Stuffed Chicken Bacon Chive Bread Loaf – A Cheesy Savory Delight

Okay, so this might be the best thing I’ve ever made with bread. Picture this: crispy bacon, juicy chicken, chives, and cheesy goodness all stuffed into a warm, golden loaf. Yep, it’s as crazy delicious as it sounds.

I first made this on a random Sunday when I didn’t know what to cook. Just grabbed what I had in the fridge and stuffed it all into bread. And wow—it turned into something amazing.

The smell alone made everyone come running into the kitchen. It’s cheesy, meaty, and full of flavor in every bite. Trust me, you’re gonna want to make this again and again.

So, let’s make it together! It’s easy, it’s fun, and it tastes so good. I’ll show you every step, promise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Cheesy: The buttery, golden-baked bread holds in a rich, gooey cheese filling that melts in your mouth.
• Packed with Flavor: Juicy, seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh chives give every bite a perfect balance.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for parties, game nights, or any time you want a fun and delicious appetizer.
• Customizable: You can switch up the cheese, add spice, or experiment with different fillings to suit your taste.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Stuffed Chicken Bacon Chive Bread Loaf, you’ll need:

✔ Sharp knife – To slice the bread without cutting all the way through.
✔ Cutting board – For prepping the chicken, bacon, and chives.
✔ Mixing bowls – To combine the cheese mixture.
✔ Skillet – For cooking the chicken and bacon.
✔ Pastry brush – To spread the garlic butter evenly.
✔ Oven-safe baking sheet – To bake the stuffed bread.
✔ Aluminum foil – Helps prevent the top from over-browning while the cheese melts inside.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy, savory delight (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Stuffed Bread:

• 1 large loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or French bread) – This acts as the base for the stuffing.
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Diced into small pieces for even cooking and easy stuffing.
• 6 slices of bacon – Cooked until crispy and crumbled for a smoky crunch.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Adds gooey, melty goodness.
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened) – Creates a rich and creamy texture.
• ¼ cup chives (finely chopped) – For a fresh, mild onion flavor.

For the Garlic Butter Coating:

• 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps the bread crisp up.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) – Adds a deep, garlicky aroma.
• ½ tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• ½ tsp black pepper – For a little kick.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika – Adds depth and a hint of smokiness.
• ¼ cup chicken broth – Helps keep the bread soft and prevents it from drying out.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted) – For extra richness and golden crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions – Preparing the Ingredients

Before we start stuffing the bread, let’s cook the key ingredients to ensure maximum flavor.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and slightly golden.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir. This keeps the chicken juicy.
4. Remove from heat and let it rest while preparing the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

1. In the same skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 5 minutes per side).
2. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess grease.
3. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine:
   • Shredded cheddar cheese
   • Softened cream cheese
   • Chopped chives
   • Crispy bacon crumbles
   • Cooked chicken pieces
2. Mix everything well until evenly combined.

Step 4: Prep the Bread

1. Place your crusty bread loaf on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, make deep cuts into the bread without slicing all the way through, creating a grid pattern.
3. Gently pull apart the sections, making space for the stuffing.

Step 5: Stuff the Bread

1. Fill the Bread Pockets:
   • Use a spoon or your hands to stuff the cheese-chicken-bacon mixture into the cuts of the bread.
   • Be generous! The more filling, the more deliciously gooey and flavorful each bite will be.
   • Press the filling deep into the cuts so every section of the bread is packed with flavor.
2. Add Extra Cheese on Top (Optional):
   • For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a bit more cheddar cheese over the top of the stuffed bread.

Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter Coating

This garlic butter mixture will give the bread a crispy golden crust and deep, buttery flavor.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
   • Melted butter
   • Olive oil
   • Minced garlic
   • Salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika
2. Brush the Butter Mixture Over the Bread:
   • Use a pastry brush to spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire loaf.
   • Make sure to get into the crevices so every part of the bread is coated.

Step 7: Bake the Stuffed Bread

1. Wrap in Foil:
   • To prevent the top from browning too quickly while the cheese melts, loosely wrap the loaf in aluminum foil.
2. Bake the Bread:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
3. Unwrap and Bake Again:
   • After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the top is crispy and golden brown.
4. Let It Cool Slightly:
   • Once baked, let the bread rest for 5 minutes before serving.
   • This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to pull apart.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy stuffed bread is delicious on its own, but you can level it up with these serving ideas:

Dipping Sauces:

• Ranch dressing – A creamy, tangy contrast to the smoky bacon and cheese.
• Garlic aioli – Enhances the garlicky notes of the butter coating.
• Spicy sriracha mayo – Adds a little heat for those who love a spicy kick.
• Warm marinara sauce – Turns this into a pizza-style treat!

Best Ways to Serve:

• As an appetizer – Perfect for parties, game nights, or holiday gatherings.
• As a side dish – Pair it with soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
• As a main course – Enjoy it with a side of roasted veggies for a complete meal.
• For sharing – This is a pull-apart bread, so everyone can grab a cheesy, bacon-filled piece!

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Want to enjoy leftovers later? Here’s how to store and reheat your stuffed bread properly.

How to Store Leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Wrap leftover bread tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Stuffed Bread:

• Oven: The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy again.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for a crispy exterior.
• Microwave (Not Recommended): While it works in a pinch, microwaving may make the bread soggy instead of crispy.

Variations and Customizations

Want to make this stuffed bread even more exciting? Try these delicious variations!

Cheese Lover’s Dream

Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, gouda, or provolone for a different cheesy twist.

• Use a cheese blend for even more gooey goodness.

Spicy Kick

Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for some heat.

• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

BBQ Style

Toss the chicken with BBQ sauce before stuffing for a smoky-sweet flavor.

• Top with caramelized onions for extra depth.

Buffalo Ranch Flavor

• Mix buffalo sauce into the cheese mixture for a tangy, spicy kick.
• Serve with blue cheese dressing or ranch for dipping.

Veggie Version

• Skip the bacon and chicken, and instead, add:
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Roasted bell peppers
  • Spinach or caramelized onions

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~380
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	10g
Sodium	720mg
Fiber	2g

(Note: Nutrition info is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

FAQs: Stuffed Chicken Bacon Chive Bread Loaf

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can stuff the bread and refrigerate it (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed.

Can I use different cheese?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, provolone, gouda, or a blend will all work well.

What if I don’t eat bacon?

You can skip the bacon or replace it with turkey bacon or sautéed mushrooms.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the chicken and bacon for a mix of:

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Roasted bell peppers
• Spinach or caramelized onions

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Chicken Bacon Chive Bread Loaf is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re making it for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. The crispy golden bread, gooey melted cheese, and savory bacon-chicken filling make it impossible to resist.