A crispy French bread topped with tangy barbecue sauce, juicy chicken, and melted cheese. A quick and flavorful meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – ready in just 25 minutes
- Uses simple ingredients for a flavorful dish
- Perfect for parties, game nights, or casual dinners
- Customizable with different toppings and cheeses
- Great way to use up leftover chicken
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the halved French bread on the baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake for 5 minutes until slightly toasted.
- Spread barbecue sauce evenly over both halves of the bread.
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with garlic powder and smoked paprika.
- Layer the seasoned chicken over the barbecue sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Add sliced red onions on top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and let cool for 2 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in cheddar or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
- Different Protein: Swap chicken for rotisserie turkey.
- Vegetarian Option: Use grilled veggies instead of chicken.
- Sweet & Smoky: Use honey barbecue sauce for a sweeter twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Ciabatta, baguette, or even a flatbread can work well.
What’s the best barbecue sauce for this recipe?
Any brand works, but a smoky or honey barbecue sauce enhances the flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bread and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Toasting it before adding toppings helps prevent sogginess.
Can I add extra veggies?
Yes! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the cheesy, barbecue flavor.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or a blend of cheeses all work well.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Yes, wrap it in foil and grill on medium heat for about 10 minutes.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A simple salad, coleslaw, or roasted veggies make great sides.
Conclusion
This BBQ Chicken French Bread is a fast, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether for a casual dinner, game day snack, or party appetizer, it’s a flavorful and cheesy treat that’s easy to make and sure to be a hit!
Print
BBQ Chicken French Bread Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A crispy French bread topped with barbecue sauce, chicken, and melted cheese—a quick, flavorful meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the halved French bread on the baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake for 5 minutes until slightly toasted.
- Spread barbecue sauce evenly over both halves of the bread.
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with garlic powder and smoked paprika.
- Layer the seasoned chicken over the barbecue sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Add sliced red onions on top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and let cool for 2 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use any barbecue sauce you love—honey BBQ for sweetness or spicy BBQ for extra kick.
- Swap mozzarella with cheddar or gouda for a different cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
