Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty twist on classic comfort food. It’s made with soft, pull-apart dough pieces slathered in creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken chunks, and melted cheese that all come together in one delicious pull-apart bread. The combination of gooey cheese and rich sauce makes every bite a little celebration.
I love making this dish when I want something cozy but also a bit different from the usual pasta dinner. It’s so easy to share because everyone can grab their own piece, which makes it perfect for family nights or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s a great way to get a little bit of everything—chicken, cheese, and sauce—without needing plates and forks for every bite.
My favorite way to serve Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is right out of the pan, warm and bubbling, with a simple green salad on the side to balance out the richness. It’s one of those meals that feels like a special treat but comes together without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re cooking for kids or friends, this monkey bread always gets the smiles going around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Using canned biscuit dough cuts down prep time and gives soft, fluffy bites. If you want a homemade touch, pizza dough or pull-apart bread dough works well too.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is best for tender chunks. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can be great time-savers.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives stretchiness. Parmesan adds a nutty kick. You can swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina if you want a little different flavor.
Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought Alfredo is convenient, but homemade adds freshness. For a lighter option, mix Alfredo with some Greek yogurt or use a cream cheese base.
Butter & Garlic: These add richness and flavor to the dough coating. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a personal twist.
How Can I Make Sure the Monkey Bread Comes Out Soft and Gooey?
Getting that perfect soft, gooey texture takes layering and baking with care. Here’s what works best:
- Cut dough into fairly even pieces so they cook evenly.
- Toss dough in melted butter and garlic well—this keeps each piece moist and flavorful.
- Layer chicken, cheese, and Alfredo sauce between dough layers so every bite gets saucy and cheesy.
- Don’t pack the dough too tightly; leave space to allow the bread to rise and bake through.
- Bake at 350°F and check for a golden brown top. If it browns too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
- Let the bread rest a few minutes after baking—that helps the cheese set without losing gooeyness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Bundt pan or tube pan – perfect shape for pull-apart bread and helps cook evenly.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the dough pieces in butter and seasoning easily.
- Basting brush or spoon – to spread melted butter and garlic mixture on the dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions, especially the Alfredo sauce and spices.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot pan when removing from the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist that pairs well with Alfredo sauce.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and a nice earthy flavor.
- Swap mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper, bolder cheese taste.
- Stir in red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for a bit of heat and more herbal flavor.
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough or pull-apart bread dough
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, including cutting the dough and mixing ingredients, plus 30-35 minutes to bake. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. In total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Oven Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt or tube pan well with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare The Dough Pieces:
Cut each biscuit or dough piece into quarters. This makes them bite-sized and perfect for layering.
3. Make The Flavorful Butter Mixture:
In a medium bowl, stir together melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat The Dough:
Toss the dough pieces in the butter mixture until each piece is nicely coated. This will bring lots of flavor and help the bread get golden.
5. Layer The Monkey Bread:
Start by placing one-third of the coated dough pieces into the bundt pan. Sprinkle about one-third of the cooked chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough. Drizzle some Alfredo sauce over the cheese layer. Repeat this layering two more times with the remaining ingredients.
6. Pack and Bake:
Gently press all layers together so they stick but still have space to bake through. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and is cooked fully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, letting everyone pull apart pieces to enjoy the creamy, cheesy, chicken-filled goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your chicken is fully thawed before using. Thaw overnight in the fridge or speed up with a cold water bath. Pat dry to avoid extra moisture affecting the dough.
Can I Prepare This Monkey Bread Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the monkey bread in the bundt pan and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to refresh the bread and melt the cheese nicely.
Can I Use Homemade Alfredo Sauce Instead of Store-Bought?
Yes, homemade Alfredo sauce works great and often tastes fresher! Just make sure it’s thick enough to stay on the layers but not so thick that it makes the bread soggy.
