Save to Pinterest The first time I made these stuffed bread boats, my kitchen smelled like an Italian grandmother had moved in for the afternoon. Garlic was sizzling in butter, marinara was bubbling away, and I could barely wait the full 25 minutes for everything to come together in the oven.
I served these at a casual Friday dinner with friends, and honestly, nobody talked much until every last crumb had disappeared. Someone actually asked if there were seconds, which was the best compliment I could have hoped for that evening.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, saving you time and adding extra flavor
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Choose a sauce you would eat on its own since it really shines through
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano and basil: These classic Italian herbs layer beautifully with the garlic butter
- Salt and black pepper: Dont be shy here since the bread needs seasoning to stand up to the filling
- 2 large baguettes: Look for ones with a nice crust but still soft inside
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Room temperature butter spreads evenly and prevents tearing the bread
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is nonnegotiable for that aromatic punch
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds brightness and a pop of green against the golden cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Low moisture mozzarella melts beautifully without making the bread soggy
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that salty umami depth that makes everything taste better
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Mix the chicken filling:
- Combine shredded chicken, marinara, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until everything is well coated
- Make the garlic butter:
- Mash softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt together until fully combined
- Prepare the bread boats:
- Slice baguettes lengthwise and hollow out the center, leaving a half inch border to hold everything together
- Add the garlic butter first:
- Spread that fragrant butter mixture evenly inside each bread boat
- Fill with chicken mixture:
- Spoon the marinara chicken into each boat, dividing it evenly so none get overloaded
- Pile on the cheese:
- Generously top with mozzarella and Parmesan, right to the edges for maximum crispy bits
- Bake until golden and bubbly:
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese melts and turns beautifully golden brown
- Rest briefly and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes so the filling sets, then slice into portions
Save to Pinterest This recipe has become my go to for those nights when I want something comforting but still impressive enough to serve company. Theres something about pulling golden, cheesy bread from the oven that makes people feel instantly taken care of.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers to the chicken mixture for extra color and nutrients. A handful of chopped sun dried tomatoes works beautifully too if you want to deepen the Italian flavors.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through all that rich cheese and bread. I also love serving these alongside a simple tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combo.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can assemble the boats up to a day ahead and refrigerate them unbaked, wrapped tightly in foil. Add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
- Let them cool slightly before slicing so the cheese sets and doesnt slide right off
- Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes
- Extra red pepper flakes on the table let heat lovers customize their portion
Save to Pinterest Grab some napkins and dig in while everything is still warm and gooey.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed bread boats up to 4 hours in advance. Cover with plastic wrap, refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add 3-5 minutes to baking time if cooking from chilled.
- → What type of bread works best?
Crusty baguettes or demi-baguettes are ideal as they hold their shape when hollowed and provide the perfect sturdy base. French bread or ciabatta are great alternatives.
- → How can I make this lighter?
Use part-skim mozzarella, reduce Parmesan to ¼ cup, or substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for creaminess. Use skinless chicken breast and a light marinara sauce.
- → Can I freeze the prepared bread?
Absolutely. Freeze assembled bread boats on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-12 minutes to cooking time.
- → What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions blend beautifully into the chicken mixture. Fresh arugula or a crisp green salad complements the richness perfectly.
- → How do I prevent soggy bread?
Hollow out the bread sufficiently to remove excess moisture, spread garlic butter evenly to create a moisture barrier, and don't over-fill. Bake until cheese is bubbly, not watery.