Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread: A Savory Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you thought Monkey Bread was only for sweet breakfast lovers, think again. The Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a game-changer — a rich, indulgent, pull-apart delight that combines the gooey, buttery layers of traditional monkey bread with the creamy, savory flavors of chicken Alfredo pasta. This recipe brings together comfort food favorites into one stunning, shareable dish perfect for family dinners, game-day gatherings, potlucks, or even as an impressive centerpiece at holiday feasts.

Brimming with tender chunks of grilled chicken, garlicky Parmesan dough, and a velvety Alfredo sauce swirl, this savory spin on a classic dessert-turned-snack will have your guests reaching in for more. Whether you’re a die-hard Italian food fan or just looking to try something new and exciting, Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread delivers bold flavor in every bite.

The History: From Sweet Treat to Savory Sensation

Monkey Bread has a surprisingly elegant origin. Despite its playful name, it traces back to Hungarian cuisine, where it was known as “aranygaluska”—meaning “little golden dumpling.” Traditionally made with yeast dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar and baked in a bundt pan, it rose to popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 60s as a beloved brunch or holiday treat.

Over time, creative home cooks began experimenting with savory versions, replacing the sweet glaze with cheese, bacon, herbs, and even pizza-inspired ingredients. The evolution continued into the 2010s when social media food trends embraced the concept of “pull-apart” breads. It was only a matter of time before the creamy, comforting world of Alfredo met the fun, communal format of monkey bread.

The Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread emerged as a fusion favorite — combining everything we love about fettuccine Alfredo with the warm, gooey texture of homemade bread. It’s now a staple on food blogs, Pinterest boards, and dinner tables across America, celebrated for its visual appeal and decadent taste.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes This Dish Irresistible?

The magic of Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread lies in its layered components. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Let’s dive into what goes into this masterpiece:

Premade Crescent Roll Dough or Biscuit Dough: For convenience and flaky texture, most recipes use refrigerated dough. Crescent rolls offer a slightly buttery, airy rise, while biscuit dough gives a denser, more bread-like pull.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken works best. Shredded or diced into small cubes, it adds protein and heartiness.
Homemade or Store-Bought Alfredo Sauce: The star of the show. Rich with butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan, it coats every piece of dough and chicken. Homemade gives superior flavor, but quality jarred versions save time.
Shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully for that signature stretch, while Parmesan deepens the umami and saltiness.
Garlic and Butter: Sautéed minced garlic mixed into melted butter creates a fragrant coating for the dough pieces, enhancing aroma and savoriness.
Italian Seasoning, Parsley, and Onion Powder: These seasonings add complexity and balance, elevating the dish beyond basic cheesy goodness.
Optional Add-Ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or crispy bacon can be incorporated for extra depth and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread

Ready to create this mouthwatering dish? Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfectly baked, golden, bubbling Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread every time.

Ingredients

2 (8 oz) tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough (or 1 large tube biscuit dough)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1 ½ cups homemade or store-bought Alfredo sauce (plus extra for serving)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained; ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Directions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 10-inch bundt pan or round casserole dish with non-stick spray or softened butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles. If using biscuits, cut each biscuit into quarters. Cut each triangle into 3 smaller triangles or squares. You’ll end up with around 48–60 small dough pieces depending on your base dough.
Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, 1 cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, and 1 cup of the Alfredo sauce. Stir well to evenly coat. Add optional ingredients like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if desired.
Coat the Dough: Pour the garlic butter mixture into a shallow bowl. Dip each piece of dough into the butter, ensuring full coverage, then place it into the prepared bundt pan. After placing a few layers, spoon some of the chicken Alfredo mixture over the dough. Repeat layering: dough, filling, cheese, more dough, more filling.
Final Layer: Once all dough and filling are layered, drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly across the surface.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cover loosely with foil halfway through baking if the top browns too quickly.
Cool and Serve: Let the monkey bread cool for 5–10 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving platter if using a bundt pan. Serve warm, ideally with extra warmed Alfredo sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread Every Time

Dry Your Chicken: Make sure the cooked chicken is patted dry to avoid excess moisture that could make the dough soggy.
Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter Soak: Fully coating each dough piece ensures maximum flavor and a crisp, golden crust.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect meltability. Freshly grated melts smoother and tastes better.
Layer Thoughtfully: Alternate layers of dough, filling, and cheese to distribute flavor evenly throughout the loaf.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the bread to rest slightly helps it hold together when pulled apart, preventing a cheesy collapse!
Keep Warm: Serve immediately or keep warm in a low oven (200°F) if preparing ahead of guests arriving.
Grease Well: Bundt pans have crevices — don’t skimp on greasing to ensure easy release.

Variations and Customizations: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is how adaptable it is. Here are several popular variations to inspire your next version:

Bacon Ranch Monkey Bread: Swap Alfredo for ranch dressing, add crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese.
Spinach & Artichoke Alfredo Version: Mix in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts for a dip-inspired twist.
Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread: Use marinara instead of Alfredo, add pepperoni, mozzarella, and oregano.
Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and load up with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit dough or homemade GF drop biscuits for those with sensitivities.
Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter, dairy-free cheese, and a plant-based Alfredo sauce (made with cashews or coconut milk).
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo mixture.
Breakfast Version: Replace chicken with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheddar — serve with hollandaise for a brunch upgrade.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While undeniably delicious, Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a rich, calorie-dense dish. Here’s a breakdown of nutritional considerations and ways to enjoy it mindfully:

Calories: One serving (approximately 1/8th of the dish) can range from 450–600 calories depending on ingredients and portion size.
Fat Content: High in saturated fat due to butter, cheese, and Alfredo sauce. Using low-fat dairy alternatives can reduce this, though flavor may be affected.
Protein: Excellent source of protein thanks to chicken and cheese — around 20–25g per serving.
Carbohydrates: Primarily from refined flour in the dough. Whole wheat dough alternatives are limited but possible with homemade dough.
Sodium: Can be high due to cheese, processed dough, and store-bought sauces. Opt for low-sodium options when available.

Healthier Swaps:

Use whole wheat or protein-enriched dough if available.
Make homemade Alfredo with Greek yogurt or pureed cauliflower for a lighter version.
Boost fiber by adding finely chopped veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Control portion sizes — serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal.

This dish is best enjoyed occasionally as a treat rather than a daily staple. However, its shareable nature makes it ideal for feeding a crowd without everyone needing large portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if starting cold.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Bake completely, cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes). You can also freeze unbaked assembled bread — add 10–15 minutes to bake time.

What can I substitute for crescent dough?
Biscuit dough, pizza dough (cut into balls), or homemade yeast dough all work. Just adjust baking time accordingly.

Why is my monkey bread soggy?
This usually happens if the chicken or spinach isn’t properly drained. Always pat ingredients dry before mixing. Also, ensure it’s baked long enough — use a thermometer to check internal temp.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, many brands offer creamy, flavorful options. For best results, choose a refrigerated sauce over shelf-stable ones, which often contain stabilizers and less real dairy.

How do I serve it?
Serve warm as a main dish with a side salad, or cut smaller portions as an appetizer. Include extra warm Alfredo sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper.

Can kids help make this?
Definitely! Kids love tearing the dough and layering the ingredients. It’s a fun, hands-on recipe for family cooking time.

Summary

Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread is a decadent, crowd-pleasing fusion of creamy Alfredo pasta and buttery pull-apart bread, loaded with tender chicken and melted cheese. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a must-make dish for anyone who loves comfort food with a fun twist.