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
Scale
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.
