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You get that cozy weeknight vibe when chicken and creamy cheese come together with everything bagels and fresh basil tomato flavors. All piled up on soft bread chunks with a cheesy top that’s melty and delicious. I was in the mood for something easy but bursting with those zesty Italian flavors, and this has become the dish my family now wants at every potluck and as quick reheated lunches.
The first time I made this was after a long shift and our bread stash was running out. Everyone was hungry and tired, but after one bite, this became our regular go to. My friends ask for it every visit too.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese: finely grated gets you that perfect melty, golden cheese on top melt freshly grated block cheese for best results
- Grated parmesan cheese: brings in that sharp nutty taste buy a wedge if you can for best flavor and grate it yourself
- Salt and black pepper: don’t skip seasoning—the whole thing pops more with freshly ground pepper and a sprinkle of salt
- Basil pesto: basil and garlic give the best boost to every bite pick homemade or a refrigerated brand for extra punch
- Red onion: sweet with a little zip go for a red onion that feels solid and doesn’t have sprouts
- Roma tomatoes: juicy diced up and de-seeded good ones are heavy for their size and not mushy
- Chicken breast: shredded or chopped so every forkful has plenty, leftovers work great too
- 18 percent cream: rich and velvety, grab the freshest carton in the dairy section
- Herb and garlic cream cheese: you want bits of real herbs in there—choosing a flavor-packed brand makes a difference
- Everything bagels: soft, herby, and sturdy enough to soak up sauce, buy ones that feel fresh and not dried out
Simple How-to Steps
- Cool and Dish Out:
- Let the baked casserole chill for at least five minutes. That rest helps everything stick together, so you can cut clean squares that hold up on plates.
- Cheese on Top and Baking:
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over everything. Pop the pan into a hot oven at 400°F for half an hour so you get bubbling cheese and toasty edges.
- Layer Everything:
- Take your creamy chicken mix and spread it over the bagel chunks. Then pile the bright tomato topping all over, making sure you coat every spot.
- Bruschetta Mix:
- Mix together diced tomatoes, onion, pesto, a little parmesan, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Stir it up gently so the tomatoes stay juicy, not smashed.
- Creamy Chicken Filling:
- In a pot over low heat, melt your herb and garlic cream cheese with the cream. Whisk non-stop until it’s smooth, about 3–5 minutes. Add in the shredded chicken and coat every piece. Take off heat before it bubbles.
- Bagel Base Prep:
- Chop the bagels into little chunks and toss them in at the bottom of your greased 9x13 inch dish. They’ll soak up all the good stuff and form a tasty layer.
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I always sneak a bite of the cheesy pesto chicken part before finishing the layers, honestly that’s my guilty pleasure. My youngest helped last week and she couldn’t wait to show off her bubbling masterpiece when it came out of the oven!
Leftovers & Storage
Toss any leftovers in the fridge with the dish tightly wrapped and they’ll keep for up to three days. Warm slices up uncovered in a hot oven at 350°F for about fifteen minutes until they’re piping hot. You can stash extra in the freezer for a couple of months just thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat when you want to eat.
Swaps and Substitutes
Don’t have everything bagels? Grab some plain or sesame instead, or use some firm French bread chunks. Rotisserie or turkey works if you’re out of cooked chicken. For dairy free, plant based cream cheese plus oat or cashew cream do the trick.
How to Serve
This casserole holds up on its own but I’m a fan of a handful of arugula salad or roasted beans on the side. For a brunch spread, serve next to soft eggs and fruit. Leftovers taste incredible wrapped up in a tortilla for lunch.
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History & Culture
The idea actually comes from central Italy, where you get all those fresh flavors—tomato, basil, and olive oil—piled on crisp bread. This cozy bake takes those same flavors and turns them into an American comfort food that’s good for busy nights or sharing with your crew.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I swap in plain bagels for everything bagels?
Totally! Use whatever flavor you like—plain or wheat works, but everything bagels bring some extra kick from all those seeds and toppings.
- → Does store-bought rotisserie chicken work?
You bet. Just shred it up and toss it in—rotisserie saves time and still tastes dreamy with that cheesy base.
- → Is it alright to prep it in advance?
Yup, you can put it together the day before and chill it overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready—maybe give it a few more minutes to get hot all the way through.
- → What can I use if I’m out of mozzarella?
Use Monterey Jack or provolone for a melty vibe, or sprinkle on extra parmesan for a sharp bite.
- → Any way to make this meat-free?
Chickpeas or some sautéed veggies swap in for chicken without missing a beat.