Chicken Spinach Braid
A savory chicken and spinach braid wrapped in crescent rolls, filled with ricotta, Parmesan, and Provolone, perfect for a delicious family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken breasts and dice them.
- Squeeze water out of frozen chopped spinach.
- Combine diced chicken, spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Arrange crescent rolls into a rectangle, pressing edges together to seal.
- Place the chicken spinach mixture in a line down the center of the crescent rectangle.
- Top the filling with slices of Provolone cheese.
- Cut the dough on both sides of the filling into strips.
- Alternately lift each strip up and over the filling, braiding the dough.
- Bake according to crescent roll package instructions until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting low-fat ricotta and using fresh spinach instead of frozen. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great alternative to boiling and dicing chicken breasts. Make sure to seal the crescent rolls well to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Spinach Braid pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You could also serve it alongside Brenda'S Potato Soup for a comforting dinner. Consider adding a dollop of marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the flavors. It's perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method will keep the crust crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Spinach Braid contains roughly 468 calories, with 38g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (77% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 732mg per serving (32% 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 other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Provolone cheese with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a stronger taste, blue cheese or feta could work well, too. Just keep in mind that the melting characteristics may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms. You could also include some cooked lentils or beans for protein. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors of the veggies.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the braid a few hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).