Pesto Chicken Garlic Bread Boats (Printer-Friendly)

Crispy bread boats loaded with seasoned chicken, basil pesto, and melted cheese for a perfect sharing appetizer or comforting meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 2 large baguettes or Italian loaves
02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

→ Chicken & Filling

05 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
06 - 1/3 cup basil pesto
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Cheese

11 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Slice the baguettes in half lengthwise. Using your fingers or a spoon, gently hollow out the center of each half, leaving approximately 1/2 inch of bread on all sides to form a boat.
03 - In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Spread the mixture evenly over the inside of each bread boat.
04 - In a separate bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pesto, sour cream, Parmesan, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well blended.
05 - Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed bread boats. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
06 - Arrange the filled bread boats on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden.
07 - Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice into portions and serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of preparation, it's perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for game days or as a comforting main course that everyone will enjoy.
  • Flavorful: Combines garlic, basil pesto, and two types of cheese for a rich and savory taste.
02 -
  • Allergen Alert: Double-check your pesto ingredients for tree nuts if you have allergies.
  • Cheese Melt: For extra gooeyness, use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-shredded varieties.
  • Don't Waste: Save the bread you hollowed out to make homemade breadcrumbs or croutons.
Return