Guardar These Pesto Chicken Garlic Bread Boats are the perfect fusion of savory garlic bread and a creamy, protein-packed filling. Featuring golden, crusty baguettes hollowed out and stuffed with tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and gooey mozzarella, this dish serves as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a comforting main meal that is ready in just 35 minutes.
Guardar Using high-quality basil pesto and freshly minced garlic makes all the difference in this recipe. As the boats bake, the mozzarella melts into every crevice of the pesto-coated chicken, creating a rich and satisfying bite that captures the best flavors of Italian-American cuisine.
Ingredients
- Bread
- 2 large baguettes or Italian loaves
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Chicken & Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- Slice the baguettes in half lengthwise. Using your fingers or a spoon, gently hollow out the center of each half, leaving about 1/2-inch of bread on all sides to form a boat.
- Step 3
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Spread the mixture evenly over the inside of each bread boat.
- Step 4
- In a separate bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pesto, sour cream, Parmesan, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well blended.
- Step 5
- Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed bread boats. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 6
- Arrange the filled bread boats on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden.
- Step 7
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice into portions and serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To save even more time, you can substitute the freshly cooked chicken breast with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or even leftover cooked turkey.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a handful of fresh baby spinach to the chicken mixture for added flavor and a pop of color.
Serviervorschläge
For extra flavor and a touch of heat, sprinkle the finished boats with red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving warm.
Guardar These Pesto Chicken Garlic Bread Boats are best enjoyed straight from the oven while the cheese is still warm and stretchy. Whether you are hosting a party or looking for a comforting family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite.
Preguntas frecuentes sobre recetas
- → ¿Puedo preparar las barcas con anticipación?
Sí, puedes armar las barcas hasta 4 horas antes y refrigerarlas cubiertas. Hornéalas directamente del refrigerador, añadiendo 3-5 minutos al tiempo de cocción.
- → ¿Qué tipo de pan funciona mejor?
Las baguettes francesas o el pan italiano proporcionan la mejor estructura. Busca panes con corteza firme y miga densa que soporten bien el relleno sin deshacerse.
- → ¿Puedo usar pollo sobrante?
Absolutamente. El pollo asado, rostizado o incluso sobras de pollo a la plancha funcionan perfectamente. Solo asegúrate de que esté bien desmenuzado o cortado en cubos pequeños.
- → ¿Cómo evito que el pan se ponga empapado?
Aplica una capa generosa de mantequilla de ajo en el interior del pan antes de añadir el relleno. Esto crea una barrera que protege el pan de la humedad del relleno.
- → ¿Se pueden congelar estas barcas?
Sí, congélalas antes de hornear. Envuélvelas individualmente en papel aluminio y guárdalas hasta 2 meses. Hornéalas directamente del congelador añadiendo 10 minutos al tiempo de cocción.
- → ¿Qué acompañamientos recomiendas?
Una ensalada verde fresca, vegetales asados o una sopa de tomate complementan perfectamente estas barcas. Para un toque italiano, sirve con ensalada caprese.