Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver here. Just shred or chop it, and you’ll get lovely flavor and tenderness in every bite.

Can I prepare the braid in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the braid, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a few hours before baking. Wait to brush with egg white and sprinkle with almonds until right before it goes in the oven.

Is fresh broccoli necessary, or can I use frozen?

Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and color, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Just thaw, drain, and pat it as dry as possible to keep the filling from getting watery.

Can this recipe be made nut-free?

Of course—just skip the slivered almonds. The braid will still brown beautifully and have plenty of crunch from the crescent pastry.

Pampered Chef Chicken Broccoli Braid Recipe

Name: Pampered Chef Chicken Broccoli Braid Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup broccoli florets, fresh and uncooked (break into small pieces); 2 cups cooked chicken breasts (about 2 breasts), chopped; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped; 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 teaspoons dried dill weed; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 packages refrigerated crescent rolls; 1 large egg white; 2 tablespoons slivered almonds; 1/2 cup sautéed onions

Description

This Pampered Chef Chicken Broccoli Braid is a savory, crowd-pleasing main-course dish featuring a creamy chicken, broccoli, and cheddar filling wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked until golden and flaky. It delivers wonderful flavors and textures, making it perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or as an impressive potluck dish. The braid is easy to assemble and can be prepped in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Filling

1 cup broccoli florets, fresh and uncooked (break into small pieces)
2 cups cooked chicken breasts (about 2 breasts), chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons dried dill weed
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt

Dough and Assembly

2 packages refrigerated crescent rolls
1 large egg white
2 tablespoons slivered almonds

Optional Ingredients

1/2 cup sautéed onions

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Instructions

Prepare Oven and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, add fresh broccoli florets, chopped cooked chicken breasts, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Mix together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of vegetables and meat.
Make the Filling: Add shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, dried dill weed, and salt to the bowl. Gently stir until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy and cohesive.
Prepare Crescent Roll Dough: On a large piece of parchment paper, unroll one can of crescent rolls with the long side facing you. Unroll the second can directly next to the first. Press all seams together, creating a large sheet to prevent filling from leaking.
Fill the Dough: Evenly pour the chicken and broccoli filling down the center of the dough, leaving about an inch clear at the top and bottom edges. This prevents overflow when braiding and baking.
Cut and Shape the Dough: Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut 1-inch strips at a slight diagonal along both long sides of the dough, about 10 strips per side. At one end, fold a strip across the filling, then fold over the opposite side’s strip, forming a braid pattern. Continue alternating strips, sealing any gaps as you move down the loaf.
Finish and Top: Lightly beat the egg white and brush it over the surface of the braided dough. Sprinkle slivered almonds evenly on top for added crunch and flavor.
Bake the Braid: Transfer the parchment and braid to a baking sheet. Bake for 24-28 minutes, or until the braid is golden brown and cooked through. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Add 1/2 cup sautéed onions to the filling for extra flavor, if desired.
Keep crescent dough refrigerated until ready to use; softened dough is hard to braid.
You can reduce or omit dill weed or bell pepper based on personal preference.
Cut broccoli into very small florets or finely chop for picky eaters.
Braid shapes best when strips are cut diagonally and pressed together tightly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of braid
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg