If you’ve ever wanted a bakery-style treat baked right in your own kitchen, this Chicken Bread Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine soft, pillowy bread filled with a creamy, savory chicken and veggie mixture, baked to golden perfection — it’s hearty, comforting, and sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bakery-Style at Home: Experience that classic bakery aroma and flavor without having to leave the house (or change out of pajamas!).
- Creamy Savory Filling: The chicken is cooked till juicy, paired with cheese and colorful veggies, wrapped in soft bread for the perfect bite every time.
- Customizable & Crowd-Friendly: Each loaf can be tweaked to your family’s tastes, and it’s easy to double up for gatherings or snack-filled weekends.
- Impressive Yet Simple: That elegant braided look? It’s easier than you think, but guaranteed to wow everyone at first glance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering up these straightforward ingredients is the first step to baking up a Chicken Bread Recipe you’ll be proud of! Each component — from the fluffy dough to the cheesy, tender filling — plays a starring role in making this bread incredibly tasty, golden, and satisfying.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your bread, giving structure and softness — don’t forget to dust for that perfect texture!
- Instant Yeast: No proofing needed here, just mix right in and let it do its rising magic.
- Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and makes the dough so soft and rich. (Be sure it’s lukewarm, never hot!)
- Butter or Oil: For richness in both the dough and greasing, adding that irresistible flavor and tender crumb.
- Egg: Works double duty by enriching the dough and giving that glossy, bakery-style finish as an egg wash.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless and cubed, this forms the hearty heart of the Chicken Bread Recipe.
- Cumin Powder, Paprika & Chili: These spices (totally adaptable!) give your filling depth, subtle heat, and warmth.
- Minced Garlic & Lemon Juice: Brighten and flavor the chicken, making the filling truly memorable.
- Mixed Veggies: Think carrots, cabbage, and capsicum, for crunch, color, and that classic bakery flavor profile.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melty and creamy — who can resist that cheesy goodness?
- Green Onions & Cilantro: Add a pop of freshness and a bit of color to the filling.
- Flour & Milk (for roux): This combo thickens your filling, ensuring it’s luscious and won’t seep out during baking.
- Chili Garlic Sauce or Ketchup: For a saucy base that ties all the flavors together — pizza sauce works too!
- Sesame & Black Seeds: That classic finishing touch for crunch, nutty aroma, and visual pizzazz.
Variations
The beauty of this Chicken Bread Recipe is just how easily it adapts to what you have on hand — or what you’re craving tonight! Don’t be afraid to make it your own; tweak the flavors, pack in extra veggies, or give it a spicy kick.
- Spinach & Feta Bread: Swap half the chicken for fresh spinach and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
- Spicy Peri Peri Version: Add a dash of peri peri sauce or more chilies to the chicken for a zesty, fiery upgrade.
- All-Veggie Braid: Skip the chicken for a vegetarian version loaded with mushrooms, bell peppers, and extra cheese.
- Mini Braids or Rolls: Instead of two large loaves, shape smaller individual braids — perfect for lunchboxes or party platters!
How to Make Chicken Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Dough
In a large bowl, combine your flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg and softened butter. Gradually mix in warm milk, using your hands or a dough hook, until a soft, supple dough forms. Knead for a few minutes on a lightly floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic. Pop it into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rest somewhere cozy for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Marinate and Cook the Chicken Filling
While your dough is rising, toss the chicken pieces with cumin, paprika, garlic, black pepper, lemon juice, green chilies, and salt. Let this marinate as you prep other ingredients. In a skillet, cook the marinated chicken in a little oil until cooked through. Set aside, then use the same pan to make a roux: sauté flour, then slowly whisk in milk. Add chicken back to the pan along with veggies. Stir until the veggies soften slightly, then finish by mixing in cheese, cilantro, and green onions. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Loaves
Once your dough has risen, punch it down and knead briefly to remove air bubbles, adding more flour if sticky. Divide into two portions. Roll one out into a rectangle, transfer to a lined, floured baking sheet, and spread with chili garlic sauce or ketchup. Layer half the chicken mixture down the center. Make angled cuts along the sides, then fold strips over the filling to create a braided look, pinching ends to seal. Repeat with the other half for a second loaf.
Step 4: Proof, Egg Wash, and Bake
Let your braided loaves rest for another 30 minutes until nice and puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush each loaf generously with beaten egg, then sprinkle with sesame and black seeds. Bake for 30 minutes, until deeply golden, and finish with a quick broil for 1 minute to get that glistening, bakery-style top. (Air fryer option: bake at 180°C for 15 minutes for a crispier finish!)
Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy
Give your Chicken Bread a few minutes to cool so the filling sets and you get tidy, mouthwatering slices. Serve warm — watch those cheesy, savory layers reveal themselves as you cut!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Bread Recipe
- Dough Texture Matters: A slightly tacky dough (not dry!) is what you want—if it feels sticky at first, resist adding too much flour, as the dough will firm up as it rises.
- Cool the Filling: Let your chicken filling cool before assembling or it will make the dough soggy and hard to braid.
- Braiding Hacks: Use a bench scraper or sharp knife for neat strips, and always overlap for that professional braided finish (it’s easier than it looks!).
- Gold Top Every Time: Keep a close eye when broiling to avoid burning—just a minute or two is all you need for the perfect golden crust.
How to Serve Chicken Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting finish, sprinkle with extra sliced green onions or fresh chopped cilantro right before serving. That pop of color makes each slice gorgeous and truly bakery-worthy. If you love a hint of spice, a drizzle of sriracha or more chili garlic sauce will excite your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pair slices of Chicken Bread Recipe with a crisp green salad or a refreshing yogurt dip for a balanced meal. During colder months, serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup — the flavors complement each other perfectly and make even weeknight dinners feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try shaping the dough into mini-braids for lunchboxes or party trays, or slice and fan out on a board with dipping sauces for a show-stopping appetizer. If you’re feeling artsy, create different braiding patterns for each loaf—guaranteed to spark curiosity and appetite around your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover Chicken Bread to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This helps keep the bread soft and the filling just as flavorful as day one.
Freezing
Chicken Bread Recipe freezes beautifully! Once baked and cooled, wrap the loaf well and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked taste, reheat slices in a preheated oven (350°F/180°C) or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps up nicely. Microwave works in a pinch, but oven is best for reviving the perfect texture.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover cooked chicken for Chicken Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply shred any cooked or rotisserie chicken, toss with the marinade ingredients, and reduce the cooking time when preparing the filling—just long enough to warm through and blend flavors.
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What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead—just proof it first by dissolving in warm milk with sugar and waiting for it to get frothy before adding to your flour mixture. The rest of the process stays the same!
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Can I make Chicken Bread Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prep and shape the braids, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Bring to room temperature as the oven preheats, then bake fresh when ready to serve.
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How do I prevent the bottom from getting soggy?
Be sure to cool your filling before assembly, use a lined and lightly floured baking sheet, and avoid overfilling the loaves for best results. A hot oven ensures a crisp base—don’t skip preheating!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re feeling inspired to roll up your sleeves and try this Chicken Bread Recipe! There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm, freshly baked loaf — every bite is packed with comfort, flavor, and a touch of homemade magic. Don’t wait for a special occasion: treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this showstopper soon!
PrintChicken Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner Recipes, Iftar, Snack
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: World
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Bread Recipe combines a soft, fluffy bread filled with a savory and cheesy chicken filling, perfect for breakfast, dinner, or as a snack. The bread is beautifully braided and baked to golden perfection, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Prepare Bread Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups flour more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup milk warm
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoon butter or oil more to grease
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
Chicken Filling:
- Marinate:
- 450 g boneless chicken breast cut in small cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika optional
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2–1 tablespoon diced green chilies skip for non-spicy
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- To cook chicken:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup mixed chopped veggies like shredded carrot, shredded cabbage, capsicum
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
To assemble:
- 1/4 cup chili garlic sauce or ketchup or pizza sauce
- 1 egg beaten for egg wash
- Sesame seeds
- Black seeds
Instructions
- Make Dough: Make the dough by mixing all ingredients into the flour that is yeast, egg, butter, salt, and sugar. Then gradually add lukewarm milk to form a soft dough. Cover it and let it rise for 2 hours in a warm place.
- Cook chicken filling: Mix all the ingredients of the chicken in the bowl and let it rest until needed. Cook the marinated chicken in a pan until tender. In the same pan, heat oil and fry flour. Gradually add milk to make a roux. Add the chicken back to the roux along with veggies and let it soften. Add cheese, cilantro, and green onions. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Assemble: Punch the dough to remove air, knead until smooth. Divide into two parts. Roll out one part into a rectangle. Spread sauce, add filling, fold into a braid. Repeat with the second part. Let rise for 30 minutes. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 30 minutes, then broil for 1 minute for a golden top. Alternatively, air fry at 180°C for 15 minutes.
Notes
- The bread stays good in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air-fryer for the best taste.
- Use lukewarm milk for kneading the dough to activate the yeast properly.
- You can use shredded chicken as an alternative, adjusting salt and cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chilies if desired.
- Air fry at 180°C for 15 minutes for a crispy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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