If you are craving a dish that’s effortless to prepare yet impressively flavorful, the Million Dollar Chicken Braid Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary repertoire. This braided delight combines tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a golden, flaky crust made from simple refrigerated pizza dough. Each bite bursts with gooey cheese and savory goodness, making it a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how such a scrumptious and elegant dish can come together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this Million Dollar Chicken Braid Recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients that blend together beautifully to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Each component plays a crucial role—from adding creaminess and moisture to delivering texture and flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (1 can, 13.8 oz): Provides a soft, chewy base that crisps up in the oven, making braiding a breeze.
- Cooked chopped chicken (2 cups): The hearty protein packed with flavor for a satisfying centerpiece.
- Cottage cheese (6 Tbsp): Adds a mild creaminess that balances the richness without overpowering.
- Sour cream (3 Tbsp): Lends a subtle tang to brighten the dish and keep it moist.
- Cream cheese (2 Tbsp): Melts into the filling, contributing to that luscious texture everyone loves.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1¼ cups, divided): Offers melty, stretchy goodness that ties all the flavors together.
- Onion powder (¼ tsp): Gives a gentle depth of flavor without any crunch.
- Garlic powder (¼ tsp): Infuses the filling with a warm, savory note.
- French fried onions (¼ cup): Sprinkled on top for a delightful crunch and added flavor contrast.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Braid Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF so it’s perfectly hot when your braid goes in. Lay out your refrigerated pizza dough vertically on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this orientation helps when forming that beautiful braid shape later on.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a bowl, combine the chopped chicken with cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, onion powder, and garlic powder. This creamy mix creates a luscious, flavorful filling that forms the heart of your braid.
Step 3: Spread and Cut
Spread the chicken mixture evenly down the center of your dough, leaving room on both sides for braiding. Using a knife, cut 12 strips on each side of the dough—these strips will be your “braid arms” that fold over the filling.
Step 4: Braid the Dough
Now for the fun part: carefully lift one strip of dough from the left side and fold it diagonally over the filling to meet in the center. Repeat the same with a strip from the right side. Continue alternating sides, overlapping the strips to create a beautiful woven braid effect that locks in all that cheesy chicken goodness.
Step 5: Bake the Braid
Pop your beautifully braided masterpiece into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the crust turns a lovely golden color and the filling bubbles beneath.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Take the braid out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella cheese along with the crunchy french fried onions on top. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes so the cheese melts perfectly and the onions crisp up just right.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Braid Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper can elevate the braid visually and add a fresh brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich filling.
Side Dishes
This Million Dollar Chicken Braid Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or even some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. The freshness from the sides cuts through the richness of the braid.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the braid warm on a large wooden board for a rustic feel, slicing it into portions just before guests dig in. You can also serve with small ramekins of ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping—turning it into a fun, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Million Dollar Chicken Braid Recipe, be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days and keep their cheesy goodness intact.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked chicken braid wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic, reheat leftovers in an oven preheated to 350ºF for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the crust stay crisp and the cheese nice and melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of dough for the braid?
Absolutely! While refrigerated pizza dough is simplest, puff pastry or homemade bread dough can also work well, though they may alter the texture slightly.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cottage cheese?
You can swap cottage cheese for ricotta or even more cream cheese for a similar creamy texture and mild flavor in the filling.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking?
Yes, it freezes beautifully after baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly and thaw before reheating to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of your favorite veggies to create a delicious vegetarian braid.
How long should I bake the braid to ensure it’s cooked through?
18 to 20 minutes at 400ºF usually does the trick, giving you a golden crust and warm, bubbly filling. Adding the extra 5 minutes after topping helps melt cheese and crisp the onions nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken Braid Recipe is a delightful combination of simple ingredients transformed into a delicious, show-stopping dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, comforting, and absolutely scrumptious—so go ahead and try it out the next time you want to bring a little extra wow to your dinner table!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Braid Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Braid is a delicious and easy-to-make savory pastry featuring a braided pizza dough filled with a creamy, cheesy chicken mixture. Baked until golden and topped with melted mozzarella and crispy french fried onions, this recipe serves as an impressive appetizer or main dish perfect for a quick dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
Filling
- 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
Topping
- ¼ cup french fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to ensure it is ready for baking the chicken braid.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough vertically on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, creating an even rectangular surface for the filling.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well blended.
- Spread Filling: Spread the chicken mixture evenly down the center of the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving space on both sides for braiding.
- Cut Dough Strips: Cut 12 strips into each side of the dough along the length of the filling. These strips will be used to create the braid.
- Braid Dough: To form the braid, lift alternating strips of dough from each side over the filling to meet in the center. Continue this process along the entire length to encase the chicken filling.
- Bake Initial: Bake the braid in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the dough is lightly browned and cooked through.
- Add Toppings: Remove the chicken braid from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella cheese and french fried onions on top.
- Bake Final: Return the braid to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and onions are slightly crispy.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before using in the filling to avoid food safety issues.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like parsley or chives to the chicken mixture.
- French fried onions add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast; omit or substitute if unavailable or for dietary preferences.
- This recipe can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness, but microwave reheating may soften the crust.
