
Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread is a modern fusion dish that combines the creamy indulgence of Italian Alfredo sauce with the beloved crunch of garlic bread, topped with tender chicken. The origins of Alfredo sauce trace back to Rome in the early 20th century, when chef Alfredo di Lelio created a simple yet rich pasta sauce made with butter, Parmesan cheese, and cream. While traditional Fettuccine Alfredo focused on pasta, American chefs and home cooks began experimenting by adding proteins like chicken and serving it in new forms, eventually giving rise to recipes like Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread.
Regional Variations and Local Twists
This dish has become particularly popular in North America, especially in the United States, where it is often served as a hearty appetizer or casual dinner. Regional variations include the use of different cheesessuch as Gruyre, Monterey Jack, or mozzarelladepending on local tastes. Some recipes incorporate spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder to enhance flavor, while coastal versions may add herbs like basil or oregano for a fresher touch. In the Midwest, it is often baked as a casserole-style garlic bread, whereas in the South, it might be served with a spicier Alfredo sauce for added kick.
What Makes It Different from Similar Dishes
While it shares similarities with traditional garlic bread and chicken Alfredo pasta, Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread is distinguished by its layered approach: a toasted French loaf is first brushed with a garlicky butter mixture, then smothered with creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with chopped chicken, and finished with multiple cheeses before baking. Unlike pasta-based Alfredo dishes, this version offers a crispy base and a convenient handheld format, making it ideal for sharing at parties or casual gatherings. Its combination of texturescrispy bread, creamy sauce, and melted cheeseis what sets it apart from simple cheesy garlic bread or classic chicken Alfredo pasta.
Where It Is Commonly Served
Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread is typically found in casual dining restaurants, Italian-American eateries, and at family gatherings. It is often served as an appetizer or side dish during dinners, though it is hearty enough to be enjoyed as a main course. Many home cooks prepare it for game nights, potlucks, or weekend meals, as it is easy to assemble yet impressive in presentation. Some cafes and bistros have also started offering mini versions as finger food, highlighting its versatility.
Interesting Facts About the Dish
- Despite its Italian roots, the chicken-topped version is a distinctly American adaptation.
- The use of multiple cheeses like Gruyre and Monterey Jack adds depth of flavor and a gooey texture not found in traditional Alfredo recipes.
- It can be customized with ingredients such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bacon for a personal twist.
- The dish is often paired with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance its richness.
- It has grown in popularity due to social media trends highlighting loaded or over-the-top comfort foods, making it a visual and flavorful favorite.
You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!
FAQ about Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Recipe
Comments
Kimberly Ramirez
10/22/2024 09:08:35 PM
Super convenient! This will definitely become a weekly staple for us!