Braided Broccoli And Chicken
Savory chicken and broccoli filling wrapped in buttery crescent dough, topped with creamy cheddar and a golden crust—perfect for a quick family dinner with a touch of comfort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chopped cooked chicken, chopped broccoli, chopped red bell pepper, and pressed garlic.
- Add shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and salt, mixing until well combined.
- Unroll two refrigerated crescent roll sheets and keep them whole without separating the layers.
- Lay the dough sheets flat on a baking sheet, aligning the longest sides parallel to the sheet’s width.
- Seal the perforations of the dough along the longest side, then cut the dough into strips about 1½ inches wide and 3 inches deep, leaving a 6-inch center for the filling.
- Spread the prepared filling evenly across the center of the dough strips.
- Lift the strips over the filling, placing them evenly across the center and twisting each strip one turn to meet in the middle.
- Continue alternating strips to form a braid, tucking the ends upward to seal the braid.
- Brush the braid lightly with beaten egg white.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you're out of Sharp Cheddar, any good melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyere would work well. For a healthier twist, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Make sure to press the garlic finely for better flavor distribution in the filling.
Serving Suggestions
This Braided Broccoli And Chicken dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables like Pan Roasted Baby Carrots. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Chicken Breasts And Herb Rice. It can also be sliced into smaller pieces for a delightful appetizer at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a plate for a quicker option, but the pastry may lose some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braided Broccoli And Chicken contains roughly 969 calories, with 25g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (57% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2778mg per serving (121% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the filling. This will help maintain the pastry's crispiness while ensuring the filling is flavorful.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this Braided Broccoli And Chicken vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also incorporate cooked quinoa or lentils for added protein. Adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the braid in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).