1. Prepare the Fried Chicken:
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into small bite-sized pieces.
- Bread the chicken: In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
2. Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the bread: Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Bake the bread: Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden.
3. Assemble the Stuffed Garlic Bread:
- Prepare the filling: Once the chicken is fried and the garlic bread is toasted, cut the fried chicken into small pieces if needed.
- Stuff the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and carefully scoop out some of the bread from the center to create space for the filling.
- Add the filling: Place the fried chicken pieces evenly inside the bread. Top with shredded cheese and pour the prepared gravy over the top.
- Bake again: Return the stuffed bread to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the gravy is hot.
4. Serve:
- Slice and serve: Remove the stuffed garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Enjoy: Serve warm, and enjoy the combination of crispy bread, savory fried chicken, gooey cheese, and rich gravy.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Garlic Bread:
- Chicken coating: For extra crispy chicken, let the coated pieces rest for a few minutes before frying.
- Gravy: Use a thick gravy to avoid sogginess. If your gravy is too thin, simmer it on the stove to thicken it up before using.
- Bread choice: Use a sturdy bread like Italian or French that can hold up to the stuffing without falling apart.
Conclusion
This Fried Chicken, Cheese, and Gravy Stuffed Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort food fusion, combining the best elements of fried chicken and cheesy garlic bread into one over-the-top dish. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy this indulgent treat and watch it become a new favorite!