There’s something incredibly comforting about freshly baked bread, especially when it’s stuffed with delicious cheesy chicken. This recipe marries the warmth of homemade bread with a savory filling that’s perfect for dinner or a hearty snack. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking but fancy enough to impress guests at your next gathering. The best part? You can control the ingredients and make it just the way your family loves it. Once you experience the combination of the fluffy dough and creamy chicken filling, you’ll find yourself making this again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy bread enveloping a creamy, cheesy filling—what’s not to love?
- Easy to prepare with common ingredients found in your pantry.
- Perfect as a meal prep option, it’s just as tasty reheated.
- Great for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
- Customize the filling to suit your family’s tastes, whether it’s extra veggies or different meats.
Ingredients
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For the Dough:
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 240ml (1 cup) warm milk
- 8g (2½ tsp) instant yeast
- 25g (2 tbsp) sugar
- 5g (1 tsp) salt
- 15g (2 tbsp) milk powder
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 60g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 15ml (1 tbsp) oil
- 30g (2 tbsp) plain yogurt
- 20g (1 tbsp) sour cream
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For the Chicken Filling:
- 650g (about 1.4 lbs) chicken breast, cut into small cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp white pepper powder
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- 15ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice
- 15ml (1 tbsp) oil
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter
- 1 large onion (200g), finely chopped
- 1 small green capsicum (80–100g), finely chopped (or 2 small capsicums)
- 120ml (½ cup) fresh cream
- 60g (¼ cup) cream cheese
- 180g (1½ cups) shredded mozzarella & cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
- 2 tbsp chopped green onion
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For the Topping:
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- Black & white sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Frying pan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, milk powder, egg, softened butter, oil, yogurt, and sour cream. Mix until a dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
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While the dough is rising, marinate the chicken with salt, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, chili flakes, red chili powder, white pepper powder, black pepper powder, lemon juice, and oil. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes.
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In a large pan, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and capsicum until they are soft and fragrant.
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Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until it’s fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes.
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Reduce the heat and mix in the fresh cream, cream cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar, chopped coriander, and green onion. Stir until creamy and warm.
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Place the chicken filling in the center and top with the remaining cheese.
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Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and seal it well. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
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In a small bowl, whisk the egg with the milk and brush the mixture over the dough. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
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For an extra flavor boost, mix melted butter and garlic powder, then brush it on the baked bread just before serving.
Pro Tips
- For best results, ensure your milk is warm, not hot, when mixing the dough.
- Kneading for a sufficient amount of time helps develop the gluten for a perfect texture.
- Let the filling cool slightly before adding it to the dough to avoid making it soggy.
Common Mistakes
- Don’t rush the dough rising time; it should double in size for the best texture.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it will become dry.
- Ensure an even thickness when rolling out the dough to allow for uniform baking.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Herby Twist: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the filling for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, sliced into portions. This bread pairs well with a fresh salad or vegetable soup for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes to restore the crispiness of the bread.
Nutrition Estimate
Estimated per serving (based on 8 servings):
Calories: 370
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 18g
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Course: Main Course
- Calories: 370
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the stuffed bread?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed bread before baking. Wrap it well and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use store-bought bread dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough can save time, but homemade dough offers a texture and flavor that elevates the dish.
What type of cheese can I use?
Feel free to mix and match cheeses! Cheddar, mozzarella, or even gouda work beautifully in this recipe.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and dough a day in advance, keeping them separate in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake whenever you’re ready to serve.
This cheesy chicken stuffed bread is sure to turn heads at the dinner table. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’ve created something special for your family and friends.
