If you love the rich, comforting flavors of French onion soup but want to enjoy them in a fresh and fun way, this French Onion Chicken Braid Recipe is your new go-to dish. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, creamy sour cream French onion dip, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions all wrapped up in a golden, flaky pizza dough braid. It’s hearty, savory, and absolutely satisfying—perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends. Once you try this, it’s guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that make this dish extraordinary. Each element plays a special role from the creamy tang of sour cream to the signature crunch of French fried onions, bringing together a perfect harmony of taste and appeal.
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie for tender, protein-packed goodness.
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a rich, savory punch.
- ⅔ cup sour cream French onion dip: This creamy dip is the heart of the French onion flavor in this dish.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Just a hint to deepen the overall taste without overpowering.
- ¾ cup French fried onions: These provide a satisfying crunch and authentic French onion soup vibe.
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza dough: Using pizza dough makes the braid easy to shape and creates a golden, tender crust.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Braid Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 400ºF to ensure it’s nice and hot when the braid goes in, giving you a beautifully browned crust.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough vertically onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will be your canvas to create the braid, so make sure it’s evenly rolled for consistent cooking and easy folding.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine the chopped chicken, sour cream French onion dip, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and half of the French fried onions. This creamy, cheesy mixture becomes the flavorful center of your braid.
Step 4: Assemble the Braid
Spread the chicken mixture down the vertical center of the dough. Then, carefully cut 12 strips of dough on each side of the filling, about 1 inch wide. To braid, alternate lifting the strips of dough across the filling from each side, overlapping them in the center to enclose the mixture beautifully.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake the braid in your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, keeping an eye out for that gorgeous light brown color that means your crust is perfectly baked.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Finish Baking
Remove the bake from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and leftover French fried onions on top, then pop it back in for an additional 5 minutes. This step melts the cheese on top and adds that irresistible final crunch.
How to Serve French Onion Chicken Braid Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few crispy fried onion strings add a pop of color and texture. You can also drizzle a little sour cream on the side for dipping—it’s a perfect creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
This braid pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or a light tomato soup can balance the richness, making the meal complete without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing party dish, slice the braid into manageable servings and arrange on a decorative platter. Pair with bowls of additional dip or mustard on the side for guests to customize their bites. You can even serve alongside small cups of French onion soup as a themed pairing for an impressive, cozy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap the French Onion Chicken Braid tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and still taste great when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the braid either before or after baking, wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. Frozen, it holds up well for up to a month—perfect for meal prepping or saving for a busy night.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350ºF oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that flaky crust and melty cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar offers a classic taste, feel free to experiment with gruyere or mozzarella for a different twist on richness and meltability.
Is it necessary to use refrigerated pizza dough?
Using refrigerated pizza dough saves time and provides a reliable, easy-to-shape base. But if you prefer homemade dough, that works wonderfully too—just be sure to roll it out to the appropriate size.
Can the filling be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and streamlines the assembly process when you’re ready to bake.
What if I don’t have French fried onions?
While they add signature crunch and flavor, you could try toasted breadcrumbs or even crispy shallots as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The French Onion Chicken Braid Recipe is fantastic for prepping meals in advance and reheating for dinner, lunches, or even as a hearty snack throughout your week.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Chicken Braid Recipe is truly a delightful way to enjoy those classic French onion soup flavors with a fun, fresh twist that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a gathering, the combination of creamy filling and flaky braided crust will have you coming back for seconds. So go ahead, give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
French Onion 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
This French Onion Chicken Braid is a delicious, savory pull-apart bread filled with a creamy mixture of cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, sour cream French onion dip, and crispy fried onions. Wrapped in pizza dough and baked until golden brown, this dish is perfect as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main course for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ⅔ cup sour cream French onion dip
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ cup French fried onions, divided
Dough
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the braid.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough vertically on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream French onion dip, garlic powder, and ½ cup of French fried onions until well mixed.
- Assemble Braid: Spread the chicken mixture evenly down the center of the rolled-out dough. Then cut 12 strips on each side of the dough parallel to the filling. Start braiding by alternately lifting strips from each side across the filling to meet in the center, creating a braided pattern.
- Bake First Time: Bake the braid in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the dough is lightly browned and cooked through.
- Add Topping: Remove the braid from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese and remaining French fried onions on top.
- Bake Second Time: Return the braid to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and the topping is golden and crispy.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Make sure the chicken is well drained to prevent soggy dough.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
