Cheesy Leftover Chicken Bake

Featured in: Everyday Family Favorites

This comforting pull-apart bread features tender shredded chicken blended with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, fresh herbs, and spices. A crusty sourdough loaf is sliced in a crosshatch pattern and filled generously with the cheesy mixture. Melted butter and Parmesan topping create a golden, flavorful crust. Baking until bubbly and warm, this dish is perfect for sharing and makes a cozy family meal with minimal prep and quick cooking time.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:50:00 GMT
Gooey Cheesy Leftover Chicken Bake Pull-Apart Bread: a warm, delicious, cheese-laden bread perfect for sharing. Save
Gooey Cheesy Leftover Chicken Bake Pull-Apart Bread: a warm, delicious, cheese-laden bread perfect for sharing. | pecangroove.com

A comforting, gooey pull-apart bread loaded with succulent leftover chicken, melty cheese, and savory herbs—perfect for sharing at parties or as a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

  • Bread: 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • Filling: 2 cups (250 g) cooked chicken, shredded (leftovers work great), 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried), ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Topping: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Using a serrated knife, cut the bread loaf in a crosshatch pattern, slicing almost to the base but not all the way through, creating 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Be careful not to cut through the bottom.
Step 3:
In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, mayonnaise, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined.
Step 4:
Gently pull apart the bread sections and stuff the chicken-cheese mixture evenly between all the cuts.
Step 5:
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the stuffed bread, allowing it to seep into the crevices.
Step 6:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and chives (if using) over the top.
Step 7:
Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 8:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 9:
Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm. Pull apart pieces to enjoy.
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Required Tools

Serrated bread knife Mixing bowl Spoon or spatula Baking sheet Parchment paper Aluminum foil

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (bread), Milk (cheese, butter), Egg (mayonnaise—check label) May contain Soy (depending on mayonnaise or bread brand) Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 410 Total Fat 23 g Carbohydrates 31 g Protein 21 g

Golden, bubbly Cheesy Leftover Chicken Bake Pull-Apart Bread stuffed with savory chicken and melting cheese. Save
Golden, bubbly Cheesy Leftover Chicken Bake Pull-Apart Bread stuffed with savory chicken and melting cheese. | pecangroove.com

This cheesy leftover chicken bake pull-apart bread is a perfect way to transform leftovers into a shareable comfort food. Enjoy warm and gooey for the best experience.

Cheesy Leftover Chicken Bake

Gooey pull-apart bread loaded with shredded chicken, melted cheese, and fresh herbs.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cook Duration
25 min
Overall Time
40 min
By Pecan Groove Holly Emerson


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Tradition American

Portions 6 Number of Servings

Diet Concerns None specified

What You'll Need

Bread

01 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 1 lb)

Filling

01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
02 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
03 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
05 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
06 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
08 ½ teaspoon salt
09 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
10 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Topping

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
02 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Slice bread: Cut the sourdough loaf in a crosshatch pattern using a serrated knife, making 1-inch cubes without cutting through the bottom.

Step 03

Prepare filling: Combine shredded chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, mayonnaise, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a bowl.

Step 04

Stuff bread: Gently pull apart the bread cubes and fill the gaps evenly with the chicken-cheese mixture.

Step 05

Add butter and toppings: Drizzle melted butter over the stuffed bread, letting it seep into crevices, then sprinkle grated Parmesan and chives on top.

Step 06

Bake covered: Place the loaf on the prepared sheet, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 07

Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for 8 to 10 minutes until cheese bubbles and browns.

Step 08

Rest and serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving warm; pull apart pieces to enjoy.

Tools Needed

  • Serrated bread knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Details

Always check each item for allergens and reach out to your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains wheat, milk, and egg; may contain soy depending on brands.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Nutrition info is a guide; don't substitute for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 410
  • Fat content: 23 g
  • Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein Amount: 21 g