: Cheesy Chicken and Bacon-Stuffed Bread Loaf

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready by the time your loaf is assembled and filled.
2. Prepare the loaf:
   Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a deep pocket lengthwise along the top of the French bread loaf. Make sure not to slice all the way through the bottom or sides; the idea is to create a cavity that will hold the filling securely. The pocket should run nearly the full length of the loaf, leaving about an inch at each end intact for structural support.
3. Butter and season:
   Brush the inside of the bread pocket generously with melted butter, getting into all the crevices. Then sprinkle the garlic powder evenly over the buttered surface. This step infuses the bread with flavor and helps crisp the inside slightly during baking.
4. Make the filling:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken breast, crumbled crispy bacon, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sliced green onions, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes creamy and evenly blended. The cream cheese and mayo act as binding agents, holding the filling together while keeping it moist and rich.
5. Stuff the loaf:
   Spoon the cheesy chicken mixture into the prepared bread pocket. Fill generously, pressing down lightly with the back of a spoon or spatula to ensure the filling is packed in well without tearing the bread. The filling should slightly mound above the edges but remain stable.
6. Bake covered: