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Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Easy stuffed garlic bread with pesto chicken and vegetables. Takes 40 minutes total, serves 4-6. Great for families with adaptable portions.
Clare Greco
Updated on Thu, 06 Feb 2025 18:06:59 GMT
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Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread | recipesbyclare.com

After countless garlic bread experiments, I finally cracked the code for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special. This cheesy chicken version combines store-bought garlic bread with simple ingredients to create something that tastes way more complicated than it is.

Essential Ingredients

  • Twin pack garlic bread baguettes
  • Chicken mini fillets for quick cooking
  • Red pesto adds rich flavor
  • Mixed cheese creates perfect melt
  • Red peppers bring sweetness
  • Red onion adds depth
  • Fresh parsley brightens
  • Seasonings enhance everything
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Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe | recipesbyclare.com

Detailed Instructions

Bread Prep:
Split those garlic bread loaves lengthwise and give them a quick toast. This creates the perfect base for our filling.
Chicken Mix:
Cook those chicken pieces quickly with thinly sliced peppers and onions. The vegetables should be tender but not mushy.
Pesto Power:
Toss everything in red pesto - it's the secret that brings it all together. Make sure every piece is coated.
Final Assembly:
Layer that chicken mixture generously, top with cheese, and watch it transform in the oven.

Perfect Pairings

A simple side salad with balsamic dressing cuts through the richness. For extra hungry nights, roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries work beautifully. Sometimes I'll warm up extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Make It Your Own

Switch up the flavors based on what you have. Add mushrooms or different colored peppers. Try different pestos - basil or sun-dried tomato work great. For spice lovers, add chili flakes or jalapeños. During summer, layer in fresh tomatoes and basil.

Keep It Fresh

Prep components ahead: slice vegetables and store in the fridge, pre-cook chicken. Once assembled, best served immediately while cheese is melty. Leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge - reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness. The filling freezes well for up to 3 months.

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Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread Homemade | recipesbyclare.com

This recipe has saved countless weeknight dinners at my house. It's proof that sometimes the best meals come from clever shortcuts and simple ingredients. Whether feeding a family or prepping for a party, it's a reliable crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I serve this to babies?
Deconstruct components and adjust portion sizes based on age (6-7, 7-12, 12+ months).
→ Can I freeze this?
Yes, wrap in foil and freeze. Defrost 24 hours in fridge before reheating.
→ What about fussy eaters?
Can omit peppers from their portion and serve preferred vegetables on side.
→ How long do leftovers keep?
Store in fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.
→ What cheese works best?
Either mozzarella-cheddar mix or just mozzarella works well.

Pesto Chicken Garlic Bread

Garlic bread stuffed with pesto-tossed chicken, peppers, and onions, topped with melted cheese. Quick prep and family-friendly.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: British

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2-3 garlic bread baguettes
02 400g chicken mini fillets (tenderloins US)
03 1 red pepper, very thinly sliced
04 1 small red onion, sliced

→ Sauce & Cheese

05 190g jar red pesto
06 250g bag grated mozzarella & cheddar mix (or just mozzarella)
07 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 200ºc/180ºc fan/400ºf/gas 6.

Step 02

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat for 1-2 minutes. Then add the chicken fillets and fry on one side for 3 minutes and then the other for another 3-4 minutes or until deep golden and cooked through.

Step 03

If the pan is now dry add a little more oil and turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the red pepper and the onion. Fry for 12 minutes or until the red pepper is soft, stirring often. Then add the chicken back in, remove from the heat and stir through the pesto.

Step 04

In the meantime, slice your garlic baguettes lengthways down the middle until you almost reach the bottom. Open them up a little and place on your largest baking tray (or use two trays). Bake for 7 minutes.

Step 05

Then fill the garlic bread with the chicken and pepper mix. Top with a good, even layer of the cheese. Return to the oven and bake for a further 5-6 minutes, until the cheese starts to turn golden-brown. To serve, cut the baguettes in half or thirds.

Notes

  1. Can be adapted for different age groups.
  2. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
  3. Can customize portions for fussy eaters.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large frying pan
  • Large baking tray
  • Sharp knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese)
  • Contains gluten (bread)