Save to Pinterest Pesto Chicken Garlic Bread Boats are an irresistible Italian-American fusion dish that combines the aromatic richness of basil pesto with the satisfying crunch of buttery garlic bread. These golden loaves are hollowed and filled with juicy chicken and gooey mozzarella, then baked until bubbling for a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
Save to Pinterest The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the hollowed-out baguette acts as a perfect vessel for the creamy pesto chicken filling. Every bite offers a delightful contrast between the crispy bread edges and the tender, cheesy interior.
Ingredients
- For the Garlic Bread:
- 2 large demi-baguettes or Italian sandwich rolls
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of salt
- For the Pesto Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- Slice each baguette in half lengthwise, leaving a hinge if possible. Gently hollow out some of the soft bread center to create a well, leaving about 1/2 inch of bread on the sides and bottom.
- Step 3
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread this mixture evenly inside each bread boat.
- Step 4
- Toast the bread boats in the oven for 5 minutes until just beginning to crisp.
- Step 5
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, pesto, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), black pepper, and salt. Mix until well coated.
- Step 6
- Spoon the pesto chicken mixture evenly into the toasted bread boats. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Step 7
- Return the filled bread boats to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges are golden.
- Step 8
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice into portions. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When hollowing out the baguettes, ensure you leave at least a 1/2-inch border to prevent the filling from leaking. Using a bread knife will help you achieve clean cuts without crushing the rolls.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a flavor twist, try using sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto. You can also add toasted pine nuts on top before serving for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these garlic bread boats with a simple green salad to balance the richness, or provide a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Save to Pinterest These Pesto Chicken Garlic Bread Boats are a guaranteed hit for any gathering. With their golden crust and savory filling, they provide a comforting meal that is as simple to prepare as it is impressive to serve.
Questions & Answers About This Recipe
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the chicken filling and garlic butter up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for best results, as the bread may become soggy if assembled too early.
- → What type of bread works best?
Demi-baguettes or Italian sandwich rolls with sturdy crusts hold up well during baking. Avoid very soft bread that might collapse under the filling. Ciabatta or small artisan loaves also work beautifully.
- → Can I freeze pesto chicken boats?
Assemble unbaked boats, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
- → How do I prevent soggy bread?
Pre-toast the bread boats with garlic butter for 5 minutes before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that helps prevent moisture from seeping into the bread. Also avoid overfilling with the chicken mixture.
- → Can I make this without mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or sour cream make excellent substitutes for mayonnaise. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat yogurt. The creamy element helps bind the chicken and pesto together while adding tanginess.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Warm marinara sauce complements the Italian flavors, while garlic aioli enhances the garlic notes. A balsamic glaze or extra pesto thinned with olive oil also make excellent dipping options.