Save to Pinterest The kitchen was already warm from the oven when my sister walked in, caught the aroma of melting butter and garlic, and immediately asked what special occasion I was cooking for. I told her the truth: it was a Tuesday and I had leftover rotisserie chicken.
My nephew accidentally discovered that the best part is scooping out the soft bread centers that get saturated with marinara and cheese, so now I always set aside the hollowed-out bits for him to snack on while everything bakes.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves time, but any leftover cooked chicken will do
- Marinara sauce: Choose a sauce you actually like eating straight from the jar since it carries most of the flavor
- Baguettes: Day-old bread holds up better to the filling without getting soggy
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it spreads easily into the bread boats
- Fresh garlic: Minced finely distributes the flavor evenly throughout the butter
- Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and makes everything look finished
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded fresh mozzarella melts into those gorgeous cheese pulls everyone loves
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty depth that pairs perfectly with the herbs
Instructions
- Warm up the kitchen:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any cheese that bubbles over
- Make the chicken filling:
- Mix the shredded chicken with marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until everything is well coated
- Prepare the garlic butter:
- Combine softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and salt until you have a smooth, fragrant spread
- Create the bread boats:
- Slice the baguettes lengthwise and gently hollow out the centers, leaving about half an inch of bread around the edges to hold everything together
- Add the layers:
- Spread garlic butter inside each boat, fill with the chicken mixture, then pile on mozzarella and Parmesan
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and has turned golden brown on top
- Let it rest briefly:
- Cool for about 5 minutes so the filling sets slightly, then slice and serve
Save to Pinterest These have become my go-to for game days because everyone can just grab their own boat and nobody has to share their corner of crispy, cheesy bread.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers to the chicken mixture for extra color and nutrition without changing the comfort food vibe.
Serving Suggestions
A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness, or serve them alongside a light soup if you want to stretch the meal further.
Make Ahead Wisdom
You can assemble the entire dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate it, covered tightly, then just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since everything will be cold.
- Wrap the assembled boats tightly if storing overnight
- Let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking
- The bread gets slightly softer when made ahead but still tastes delicious
Save to Pinterest These boats disappear faster than anything else I make, which is really saying something in my house.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option. Simply shred it and use the same amount called for in the ingredients. This cuts your preparation time significantly.
- → How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Hollow out the baguettes carefully, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Spread the garlic butter as a protective layer before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that keeps moisture from saturating the bread.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed bread up to 2 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the cheese melts through.
- → What are good side dishes to serve with these?
A fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli complement these perfectly. A light Italian red wine like Chianti pairs beautifully with the flavors.
- → How do I know when the cheese is properly melted?
Bake until the cheese is visibly bubbly and golden brown on top, usually 20-25 minutes. The edges should show some browning. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- → Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms add wonderful flavor and nutrition. Mix them into the chicken marinara filling before stuffing the bread.