Pesto Chicken Garlic Bread Boats (Printer View)

Crispy garlic bread hollowed out and filled with creamy pesto chicken, topped with melted mozzarella for an irresistible appetizer or meal.

# Components:

→ 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 baguettes in half lengthwise. Using 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 shape.
03 - In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Spread the mixture evenly over the inside surface of each bread boat.
04 - In a separate bowl, combine shredded chicken, basil pesto, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, 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 filled bread boats on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and bread is golden brown.
07 - Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Slice into portions and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy preparation in just 15 minutes.
  • A delicious fusion of aromatic pesto and classic garlic bread.
  • Uses simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • The perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or comforting main dish.
02 -
  • Use a bread knife to hollow out the baguettes for cleaner edges.
  • Do not discard the bread you hollowed out; toast it later for homemade breadcrumbs.
  • If you prefer a crispier base, bake the empty buttered boats for 5 minutes before adding the chicken filling.
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