Pampered Chef Chicken Broccoli Braid Recipe

This Pampered Chef Chicken Broccoli Braid is an absolute delight! It’s a flaky, golden, crescent dough stuffed with a savory mixture of tender chicken, fresh veggies, sharp cheddar cheese, and just the right touch of seasonings. Not only is this braid a showstopper with its elegant crisscrossed design, but it’s also incredibly easy to pull together—perfect for hectic weeknights or when guests drop by. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish ready to serve. Trust me, you’re going to be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick yet Impressive: Despite its gorgeous presentation, this recipe comes together with minimal effort and straightforward steps. Perfect for days you want something special without spending hours.
• Versatile & Family-Friendly: The filling is a crowd-pleaser, loaded with chicken, cheese, and veggies. Even picky eaters will love it! (And you can totally tweak it to suit your family’s taste.)
• Comfort Food Vibes: With its buttery crescent crust, creamy filling, and warm flavor, this dish is comfort food at its finest.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prep it in advance and bake it when you’re ready—ideal for meal prepping or when entertaining!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something magical:

• Broccoli florets: Fresh and uncooked, these add a hearty, healthy crunch to balance out the savory filling. You can chop them finely for picky eaters!
• Cooked chicken breasts: Shredded or cubed, these bring the protein power! Rotisserie chicken works like a dream if you’re short on time.
• Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness—don’t skip this, it’s a flavor booster.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melty cheese is the star here! Use sharp cheddar for that punchy, irresistible flavor.
• Mayonnaise: The secret to the creamy filling. Trust me, it binds everything beautifully without being overpowering.
• Dried dill weed: Adds a subtle herby brightness. If dill isn’t your thing, feel free to adjust or omit it.
• Minced garlic: Just one clove for aromatic boldness—don’t be shy with it if you’re a garlic lover!
• Salt: A pinch to bring all the flavors together.
• Refrigerated crescent rolls: The buttery, flaky crescent dough makes this recipe effortlessly easy and oh-so-good.
• Egg white: Brushed on top to give the braid that glossy, golden finish.
• Slivered almonds: A sprinkling on top for crunch and a nutty contrast.

Variations

Want to customize your braid? Here are some delicious ideas:

• Veggie-packed: Add finely chopped onions, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies.
• Cheese swap: Try mozzarella or a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for a little heat!
• Turkey twist: Use turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday leftover makeover.

How to Make Pampered Chef Chicken Broccoli Braid

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cooked chicken, red bell pepper, garlic, cheese, mayonnaise, dill weed, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything gently until well blended.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Lay out a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface. Open one can of crescent rolls and unroll it onto the parchment, letting the length run horizontally. Repeat with the second can, pressing the seams together to form one large rectangle.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Spoon the filling down the center of the dough, leaving about an inch of space at the top and bottom.

Step 4: Create the Braid

Cut 1-inch diagonal strips along both sides of the dough. Starting at one end, fold a strip from one side over the filling, then a strip from the opposite side, creating a crisscrossed braid. Seal any gaps to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Brush the braid with egg white using a pastry brush, then sprinkle the slivered almonds on top for crunch and added visual appeal.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer the parchment with the braid to a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 24–28 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Keep the dough cold: Soft crescent dough is harder to work with, so don’t take it out of the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
• Chop your broccoli small: For a more even texture (and to sneak past veggie-averse family members), go for tiny broccoli pieces.
• Shortcut chicken: Rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips work wonders here, saving you loads of time.
• Dough sheets work too: If you’d rather skip pressing seams together, use crescent dough sheets instead!

How to Serve

This chicken broccoli braid is impressive enough to stand alone, but here’s how to make it part of a complete meal:

• Pair it with a salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the braid perfectly.
• Serve it with soup: Pair with a creamy tomato or vegetable soup for a cozy combo.
• Cut into appetizers: Slice the braid into smaller pieces for a stunning party snack or appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover slices in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Double the batch, bake one, and freeze the unbaked second braid! Wrap securely in freezer wrap, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for the best results. For a quick option, the microwave works too, though the dough won’t stay as crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it completely. Excess water can make the filling soggy.

2. What’s the best way to shred chicken?
An easy trick? Use a hand mixer in a large bowl to shred cooked chicken breasts in seconds!

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free mayonnaise and swap cheddar cheese for a plant-based alternative that melts well.

4. How do I make the braid look neater?
Don’t worry about perfection! Just tug the strips evenly and press to seal as you go—it’ll still look gorgeous and taste amazing.

Final Thoughts

The Pampered Chef Chicken Broccoli Braid isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience! With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and beautiful presentation, it’s bound to wow your family or friends. And the best part? It’s so easy to make! Go on, give it a try—you won’t regret it. Happy baking!

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