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This hearty Chicken Alfredo Garlic Toast is a perfect weeknight dinner that combines crispy garlic bread with tender, well seasoned chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. Topped with smoky bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish delivers comforting Italian American flavors in under thirty minutes. It’s an easy way to skip boiling pasta while still enjoying all the classic richness of Alfredo.
The first time I made this the whole pan was gone before I had time to sit down. My family now asks for it every week when the weather cools off and everyone is hungry after work or school.
Ingredients
- Garlic toast: brings buttery crispy flavor and cuts down your prep time. Look for a brand with real garlic and herbs
- Olive oil: adds flavor when cooking the chicken and keeps it juicy. Use extra virgin for the best taste
- Chicken breast: lean protein that cooks quickly. Choose firm chicken and cube evenly for even cooking
- Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning. Freshly ground pepper and sea salt add more depth
- Paprika onion powder garlic powder Italian seasoning: add warmth, earthiness, and classic Italian flair. Using dried spices ensures convenience and freshness
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: provides gooey melt and mild cheesy finish. Buying a block and shredding it yourself gives the best melt
- Alfredo sauce: creamy and rich base for the dish. Choose a jar with few ingredients and high dairy content or make your own
- Bacon: smoky crunchy topping that elevates the dish. Thick cut bacon with a hint of smoke works beautifully
- Dried parsley: fresh green sprinkle to finish. Use bright green parsley for the best color
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- Lay bacon strips flat on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in a four hundred degree oven until crispy. Let cool then crumble or chop finely. If you like, save a bit of the drippings for extra flavor when cooking the chicken
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breast into uniform cubes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything and cook for about eight to ten minutes until golden outside and fully cooked inside. The internal temperature should reach one hundred sixty five degrees
- Prepare the Garlic Toast:
- Arrange garlic toast on a baking sheet and bake according to package directions until golden and crunchy around the edges. Work quickly so the bread stays crisp
- Assemble the Toasts:
- Top each piece of garlic toast with a generous scoop of cooked chicken. Ladle Alfredo sauce over the chicken so it is fully covered. Sprinkle a thick layer of mozzarella cheese then scatter crumbled bacon on top of each toast
- Melt and Finish:
- Place the baking sheet back in the hot oven just long enough to melt the cheese and warm everything through, usually three to five minutes. Right before serving sprinkle dried parsley on top for a pop of fresh color
The crispy garlic toast is my personal favorite part because it soaks up all the creamy sauce while staying beautifully crunchy. My kids always fight over who gets the cheesiest slice and everyone loves when the bacon is fresh and crispy right out of the oven.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven to bring back the crispiness of the toast. Freezing is not recommended since the bread tends to get soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or Monterey Jack cheese for a different melt and flavor. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great if you want to save time. Turkey bacon or plant based bacon bits can be used as alternatives to regular bacon.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness of the dish. A squeeze of lemon over the top brightens the flavors. This meal also makes a great hearty snack for game days or casual parties.
Serve the toasts hot so the cheese is gooey and the toast stays crisp. This makes a satisfying weeknight meal the whole family will love.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, jarred Alfredo sauce works well and saves time. Homemade sauce offers a fresher, tailored flavor.
- → Is it necessary to cook the bacon ahead of time?
Pre-cooking bacon ensures crispness and adds convenience. Freshly cooked bacon just before assembling provides optimal texture.
- → How do I prevent the garlic toast from getting soggy?
Toast the bread until golden and crispy before adding toppings. Avoid overly thick layers of sauce to maintain crunch.
- → Can chicken thighs be substituted for chicken breast?
Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they're fully cooked.
- → What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad complement the richness and add brightness to the meal.
- → How can I add more spice to this dish?
Incorporate crushed red pepper or increase paprika in the chicken seasoning for extra heat and flavor.