Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! Let me introduce you to my absolute favorite guilty pleasure—the Ooey Gooey Buffalo Chicken Tender Garbage Bread. Yes, you heard that right! This heavenly concoction combines the zingy goodness of buffalo chicken with cheesy, doughy perfection, creating a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a game night with friends. We were in the mood for snacks, and someone mentioned buffalo chicken—let’s just say it was love at first bite! I mean, who doesn’t love a warm, cheesy bread stuffed with spicy shredded chicken? Every time I whip this up, it takes me back to those laughter-filled evenings. So let’s not waste any more time; let’s dive right into the details about this scrumptious dish that’s sure to wow your taste buds!
What’s in Ooey Gooey Buffalo Chicken Tender Garbage Bread?
Chicken Tenders: The star of this dish! I always use fresh tenders for the best flavor, but frozen ones work just as well if you’re in a pinch. They’re easy to cook and shred, which is essential for this gooey delight.
Buffalo Sauce: This spicy sauce is what gives the bread its kick! I usually go with a medium heat sauce, but you can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Cream Cheese: This is what makes everything ooey and gooey! It mixes beautifully with the chicken and adds a creamy, rich texture.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Who can resist the sharp, delightful flavor of cheddar? It’s all about that melty goodness!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The glue that holds it all together! Mozzarella adds a pull that makes each bite satisfying.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better! A fresh clove brings in a lovely aroma and flavor.
Onion Powder: This adds a depth of flavor without the crunch of actual onions. Perfect for that subtle taste.
Salt and Black Pepper: The essentials! They enhance the flavors of the other ingredients perfectly.
Pizza Dough: Whether you make your own or buy store-bought, this is the outer layer of cheesy goodness. I won’t judge if you opt for the frozen pre-made kind—it’s all about convenience!
Egg: For the egg wash! This gives the bread that gorgeous golden color once it’s baked.
Optional Buffalo Sauce: For serving! Because who doesn’t love a little extra kick?
Is Ooey Gooey Buffalo Chicken Tender Garbage Bread Good for You?
Okay, let’s be real for a moment. This dish isn’t exactly what the health experts would call “light,” but it has its perks too!
The chicken provides lean protein to keep you feeling full, and the cream cheese and cheddar cheese bring in some calcium, which is great for bone health. On the other hand, the buffalo sauce adds a bit of heat and can enhance your metabolism (woohoo!). Just keep in mind that it’s a rich dish, so moderation is key, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could try swapping in reduced-fat cream cheese and using less cheese overall, but honestly, I think the ooey gooey decadence is what makes this recipe truly special.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken tenders
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– Optional: additional buffalo sauce for serving
This recipe serves a crowd—about 4-6 people, depending on your guests’ appetites!
How to Make Ooey Gooey Buffalo Chicken Tender Garbage Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get that oven nice and toasty!
2. In a medium pot, cook the chicken tenders over medium heat until fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. This is the time to shred the chicken once it’s cooked.
3. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. It should look heavenly!
4. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Get that muscle working!
5. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture down the center of the dough, leaving about an inch of space at the edges.
6. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal it tightly. Make sure it’s secure!
7. Place the bread seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze.
8. Brush the top with a beaten egg for that gorgeous golden finish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell AMAZING!
10. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Patience is a virtue, my friend!
11. Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce for dipping, if desired. Enjoy every ooey gooey bite!
Cheesy Tips for Your Garbage Bread
– If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add more mix-ins like green onions or even some ranch dressing to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
– Don’t stress about the dough looking perfect; it’s all about the filling and taste!
– This bread is a fantastic leftover! Just store it in the fridge and reheat it in the oven to bring back some of that original crispiness.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your new go-to for gatherings, Netflix binge-watching, or just an indulgent night in. So grab those ingredients and happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
