Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a fun twist on classic comfort food that combines soft, pull-apart dough with creamy Alfredo sauce and tender pieces of chicken. Every bite is full…
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I love making this dish when I want something easy but special enough to serve at a casual dinner or a weekend get-together. The best part for me is how everyone can just grab a piece and share the deliciousness, making it feel like a warm, friendly meal. If you like garlic and cheese, this is definitely going to be one of your new favorites.
My favorite way to enjoy Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is straight from the pan, while it’s still warm, so all the flavors are at their best. It’s great served with a simple green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness. If you want to switch things up, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top at the end brings a nice fresh touch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Using refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe quick and easy. If you prefer homemade, any soft biscuit dough recipe works well. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free biscuit dough or bread dough.
Chicken: Cooked, shredded chicken is best. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or poached chicken breasts.
Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheeses: Mozzarella gives a gooey stretch while Parmesan adds sharpness. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute. For a lighter touch, part-skim mozzarella works fine too.
Alfredo Sauce: Made with butter, garlic, cream, milk, and cheese. Heavy cream makes it rich, but you can swap half the cream for whole milk to lighten it a bit.
How Do I Make the Alfredo Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
To get that perfectly creamy Alfredo sauce, keep your heat at medium-low. Here’s my tip:
- Melt butter and gently sauté garlic until soft, not browned, to avoid bitterness.
- Add cream and milk slowly and stir often so it heats evenly.
- Simmer gently—don’t boil—to thicken the sauce without curdling.
- Add Parmesan cheese off the heat and stir until melted for a smooth finish.
Patience here means a velvety sauce that binds everything beautifully inside the bread.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Bundt pan or tube pan – perfect for shaping the monkey bread and helps it bake evenly.
- Medium saucepan – for making the creamy Alfredo sauce without burning.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the biscuit dough pieces with cheese easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – so you get the sauce and seasonings just right.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the sauce and folding ingredients gently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or crab for a seafood twist that pairs well with Alfredo sauce.
- Add cooked spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and a fresh flavor boost.
- Mix in cooked bacon pieces – they add a smoky crunch that balances the creamy sauce.
- Try mozzarella and fontina cheese blend for a slightly nuttier, creamier texture.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade biscuit dough), cut into quarters
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Finishing Touches:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Non-stick cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 30-35 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5-10 minutes for cooling before serving. So, around 50 minutes in total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a bundt pan or tube pan with non-stick cooking spray to keep your monkey bread from sticking.
2. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the sauce from heat and set it aside.
3. Mix the Dough and Cheese:
In a mixing bowl, toss the quartered biscuit dough pieces with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half a cup of Parmesan cheese, making sure all pieces are coated with cheese.
4. Assemble the Monkey Bread:
Place half of the dough pieces into the bottom of the prepared bundt pan. Spread the shredded chicken evenly over this layer.
Pour half of the Alfredo sauce over the chicken and dough.
Add the remaining biscuit dough pieces on top, then pour over the rest of the Alfredo sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake your monkey bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. It’s best enjoyed warm and gooey—perfect for sharing and pulling apart bite-sized pieces!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. This helps keep the texture tender and safe to eat.
Can I Make Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to the assembly step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Biscuit Dough?
Yes, you can use homemade biscuit dough or even crescent roll dough if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the dough’s thickness and moisture.