Description
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread is a decadent and satisfying dish combining tender, seasoned chicken cooked in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce with crispy, flavorful garlic bread smothered in melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main course, this recipe blends creamy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors to create an irresistible comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Seasoning and Cooking
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Bread
- 1 loaf French bread
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ Tablespoon parsley (freshly chopped)
- 2 cups freshly grated Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and paprika. Season both sides of the chicken pieces evenly with this mixture to ensure flavorful meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil once hot. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned on the surface, approximately 6 minutes. Stir occasionally and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the cooked chicken and keep warm. Clean out any burnt bits from the skillet for the sauce.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to brown it. Pour in the heavy cream along with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir frequently and simmer gently, scraping the pan sides to prevent curdling, until the sauce reduces to about 1 cup and thickens slightly, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Adjust seasoning with remaining salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, placing the two halves cut side up on a large baking sheet. In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and parsley. Spread this garlic butter evenly over the cut surfaces of the bread. Bake in the oven for 6 minutes until the bread is lightly toasted and buttery.
- Assemble and Bake: Remove the bread from the oven carefully. Spread a generous layer of Alfredo sauce over each half. Sprinkle 1 cup of grated Mozzarella cheese on top of each. Evenly distribute the seasoned cooked chicken pieces over the cheese layer. Spoon another layer of Alfredo sauce over the chicken for extra creaminess. Return the bread to the oven and bake for an additional 12 minutes until hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted completely.
- Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, slice the garlic bread into serving pieces, and serve immediately while warm and gooey. Enjoy this rich, comforting dish as a delightful dinner or sharing appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- You can use fresh parsley for the garlic butter or substitute with dried parsley if fresh is unavailable.
- For a lower fat version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Leftover Alfredo sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For extra crisp garlic bread, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching closely.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor results.
