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

Description

BBQ Chicken French Bread is a fast, flavorful main course featuring tender cooked chicken tossed with tangy BBQ sauce, red onions, and golden cheddar, all baked atop crusty French bread for a cheesy, crowd-pleasing meal ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Bread Base

1/2 loaf French bread, halved lengthwise

Chicken Topping

2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Cheese & Veggies

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup red onions, finely sliced

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Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Place the halved French bread, cut side facing up, on a lined baking sheet. This will serve as the base for your toppings.
Mix Chicken & BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, toss the cooked, cubed chicken with the BBQ sauce until evenly coated, ensuring flavorful chicken in every bite.
Assemble the French Bread: Evenly spread the BBQ chicken mixture over each bread half. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chicken, then distribute the sliced red onions on top for added flavor and crunch.
Bake: Bake the prepared bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is crispy on the edges.
Slice & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice into two-inch pieces and serve immediately while warm and melty.

Notes

Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience and faster prep.
Swap cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheese flavor.
Add sliced jalapeños or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Great for game days, quick lunches, or easy dinners.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 65mg