Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Braid
I love to make this recipe when I want something that looks impressive on the table, but doesn’t take much effort in the kitchen. Usually it’s leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken I picked up on a busy day. I open the fridge and right next to a tube of crescent dough is ham and cheese. That’s when I know dinner is already halfway there.
I roll out the crescent dough on the counter and flatten it. Then I cut the chicken in the middle, add slices of ham and a layer of cheese. I keep it even and simple because that’s when the braid is at its best, when everything is balanced.
Then I cut strips down the sides of the dough, and fold them over the filling, one side at a time. The braid comes together fast, even if it looks a little messy at first. Pop it in the oven and bake until the dough is golden and crispy. The cheese melts inside, holding everything together, while the ham gives a salty bite that balances the chicken.
When I take it out the braid looks like I put a whole lot more time on it than I did. Everyone immediately sees it. I cut it at the table, the layers showing the chicken, ham and melted cheese in each slice. No one waits long to snatch a slice. That’s usually when I know this recipe has earned a permanent place in my rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Only 4 ingredients
✔ Quick to prepare & big on flavor
✔ Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside
✔ Family friendly meal
✔ Perfect for leftovers
✔ Easy to make look impressive
What You Need
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup ham, sliced
- 1½ cups shredded Swiss or mozzarella
- 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
Directions
Step 1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Step 2 – Roll out the dough
- Roll out crescent dough on baking sheet.
- Press the seams to make one large sheet.
Step 3: Fill the Pie
- Place chicken in the middle in layers.
- Add ham.
- Add cheese on top.
Step 4: Braiding the dough
- Cut strips down the sides of the dough.
- Braid the strips over the filling, alternating sides.
Step 5: Cook it
- Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
- Slice and serve hot.
Helpful Hints
- Save time by using rotisserie chicken.
- Don’t overstuff or the braid might split.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder.
- Let it rest a few minutes before cutting.
- Serve with a simple salad or a soup.
Concluding Remarks
What makes this Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Braid so great is its simplicity. Simple ingredients, comes together quickly, and still looks special coming out of the oven. It’s the kind of recipe that takes an average night up just a notch without any extra fuss.
