Imagine a golden garlic bread baguette, warm from the oven, filled with juicy, pesto-tossed chicken, softened red pepper, and caramelized red onion, all topped with a gooey layer of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This recipe brings together the best of comforting ingredients with the convenience of an easy-to-assemble dish, ready for any gathering or just a satisfying weeknight meal. Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread is a delicious fusion of bold flavors and textures that you can have on the table in 40 minutes, making it a go-to for busy days or laid-back evenings.
PrintCheesy Chicken Garlic Bread
Indulge in cheesy bliss with our Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread! Melted cheese, juicy chicken, and a burst of garlic flavor make this the perfect comfort food. One bite, and you’ll be hooked! 🧄🧀
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2–3 Garlic Bread Baguettes: Garlic bread is the perfect vessel for this dish, bringing an aromatic and slightly crunchy base. Be sure to get fresh baguettes, as they’ll toast up beautifully and complement the filling.
- 1 Tablespoon Oil: Olive oil works well here, giving a rich flavor for cooking the chicken and vegetables. You can also use other oils like avocado oil or even a garlic-infused oil for an extra punch.
- 400g Chicken Mini Fillets (Tenderloins): These cook quickly and stay tender. You can substitute chicken breast or thighs if you prefer, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- 1 Red Pepper, Very Thinly Sliced: Red peppers add a sweet, vibrant note that contrasts with the savory garlic bread and pesto. Thin slices ensure they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a deliciously soft texture.
- 1 Small Red Onion, Sliced: The red onion caramelizes as it cooks, bringing a hint of sweetness and balancing the flavors.
- 190g Jar Red Pesto: Pesto gives a bold, nutty, and slightly sweet taste that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully. Using a red pepper pesto, such as Tesco’s Red Pepper Cremosa Pesto, adds a unique twist to the classic garlic bread.
- 250g Bag Grated Mozzarella & Cheddar Mix (or Just Mozzarella): The cheese layer is the crowning glory of this dish, melting over the stuffed garlic bread and creating a satisfying, stretchy texture. Mozzarella adds gooeyness, while cheddar brings a sharper flavor; adjust this mix according to your preference.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200ºC (180ºC fan) or 400ºF (gas mark 6). This ensures your garlic bread bakes evenly and crisps up just right.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat for 1-2 minutes. Once hot, add the chicken fillets. Fry on one side for about 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside for later.
- Sauté the Vegetables: If your pan seems dry, add a little more oil. Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the red pepper and onion. Stir frequently and cook for around 12 minutes, until the pepper becomes soft and the onion caramelizes. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, remove from heat, and stir in the pesto to coat everything evenly.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread: Slice each garlic baguette lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open them up slightly and place them on your largest baking tray, or use two trays if necessary. Pre-bake the garlic bread for about 7 minutes to give it a little crispness before adding the filling.
- Assemble the Garlic Bread: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and carefully fill each baguette with the chicken, pepper, and onion mixture. Spread the mixture evenly, then sprinkle the grated cheese on top to create an even layer.
- Bake Again: Return the garlic bread to the oven for another 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to turn golden brown.
- Serve: Cut each baguette in half or thirds, and serve while it’s warm and cheesy.
Notes
- Chicken Substitutions: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. These vegetables cook quickly and soak up the pesto flavor well.
- Cheese Options: Swap the mozzarella and cheddar mix with other cheeses like gouda, fontina, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Pesto Alternatives: If red pesto isn’t available, regular basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto works just as well.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free garlic bread or rolls to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Frying
This recipe takes only five minutes of preparation and uses straightforward ingredients, yet it delivers rich, layered flavors. With a delightful combination of crispy garlic bread, savory pesto chicken, sweet pepper and onion, and melty cheese, each bite is a treat that feels as special as it is easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe has something to please every palate.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients. While the ingredients are easy to find, each one contributes to the recipe’s depth and complexity. Here’s a look at what each ingredient brings to the table:
- 2-3 Garlic Bread Baguettes: Garlic bread is the perfect vessel for this dish, bringing an aromatic and slightly crunchy base. Be sure to get fresh baguettes, as they’ll toast up beautifully and complement the filling.
- 1 Tablespoon Oil: Olive oil works well here, giving a rich flavor for cooking the chicken and vegetables. You can also use other oils like avocado oil or even a garlic-infused oil for an extra punch.
- 400g Chicken Mini Fillets (Tenderloins): These cook quickly and stay tender. You can substitute chicken breast or thighs if you prefer, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- 1 Red Pepper, Very Thinly Sliced: Red peppers add a sweet, vibrant note that contrasts with the savory garlic bread and pesto. Thin slices ensure they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a deliciously soft texture.
- 1 Small Red Onion, Sliced: The red onion caramelizes as it cooks, bringing a hint of sweetness and balancing the flavors.
- 190g Jar Red Pesto: Pesto gives a bold, nutty, and slightly sweet taste that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully. Using a red pepper pesto, such as Tesco’s Red Pepper Cremosa Pesto, adds a unique twist to the classic garlic bread.
- 250g Bag Grated Mozzarella & Cheddar Mix (or Just Mozzarella): The cheese layer is the crowning glory of this dish, melting over the stuffed garlic bread and creating a satisfying, stretchy texture. Mozzarella adds gooeyness, while cheddar brings a sharper flavor; adjust this mix according to your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The steps for making this Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread are straightforward, and it all comes together in less than an hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200ºC (180ºC fan) or 400ºF (gas mark 6). This ensures your garlic bread bakes evenly and crisps up just right.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat for 1-2 minutes. Once hot, add the chicken fillets. Fry on one side for about 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside for later.
- Sauté the Vegetables: If your pan seems dry, add a little more oil. Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the red pepper and onion. Stir frequently and cook for around 12 minutes, until the pepper becomes soft and the onion caramelizes. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, remove from heat, and stir in the pesto to coat everything evenly.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread: Slice each garlic baguette lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open them up slightly and place them on your largest baking tray, or use two trays if necessary. Pre-bake the garlic bread for about 7 minutes to give it a little crispness before adding the filling.
- Assemble the Garlic Bread: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and carefully fill each baguette with the chicken, pepper, and onion mixture. Spread the mixture evenly, then sprinkle the grated cheese on top to create an even layer.
- Bake Again: Return the garlic bread to the oven for another 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to turn golden brown.
- Serve: Cut each baguette in half or thirds, and serve while it’s warm and cheesy.
Tasting Notes: Flavor, Texture, and Aroma
Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread offers a delightful array of flavors and textures. The aroma of the garlic bread toasting in the oven fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting smell that sets the tone for a comforting meal. The combination of melted cheese with the pesto-coated chicken, caramelized onion, and sweet red pepper creates a complex yet harmonious taste in every bite.
The bread is crispy around the edges, providing a satisfying crunch, while the center is softer and filled with the juicy chicken and vegetables. The cheese pulls apart beautifully, adding a creamy, savory quality that makes this dish irresistible.
Tips and Substitutions
This recipe is versatile, and you can easily make a few adjustments to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Chicken Substitutions: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. These vegetables cook quickly and soak up the pesto flavor well.
- Cheese Options: Swap the mozzarella and cheddar mix with other cheeses like gouda, fontina, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Pesto Alternatives: If red pesto isn’t available, regular basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto works just as well.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free garlic bread or rolls to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread makes a satisfying main course, but you can serve it with a side salad, a bowl of soup, or roasted vegetables to make a more complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade in warm weather, or a cozy cup of tomato soup on cooler days.
For a party or game-day snack, you can slice the bread into smaller portions for easy, grab-and-go bites.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the garlic bread in the oven at 180ºC (160ºC fan) or 350ºF for 12-14 minutes, ensuring the chicken is hot throughout. For longer storage, wrap the garlic bread in foil and freeze for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat as described.
Accommodations for Fussy Eaters, Babies, and Toddlers
For children or anyone who isn’t a fan of cooked red peppers, you can set aside a portion without it. Serve with a side vegetable they enjoy, like sliced cucumbers, carrots, or even a side of mild cheese.
If preparing this for babies or toddlers, here’s how you can adjust the serving:
- 6-7 Months: Serve a whole mini chicken fillet with the vegetables as finger food. Skip the garlic bread and cheese.
- 7-12 Months: Slice the chicken into finger-width strips. Serve the cooked pepper and onion on the side, along with a small amount of plain bread instead of the garlic bread.
- 12+ Months: Chop the chicken, peppers, and onion into bite-sized pieces. You can also give them a small portion of the garlic bread and a sprinkle of cheese if they’re able to handle it.
With its warm, comforting flavors and adaptable nature, Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread is sure to become a favorite. It’s ideal for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a cozy solo meal. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try, and let this cheesy, flavorful garlic bread brighten up your next meal!