Pampered Chef Chicken Broccoli Braid

Cooking transforms mere ingredients into cherished meals. One memory stands out. In college, I had a friend who always hosted casual dinners for our group. The highlight was often her Chicken Broccoli Braid, a dish she made with fresh broccoli and chicken. The smell wafted through her apartment, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

This dish not only satisfied our appetites but also became a symbol of togetherness. Each bite was a burst of flavor, with crispy, golden crescent rolls encasing a delightful mix of chicken, broccoli, and cheddar cheese. Fast forward to now, I realize how simple and fun it can be to recreate those cherished recipes in my own home kitchen. Using approachable techniques and simple ingredients like chicken and fresh vegetables transforms cooking into an enjoyable experience.

Now, let’s dive into making this delicious Chicken Broccoli Braid. This recipe marries comfort food with fresh ingredients, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy. You’ll find the process enjoyable, and the results will impress your loved ones just as they impressed my college friends.

Pampered Chef Chicken Broccoli Braid: The Basics

Fundamentals

The Chicken Broccoli Braid delivers on flavor while being surprisingly easy to prepare. The ingredients blend together beautifully, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. You don’t need professional skills to master this recipe—just a willingness to dive into the cooking process. This dish shines as a comforting meal for families, a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, or a savory treat for any occasion.

Understanding the fundamentals is crucial. The base consists of ingredients like chicken and broccoli, enhanced with aromatic garlic and flavor-packed cheddar cheese. Using crescent rolls gives the braid its beautiful structure and flaky texture.

Preparation/Setup

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure you have fresh broccoli florets, cooked chicken breasts, diced red bell pepper, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, dill weed, garlic, and slivered almonds on hand. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup after baking.

As you prepare, take some time to chop the red bell pepper and mince the garlic. These preparation steps elevate the dish by adding texture and flavor. Next, cook the chicken if necessary, ensuring you let it cool to room temperature before using it in the braid.

Ingredients

• 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh, uncooked)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breasts (approximately 2 breasts)
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons dill weed (dried)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 packages crescent rolls (refrigerated)
• 1 large egg white
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 13 x 9-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the broccoli, cooked chicken, red bell pepper, and garlic.
3. Add cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, dill weed, and salt; combine gently.
4. Roll out one can of crescent rolls to form a sheet; repeat with the second can, pressing seams together.
5. Pour filling into the center, leaving an inch from the edges.
6. Cut the dough into 1-inch strips along each side diagonally.
7. Cross the strips over the filling to create a braided look.
8. Transfer to the baking sheet, brush with egg white, and sprinkle with slivered almonds.
9. Bake for 24-28 minutes until golden brown.

Techniques for a Perfect Chicken Broccoli Braid

Technique

Baking is an art, and mastering the braid technique can transform your presentation. By cutting the crescent roll dough into strips evenly, you create beautiful braids that not only look appealing but also ensure each bite includes the filling.

Practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different braiding methods. If you prefer a simpler approach, focus on just folding the strips over the filling rather than a traditional braid.

Tips and Tricks

Using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in flavor and texture. Ensure the broccoli remains crunchy to provide that lovely contrast to the creamy filling. You can adjust the flavor by experimenting with various cheeses or adding spices.

If using leftover chicken, shred it finely for better incorporation into the filling. Lastly, for a crisper texture, consider pre-baking the crescent roll layers for a few minutes before adding the filling.

Perfecting Your Chicken Broccoli Braid

Perfecting Results

Perfecting the Chicken Broccoli Braid requires attention to detail during preparation and cooking. Monitoring the baking process ensures the braid reaches a beautiful golden brown without burning. Checking the internal temperature of the filling with a thermometer can help—aim for 165°F for food safety.

Laying the filling evenly on the dough allows for consistent cooking. If you notice the dough browning too quickly, using a piece of aluminum foil to shield it can help.

Troubleshooting and Variations

Don’t get discouraged if things don’t go perfectly the first time. If the filling spills during baking, it remains delicious, so just salvage the presentation as best as possible. Variations on this recipe can include adding spices, changing the cheese type, or incorporating other vegetables like spinach or asparagus for a twist.

For a vegetarian option, simply switch the chicken for beans or lentils, increasing the protein while keeping the flavors robust.

Serving and Storing Your Chicken Broccoli Braid

Serving and Presentation

Presentation adds excitement to any meal. Once baked, let the braid cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm, and consider a simple salad alongside for a lovely, well-rounded meal. For added flair, garnish with fresh herbs sprigs or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top.

For larger gatherings, cut the braid into smaller sections for easy serving and sharing. This creates a visually appealing dish that invites everyone to dig in.

Pairings and Storage

While the Chicken Broccoli Braid shines on its own, serving it with a light dip or dressing can elevate the experience. A creamy ranch or a tangy yogurt dressing pairs wonderfully.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness, rather than using the microwave. Alternatively, the braid can be frozen before baking. Just thaw it and then bake directly, adding a few additional minutes to the cook time.

With these tips and techniques, making the Chicken Broccoli Braid will not just be effortless but also exciting, ensuring it becomes a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every flavorful bite without the fuss!

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