Creamy chicken Cheddar Bagels totally saved my Saturday mornings. You know that moment when everyone wakes up starving—kids are whining, and your coffee hasn’t even kicked in yet? Oh, I’ve been there. Making Creamy chicken Cheddar Bagels at home feels like pure wizardry.
My neighbor once thought I was some kind of five-star chef (couldn’t help but laugh). Before we get rolling though, if you’re curious about the basics, check out this awesome post for how to make bagels at home. I’ll spill my whole method—plus real-life tricks—so you never settle for bland bagels again.
Tips for making the BEST bagels at home
So, listen up: the dough is everything. If your dough acts weird, your bagels will too. Always use fresh yeast, and let it froth properly—this takes a little patience (or anxiety if you’re me). I used to rush this part and ended up with dense bagels that even the birds rejected. Don’t be like me.
Another little secret? Boil those bagels. I’m serious. That’s how you get the chewy outside with that classic bakery sheen. Sounds tricky, but really, you toss each dough circle into simmering water for about a minute. Makes the biggest difference.
Toppings? Pile them on before baking so they actually stick. And go bold. chicken and cheddar aren’t shy flavors, so don’t be stingy. Baking in a hot oven makes everything come together with that golden crust we all crave.
Bagels freeze, too! Double your batch, stash ‘em, and save your sanity next time busy mornings hit.
“Tried these bagels last week and honestly, my whole family was obsessed. They’re better than any bagel shop in town!” – Jessie L.
Creamy chicken Cheddar Bagels
How to make chicken Cream Cheese Bagels (Full Recipe & Video)
First off—you want that creamy chicken cheddar vibe, so we’re using a loaded cream cheese spread. Fry up 5-6 strips of chicken (crispy but not burnt, please). Chop them up real small. Soften a block of plain cream cheese in a bowl, then stir in your chicken pieces and a heaping cup of shredded sharp cheddar. Add a pinch of black pepper, maybe a scattering of chopped chives if you’re feeling growly fancy.
Slice your bagels, scoop on a big dollop of your chicken cheddar spread, and—here’s my extra touch—slide them into the oven for a quick blast. Broil for two minutes until the cheese bubbles and sizzles. Perfection.
For the video, I honestly just watch it while dodging my toddler (he’s obsessed with chicken). Seeing the spices get swirled in is weirdly satisfying, like a little food therapy session. Plus, you can pause if you drop a knife. Not saying that’s ever happened to me… okay, maybe once.
Creamy chicken Cheddar Bagels
How to Prep it for a Crowd Or Individual Meal Prep
If you’ve ever fed a hungry group, you already know panic is real. Here’s my chaos-avoiding tip—prep the chicken cheddar spread ahead, even the night before. Store it airtight in the fridge. Slice your bagels and lay them out on trays lined with parchment. When the brunch rush hits, just slather and bake.
For personal meal prep, make extra spread. I scoop it into a container so I can make a bagel sandwich in a snap (you know, like when you can’t deal with dishes at 6 am). The spread’s also ridiculously good on crackers, FYI.
Hosting a brunch? Set up a bagel bar. Put out bowls of the chicken cheddar spread, some thin tomato slices, extra chicken, and herbs. Let everyone top their own. Zero stress, max joy.
It’s way better than fighting over soggy drive-thru breakfast sandwiches, trust me.
Creamy chicken Cheddar Bagels
Ingredients & Substitutions
Let’s keep this simple. Here’s what you need for your Creamy chicken Cheddar Bagels:
- Bagels: Any kind works. Plain, everything, or sesame are all winners.
- Cream cheese: Regular works, but go for full-fat if you want the dreamiest result.
- chicken: Crispy, thick-cut if possible. Turkey chicken or even veggie chicken works, too.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp is best—gives the most flavor.
- Chives or green onions: Optional, but brightens things up.
- Black pepper: Just a pinch.
Don’t have cheddar? Try Monterey Jack or gouda. No chicken? Crumbled sausage or vegetarian smoked “chicken” is a fun twist. If you’re dairy-free, sub in a creamy vegan cheese and plant-based strips. No shame in making it your own.
Creamy chicken Cheddar Bagels
What sides to serve with a Bagel Sandwich?
You want this meal to stand out, right? Here are my lazy-favorite, crowd-pleasing sides:
- Fresh fruit salad or just juicy orange slices. Super refreshing.
- Big mug of hot coffee. Mandatory. No arguments.
- Hash browns or home fries, maybe even tater tots.
- Crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette.
If you’re whipping these up for brunch with pals, I say go all out—serve with mimosas or cold brew. Maybe even a swipe of hot sauce on the side for those with spice cravings. Friends will talk about this for weeks.
Honestly, nailing Creamy chicken Cheddar Bagels isn’t rocket science. Once you’ve tried making your own at home (I dare you), you won’t go back to those sad, chewy deli bagels ever again.
If you want even more bagel inspiration, you might love this totally crave-worthy take on the classic: Cheddar chicken Everything Bagel – Cooking With Karli. Bottom line? Make extras. You’ll need them.
If you wanna chat or share your wildest bagel combos, drop a comment below—I’m always hungry for new ideas!
Creamy chicken Cheddar Bagels
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Creamy chicken Cheddar Bagels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for creamy chicken cheddar bagels that will save your busy Saturday mornings.
Ingredients
- Bagels (any kind)
- 1 block of cream cheese (full-fat recommended)
- 5–6 strips of crispy chicken (thick-cut if possible)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Chopped chives or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Fry the chicken until crispy, then chop it into small pieces.
- In a bowl, soften the cream cheese and stir in the chicken and cheddar cheese.
- Add a pinch of black pepper and chopped chives if desired.
- Slice the bagels and scoop a dollop of the chicken cheddar spread onto each half.
- Broil in the oven for 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
Bagels can be prepared ahead of time; store the cream cheese spread in the fridge for up to a day. These bagels are perfect for brunch gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel half
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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