Million Dollar Chicken Braid
The ultimate comfort food for gatherings, the Million Dollar Chicken Braid combines savory chicken, creamy cheeses, and flaky crust for an easy weeknight dinner that impresses. You won't want to miss making this delightful dish tonight!
Equipment
- Cookie Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Chef Knives
- Cutting Board
- Rotary Cheese Grater
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough 13.8 oz
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 6 Tbsp cottage cheese
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 Tbsp cream cheese
- 1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking and helps achieve that beautiful golden color on your braid.
- Roll out the pizza dough vertically on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure it’s evenly spread to create a nice base for your braid.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until well combined. This creamy filling is the star of the braid!
- Spread the chicken mixture down the center of the pizza dough. Make sure to leave enough space on the sides for braiding.
- Cut 12 strips on each side of the dough, about 1 inch wide. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean cuts.
- To create the braid, lift strips of dough across the filling to meet in the center, alternating sides as you go. This is where the magic happens! You’ll create a beautiful braid that looks impressive.
- Once you’ve completed the braid, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until it’s lightly browned and cooked through.
- Remove the braid from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese and fried onions on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the onions are golden.
- Once done, take it out and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Chicken Braid.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken: This recipe works wonderfully with rotisserie chicken, making it convenient and flavorful.
- Substitution: Feel free to swap the pizza dough for crescent roll dough or French bread dough if you prefer.
- Add veggies: Consider adding broccoli, red peppers, or spinach to the filling for extra nutrition.
- Cheese options: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for varied flavors.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the braid in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking for easy meal prep.
- Freezing: Bake the braid, cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for later enjoyment.