Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a fun twist on two favorites rolled into one delicious, pull-apart dish. It’s packed with tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, gooey cheese, and soft, golden bread that’s perfect for grabbing bite after bite. The combo of rich sauce and melty cheese makes this monkey bread a total crowd-pleaser.
I love making this when I want something comforting but also a little playful. It’s like having a cheesy chicken casserole in a bread form that everyone can tear apart and share. One helpful tip I’ve found is to make sure the bread pieces are well coated with sauce and cheese before baking, so every bite is super flavorful.
This dish works great for casual dinners, game nights, or anytime you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. I like serving it alongside a simple green salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the richness. Honestly, once you try it, I think you’ll keep coming back to this recipe when you want cozy and tasty all in one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: I like using flaky refrigerated biscuits for soft, pull-apart bread. If you want a homemade touch, use pizza dough or dinner rolls. Gluten-free biscuit dough works well too for dietary needs.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is best for tender bites. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, or use leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor.
Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought Alfredo is easy and creamy, but homemade is even better if you have time. For a lighter option, use half cream and half chicken broth.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a stretchy melt, and Parmesan adds sharpness. You can swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina, and Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a flavor twist.
Butter & Garlic: Butter brings richness and helps crisp the biscuit edges, while garlic adds depth. Roasted garlic adds a sweeter, milder flavor if you want to experiment.
How Do I Get the Biscuit Pieces Crispy Without Overcooking the Cheese?
The key is balancing baking time and layering:
- Coat each biscuit piece well with the butter and garlic mix for a golden brown crust.
- Layer ingredients evenly so cheese melts without burning.
- Start with pre-cooked chicken to avoid baking too long.
- Check at 35 minutes and tent with foil if top browns too fast, letting cheese stay gooey.
- Let the monkey bread cool briefly in the pan after baking to set the sauce and help it hold shape when inverted.
Following these tips helps you get golden, crispy bread with a creamy, cheesy center that’s perfect for pulling apart!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Bundt pan – perfect for giving your monkey bread its classic ring shape and helps it cook evenly.
- Mixing bowl – handy for combining butter, garlic, and seasoning before coating the dough pieces.
- Measuring spoons – useful for accurate seasoning and garlic amounts to keep flavors balanced.
- Knife or kitchen scissors – makes cutting biscuits into smaller pieces quick and easy.
- Cooking brush or your hands – great for evenly coating the biscuit pieces with the butter mixture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked sausage or bacon pieces to add a smoky, savory twist.
- Mix in sautéed spinach or kale for a pop of color and gentle earthiness that balances the rich sauce.
- Add shredded mozzarella and cheddar mix for a sharper, tangier cheese flavor.
- Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a subtle spicy kick, great if you like a little heat.
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (flaky preferred)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For Coating and Flavor:
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: pinch red pepper flakes for a hint of spice
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing the pan
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation, including cutting and layering, and 35 to 40 minutes of baking time. Let it cool for 10 minutes after baking before serving so it holds together well.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt or tube pan generously with butter or nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks.
2. Mix Butter and Seasoning:
In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Set this flavorful mixture aside for coating the biscuit pieces.
3. Prepare the Biscuit Pieces:
Open the biscuit cans and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into quarters for perfect bite-sized pieces.
4. Coat Biscuit Pieces:
Dip every biscuit piece into the butter mixture, making sure each piece is nicely coated to achieve a crispy, flavorful crust.
5. Layer Ingredients:
Start layering the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared pan. After a layer of biscuit pieces, sprinkle on some cooked chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, and drizzle with a spoonful of Alfredo sauce. Repeat this layering until all ingredients are used. Be sure the top layer includes biscuit pieces with butter and cheese to help it crisp up.
6. Finish and Bake:
Pour any remaining Alfredo sauce over the top of the layered bread. If you like a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the biscuits are golden and the cheese bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the monkey bread cool in the pan about 10 minutes. Run a knife gently around the edges to loosen, then invert onto a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for that delicious gooey pull-apart experience.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before using. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat the chicken dry to avoid extra moisture in the bread.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the monkey bread a few hours ahead and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the bread softer, cover it while reheating.
Can I Use Homemade Alfredo Sauce Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! Homemade Alfredo sauce works wonderfully and lets you control the ingredients. Just be sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t make the bread soggy.
