Go Back
–+ servings

Healthy Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread Boats

Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread: Your ultimate comfort food! Savory chicken, gooey cheese, & aromatic garlic bread. A hearty meal or irresistible appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizers, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 815
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large baguettes
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
  • 8-10 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large chicken breasts (1.5-2 lbs)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment. Combine 1 cup softened butter, 8-10 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a medium bowl. Slice 2 large baguettes lengthwise. Generously spread the garlic butter on the cut sides of each baguette half. Place the buttered halves, cut-side up, on the baking sheets.
  2. Pre-bake the baguettes for 8-10 minutes, until the butter melts, the bread toasts slightly, and the garlic is fragrant. Remove them from the oven and set aside.
  3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken, rest for 5-10 minutes, then shred it.
  4. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté 1 diced yellow onion and 1 diced red bell pepper for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Add 8 oz softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Fold in the shredded chicken.
  7. Generously spoon the warm cheesy chicken filling over the cut sides of each partially baked garlic bread half. Spread evenly and sprinkle with extra shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
  8. Return the baking sheets to the 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. For crispier edges, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully. Rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan. Slice and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 815kcalProtein: 37gFat: 49gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 1449mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Notes

Ingredient Variations: I've definitely swapped out the bell pepper for sautéed mushrooms or even some fresh spinach wilted into the filling at the end, it adds a nice earthy note.
For the cheese

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!