Chicken And Broccoli Braid
A savory chicken and broccoli braid featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, cheesy filling, and a flaky crescent roll crust, perfect for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken meat ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh broccoli chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove crushed garlic ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 tsp dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 egg white beaten ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, combine diced cooked chicken, chopped broccoli, red bell pepper, crushed garlic, shredded Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, dried dill weed, salt, slivered almonds, and diced onion to make the filling.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and spread the filling along the length of each sheet, leaving some space at the edges.
- Fold the edges over the filling and braid the dough over the filling, sealing the ends.
- Brush the beaten egg white over the top of the braid for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also swap out the Cheddar cheese for a lower-fat option, such as mozzarella. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe. To boost flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken And Broccoli Braid makes a great main dish, especially when paired with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside garlic bread or a creamy soup, such as Black-Eye Pea Soup. It's perfect for family dinners or as a crowd-pleasing option at potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the braid.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Broccoli Braid contains roughly 303 calories, with 10g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1148mg per serving (50% 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?
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 texture of the braid.
What other ingredients can I add to the filling?
Feel free to customize the filling by adding ingredients like cooked mushrooms, spinach, or even other cheeses like feta or Swiss. Just be mindful of the moisture content to keep the braid from getting soggy.
Can I make this braid ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the braid and assemble it up to a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving for the best results.
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).