Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
For the Bread Layer
- 3–4 cups cubed French bread, baguette, or brioche
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream or whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mixed Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- ¼ cup Parmesan
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread Cubes
Start by cutting your bread into medium-sized cubes—about 1 to 1½ inches. Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the sauce without falling apart. Toss the cubes with melted butter, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Spread them out and lightly toast in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes. This step enhances flavor and prevents sogginess later.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet with olive oil or butter. Add the chicken cubes along with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden. You don’t need to fully cook it if the chicken is raw—just sear it, because it will finish cooking in the oven. Add chopped parsley for freshness. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and whisk constantly to avoid lumps. After 1 minute, add the heavy cream and keep whisking until the mixture thickens.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it reaches a silky consistency. This sauce is the key to making your casserole creamy and luxurious.
4. Assemble the Bake
Grease a medium-sized baking dish. Start by adding half of the toasted bread cubes. Scatter some of the chicken pieces over them. Pour half the creamy sauce across the mixture to soak the bread slightly.
Add the remaining bread cubes and chicken, then pour the rest of the sauce evenly on top. Gently press down so the sauce reaches all layers.
5. Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and extra Parmesan over the top. The combination of cheeses ensures you get creaminess from mozzarella, richness from cheddar, and sharp flavor from Parmesan.
6. Bake
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling with melted cheese. If you want deeper browning, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—but watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes cutting easier.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Bread Bake
Use Good Quality Bread
The bread is a major component of this recipe. French bread or baguette gives structure and crispiness, while brioche adds richness. Avoid very soft sandwich bread because it turns mushy.
Customize the Flavor
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
- Mix in spinach or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Spice it up with chili flakes, smoked paprika, or Cajun seasoning.
Different Cheese Options
Try provolone, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Swiss cheese. Mixing two or three types creates deeper flavor.
Optional Protein Variations
Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, rotisserie chicken, ham cubes, or cooked sausage.
Serving Suggestions
This bake is filling on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A fresh green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Roasted potatoes
- A simple tomato cucumber salad
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers for 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 170°C (340°F) until warm or microwave individual portions.