Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! Any sturdy, crusty bread—like ciabatta, sourdough, or even thick focaccia—works beautifully. Just be mindful of thickness so your toppings don’t overwhelm the bread.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Leftover rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds great flavor, but you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand—grilled, roasted, or even poached. Shredded or cubed both work well.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with cooked chickpeas, black beans, jackfruit, or even roasted cauliflower tossed in BBQ sauce for a hearty, satisfying version.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Go light on the BBQ sauce if you want a crisper base, and make sure your bread is fairly thick-cut. Toasting the bread for a few minutes before adding toppings helps too!

BBQ Chicken French Bread Recipe

Name: BBQ Chicken French Bread Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 loaf French bread, halved lengthwise; 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup red onions, finely sliced

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about the combination of smoky, tangy BBQ chicken piled on top of crispy, golden French bread, all blanketed with a bubbling layer of melted cheddar cheese. This BBQ Chicken French Bread is one of those delightfully simple recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal, a hearty snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish delivers big flavors with barely any effort—and it’s out of the oven in just 20 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So Fast, So Easy: This recipe is pure weeknight gold—it comes together in under 20 minutes and requires hardly any prep.
Incredibly Satisfying: The mix of crispy bread, gooey cheese, sweet-and-savory BBQ chicken, and the zing of red onions creates an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite.
Minimal Cleanup: With everything assembled on a single baking sheet, cleanup is refreshingly simple.
Versatile: Serve as a dinner, party snack, or impressive game night treat—you’ll never run out of reasons to make it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want on hand, plus a few pro-tips to make this recipe work for your kitchen:

French Bread
Provides the perfect crusty base—look for a loaf that’s fresh but sturdy so it holds up to the toppings.
Cooked Chicken
Use leftover rotisserie chicken, fresh poached chicken, or even grilled chicken for added smokiness. Cube or shred for easy topping.
BBQ Sauce
Gives bold, sweet, and tangy flavor. Choose your favorite brand—something with a bit of smokiness and a touch of heat works especially well.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melts beautifully and adds sharp, gooey richness. For extra melt, you can blend in Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
Red Onions
Thinly sliced for a bit of bite and color, they add freshness and just a hint of tang that lifts all the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to make it your own:

Spicy Kick: Add pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes before baking.
Veggies Galore: Top with thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra crunch and color.
Dairy-Free: Use your favorite plant-based cheese for a dairy-free take—vegan cheese melts best when shredded finely.
Different Meats: Swap chicken for pulled pork, crumbled bacon, or leftover steak for a tasty twist.
Bread Swap: Try it on ciabatta, baguette, or sourdough rounds for a different texture.

How to Make BBQ Chicken French Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Bread

Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil for easier cleanup. Slice your French bread loaf lengthwise so you have two long halves, then lay them cut side up on the tray.

Step 2: Mix Chicken and Sauce

In a bowl, toss the cubed (or shredded) cooked chicken with your BBQ sauce until every piece is generously coated. Don’t be shy—more sauce means more flavor!

Step 3: Layer the Toppings

Spoon the saucy chicken evenly across the bread halves. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top, ensuring every inch is covered. Scatter the finely sliced red onions all over—this gives you a gorgeous finish and a fresh burst of flavor.

Step 4: Bake

Slide the tray into a preheated 350°F oven (about 175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden and the bread edges are crispy.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Let the bread cool for a few minutes (if you can resist!), then slice it into two-inch pieces. These are perfect hand-held portions—ideal for sharing or dipping!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toasted Edges: For even more crunch, brush the cut sides of your bread lightly with olive oil before topping.
Chicken Shortcut: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Even Topping: Spread the toppings all the way to the edge for the most satisfying bite in every slice.
Watch the Cheese: Check the bread at about 15 minutes—ovens vary and you want that golden cheese stretch without over-browning.

How to Serve

The beauty of BBQ Chicken French Bread is its versatility—serve it up however you wish!

As a Main Dish

Pair with a crisp green salad or a simple slaw to balance out the richness.

Appetizer or Snack

Arrange the slices on a platter for movie night, game day, or parties—no forks needed.

With a Side

Complement with roasted veggies, sweet potato fries, or even a side of hot tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.

Note: Drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce or a scatter of fresh herbs (think cilantro or chives) for that final touch of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly in foil or keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Freeze individually wrapped slices for up to a month. This makes a fantastic quick snack—just reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until hot and melty. You can also pop them in the toaster oven for extra crispiness. Microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that irresistible crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! Any sturdy, crusty bread—like ciabatta, sourdough, or even thick focaccia—works beautifully. Just be mindful of thickness so your toppings don’t overwhelm the bread.
What’s the best chicken to use?

Leftover rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds great flavor, but you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand—grilled, roasted, or even poached. Shredded or cubed both work well.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with cooked chickpeas, black beans, jackfruit, or even roasted cauliflower tossed in BBQ sauce for a hearty, satisfying version.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Go light on the BBQ sauce if you want a crisper base, and make sure your bread is fairly thick-cut. Toasting the bread for a few minutes before adding toppings helps too!

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken French Bread is weeknight magic—quick, flexible, and crowd-pleasing every single time. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a handful of ingredients into something totally crave-worthy with barely any fuss. Don’t be surprised if it disappears almost as soon as it hits the table. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite flavors, and enjoy the process—there’s really no way to go wrong with this one!