Easy Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid Recipe
If you love classic comfort food with an easy and fresh twist, then this Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid recipe is about to become your new go-to meal. Combining flaky crescent roll dough with a rich, cheesy filling inspired by traditional chicken pot pie, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It delivers all the cozy flavors you crave while being simple enough to whip up with basic ingredients. Whether you’re feeding the family or surprising guests, this Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid is sure to impress and satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: You only need a handful of pantry staples and a bit of mixing for an impressive final dish.
- Flaky and Cheesy: Crescent roll dough creates a golden braid crust that’s both buttery and tender, topped with melty cheese inside for extra comfort.
- Family-Friendly: The mild, creamy chicken filling appeals to kids and adults alike, making it a universal winner at the dinner table.
- Versatile Meal: It doubles as lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack, offering great flexibility for your meal planning.
- Appearance Wow Factor: The braided design looks stunning and special, yet is surprisingly easy to assemble.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid recipe uses a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work in harmony to give you a satisfying, colorful dish filled with flavor and texture. Each component has a role—whether adding creaminess, savory depth, or flaky crispness—to create a balanced and nourishing meal.
- Crescent Roll Dough: The base that forms a golden, flaky braid, providing buttery layers with every bite.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced, this adds lean protein and hearty substance to the filling.
- Mixed Vegetables: Typically peas, carrots, and corn, they contribute sweetness, color, and texture diversity.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar or your preference meshes perfectly into the creamy filling for richness.
- Creamy Soup Base: Condensed cream of chicken soup or homemade cream sauce binds everything together with smoothness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs add depth and elevate the overall taste.
Variations for Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid
The beauty of this Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid recipe lies in its flexibility. You can easily customize the filling or change up the dough to accommodate dietary needs, add flavor twists, or simply use what’s on hand.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms, tofu cubes, or extra mixed vegetables for a meatless meal.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent rolls and ensure your soup base is gluten-free for allergy-friendly cooking.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
- Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley to bring a garden-fresh aroma and taste.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, cheese, and your creamy soup base. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs, mixing thoroughly to ensure every bite is flavorful and smooth.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If it comes in triangles, gently press the perforations so it forms a single rectangle, making it easier to braid.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Spread the chicken filling down the center lengthwise, leaving a few inches uncovered on each side for braiding.
Step 4: Create the Crescent Braid
Cut strips about 1 inch wide from each side of the dough, then carefully fold and cross the strips over the filling alternately, forming a braid pattern that seals the filling inside.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the braid with an egg wash or melted butter to help it brown beautifully. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden and flaky.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the braid cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid
- Use Cold Dough: Keeping the crescent roll dough chilled before working with it helps it hold its shape better during braiding.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid stuffing too much filling; it can leak during baking and prevent the braid from sealing properly.
- Even Strips: Cut the side strips as evenly as possible for a uniform braid and professional look.
- Homemade Sauce: Making your own cream sauce gives control over thickness and flavor versus canned soup options.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the braid to rest post-baking so the filling doesn’t spill out when you cut it.
How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes. A light dusting of paprika or black pepper can also enhance its visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid with crisp green salads, steamed green beans, or roasted root vegetables for a balanced meal that complements the richness of the braid.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the braid into individual servings and arrange them on a wooden serving board with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli for a party-ready platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked braid wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month, then bake directly from frozen with slight adjustments to baking time.
Reheating
Warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through to maintain crisp crust and creamy filling texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly because it’s tender and flavorful, saving time on cooking and shredding your own chicken.
Is crescent roll dough essential, or can I use puff pastry?
Puff pastry can be used as a substitute and will yield a flakier, more delicate crust, but crescent roll dough offers more buttery flavor and ease of handling for braiding.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by choosing dairy-free cheese and a suitable non-dairy cream soup or sauce alternative, you can make a delicious dairy-free version of the Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid.
How long does it take to prepare and bake?
Prep usually takes about 15-20 minutes, with baking around 25-30 minutes, making this a quick meal option for busy evenings.
Can I add other proteins to the filling?
Definitely! You can mix in cooked bacon bits, ham, or turkey to vary the flavor and make the recipe your own culinary adventure.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid strikes the perfect balance between homemade charm and effortless cooking. Its flaky crust, savory filling, and inviting presentation make it an unbeatable choice for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly a simple set of ingredients turns into a crowd-pleasing comfort classic that warms the heart and fills the belly.
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Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid
This Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid recipe offers a comforting and delicious twist on classic chicken pot pie by combining flaky crescent roll dough with a rich, cheesy chicken and vegetable filling. Easy to prepare with pantry staples, this braided bake is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep, delivering a warm, satisfying meal that appeals to all ages.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package crescent roll dough (8 oz)
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or homemade cream sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
Topping
- 1 egg (for egg wash) or 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, and the condensed cream of chicken soup. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and herbs. Mix thoroughly to ensure a smooth and flavorful filling.
- Roll Out the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press the perforations gently to form a single, solid rectangle for easier braiding.
- Add the Filling: Spread the prepared chicken filling evenly down the center lengthwise of the dough, leaving about two inches of dough uncovered on each side for braiding.
- Create the Crescent Braid: Cut approximately 1-inch wide strips from each side of the dough edges. Carefully fold and cross the strips over the filling to form a braided pattern that seals the filling inside.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Brush the braid with a beaten egg wash or melted butter to promote beautiful browning. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and flaky.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the braid cool for about 5 minutes to allow the filling to set. Slice and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use cold crescent roll dough for better shaping and braiding.
- Do not overfill to prevent leaking during baking.
- Cut strips evenly for a uniform, professional-looking braid.
- Consider using homemade cream sauce for customized flavor and thickness.
- Allow the braid to rest before slicing to keep the filling intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of braid)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken pot pie, crescent braid, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy chicken bake, family meal