Easy Braided Chicken Bread Recipe
Alright, let me share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: the Easy Braided Chicken Bread Recipe. This delightful dish is that perfect mix of soft, fluffy bread wrapped around a tasty, spiced chicken filling. I love making it when I want something comforting yet a little impressive to serve guests or just to treat myself during a cozy weekend at home. It’s not only delicious but also quite fun to braid — it feels like you’re weaving a little edible masterpiece.
This Easy Braided Chicken Bread Recipe is a real showstopper. What makes it special is how the warm spices blend wonderfully with tender chicken, and the bread bakes to golden perfection with a slight crunch from sesame seeds on top. Plus, it’s quite versatile—you can tweak the filling or bread to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Easy Braided Chicken Bread Recipe come together in a way that balances rich flavors with soft, fluffy texture. When shopping, look for fresh spices and good quality chicken to really make the filling pop.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough — make sure it’s fresh for the best rise and crumb.
- Instant yeast: This helps the dough rise quickly and evenly; no need for proofing if you use instant.
- Milk: Adds tenderness and moisture to the dough and the chicken sauce.
- Salt: Enhances flavor in both dough and filling, so don’t skimp.
- Nut oil: I like nut oil because of its mild nutty flavor that enriches the bread without overpowering.
- Eggs: Give your dough structure, moisture, and a lovely golden hue.
- Sugar: Just a little to feed the yeast and balance the savory filling.
- Baking powder: Adds a touch of extra leavening for soft bread.
- Chicken: Use breast or thigh meat, finely chopped or shredded for the filling.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with spices.
- Black pepper: For a subtle heat and flavor boost.
- Coriander: Fresh or ground coriander brightens the filling.
- Chili pepper: Adjust based on how spicy you like it.
- Garam masala: This warm spice blend is key for that delicious, layered flavor.
- All-purpose flour (for filling): Helps thicken the chicken sauce inside the bread.
- Butter: Richens the filling and adds that silky texture.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top before baking for a beautiful finish and added crunch.
Variations
I find this Easy Braided Chicken Bread Recipe quite forgiving and love playing around with the filling and bread flavors. Don’t be afraid to mix it up depending on what you prefer or have available.
- Spicy kick: Adding extra chili or cayenne pepper has been a game changer for me when I want something hotter.
- Herb addition: Fresh parsley or mint mixed into the chicken filling gives a fresh twist I love during spring.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for mushrooms or mixed veggies with the same spices for a meat-free version that’s just as tasty.
- Whole wheat dough: For an earthy flavor and extra fiber, I sometimes replace half the flour with whole wheat.
How to Make Easy Braided Chicken Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing your all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Warm the milk slightly (not too hot!) and whisk it with the egg and nut oil before adding it to the flour mixture. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic — this part is so satisfying because you can feel it coming together beautifully. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling
While your dough is rising, sauté finely chopped onions in butter until translucent. Add the chopped chicken, salt, black pepper, coriander, garam masala, and chili peppers. Cook until the chicken is just done, then sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir well—this helps thicken that luscious sauce. Pour in the milk gradually, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a creamy filling. Let it cool completely before using it in the bread — trust me, stuffing warm dough can be tricky.
Step 3: Assemble and Braid
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 3 equal parts. Roll each into long ropes. Now the fun part: lay them side by side and braid them together tightly. This gives the bread a stunning, rustic look that’ll wow anyone you serve it to. Lay the braid on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and gently spread the chicken filling down the center, if you want double layers, or you can flatten the dough, spread the filling, and roll it into a log before braiding. Finally, brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds generously for that classic look and extra flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the braided chicken bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end so it doesn’t overcook. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure magic! Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing — this helps the filling set so it doesn’t ooze out messy when you cut it.
How to Serve Easy Braided Chicken Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple and fresh—some chopped fresh coriander or parsley on top brightens the flavors beautifully. A light drizzle of yogurt or a side of tangy chutney also complements the spices in the filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this bread with a crisp green salad for a light contrast or serve it alongside a creamy soup for a cozy meal. I’ve also served it with roasted veggies on the side, and it makes a fantastic weekend brunch option.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love slicing the bread into thick rounds and serving it on a wooden board with dips like garlic aioli or spicy harissa. You can even make mini versions of this bread to serve as appetizers at parties—everyone always asks for the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover chicken bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the bread from drying out, wrapping it in foil or plastic wrap helps retain moisture without making it soggy.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. This recipe freezes beautifully and lets you enjoy homemade bread with chicken filling any time you want without extra prep.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer popping slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil to gently warm without drying out. The bread stays soft and the filling heated through perfectly, as if freshly baked.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken can cut down your prep time, just make sure to shred or finely chop it before mixing with the spices and sautéed onions. Adjust cooking times accordingly since you’re just warming the filling rather than fully cooking the chicken.
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Is the Easy Braided Chicken Bread Recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, definitely! The steps are straightforward and once you get the hang of braiding dough, it’s quite easy and even fun. Just be sure to give your dough enough time to rise and don’t rush the braiding step for the best results.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter or oil for sautéing. The bread might vary slightly in texture but will still turn out delicious.
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How do I make the bread less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the chili peppers or swap garam masala for a milder seasoning blend. You can always add a pinch of mild paprika to keep flavor without heat, making it family-friendly!
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Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Definitely. You can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Just take it out about an hour before you want to use it to come to room temperature, then continue as usual with shaping and braiding.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Braided Chicken Bread Recipe has become such a comfort food staple for me—I love how it fills the kitchen with those incredible aromas and how every bite feels like a little celebration. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it too because it’s approachable, fun, and tasty. Give it a try the next time you want something cozy with a little flair, and don’t hesitate to make it your own with your favorite spices and twists. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Easy Braided Chicken Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 large braided loaf (approximately 8–10 servings) 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-inspired filling with Western style bread)
Description
This Easy Braided Chicken Bread recipe combines a soft, flavorful homemade dough with a savory spiced chicken filling, all braided into a beautiful loaf that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. The bread is enriched with butter and milk, filled with aromatic herbs and spices, and topped with sesame seeds for an appealing crunch and finish.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Instant yeast
- 2 tbsp Milk
- 1 tsp Salt
- 4 tbsp Nut oil
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Sugar
- ¼ tsp Baking powder
Chicken Filling Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 cups Chicken, cooked and shredded
- 2 small Onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Coriander, chopped
- 4 Chili peppers, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Garam masala
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Milk
- Sesame seeds, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the nut oil, milk, and egg. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Make the Chicken Filling: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and chili peppers, sautéing until they become soft and translucent. Add the shredded chicken, coriander, salt, pepper, and garam masala. Stir well to combine. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk while stirring continuously to create a creamy filling. Cook until thickened slightly, then remove from heat and let the filling cool.
- Shape the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the chicken filling evenly down the center of the dough. Using a knife, make diagonal cuts on both sides of the filling about 1.5 inches apart, creating strips. Gently fold the strips over the filling alternately from each side, creating a braided effect.
- Final Proof and Bake: Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with a little milk or beaten egg to give it a glossy finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Let the bread rest for another 15-20 minutes for final proofing. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious entrée or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken filling is not too wet to prevent soggy bread; cook filling until creamy but thickened.
- You can substitute nut oil with olive oil or vegetable oil depending on availability.
- Adjust chili peppers according to your spice preference for milder or hotter filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4-5 days.
- This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.
Keywords: Braided bread, Chicken bread, Savory bread, Braided loaf, Spiced chicken filling, Homemade bread, Easy bread recipe
