Soft Braided Sesame Chicken Bread Recipe

Crispy Braided Sesame Bread With Chicken Recipe

Braided Sesame Bread With Chicken makes every meal feel like a special occasion without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Families love how this dish brings everyone together around the table with its impressive appearance and satisfying flavors.

Whether planning a weekend brunch or hosting friends for dinner, it evokes comfort and excitement on one plate.

The combination of soft, golden bread and savory filling appeals to picky eaters and adventurous palates.

Nothing beats the aroma that fills the house while baking, making stomachs rumble with anticipation.

It works beautifully as a centerpiece or as part of a casual spread alongside soups and salads.

Why You’ll Love Braided Sesame Bread with Chicken

  • Easy Homemade Bread: Making this braided bread feels like a fun weekend cooking project that lets your creativity shine while filling the kitchen with incredible aromas.
  • Protein-Packed Meal: The chicken mixture inside transforms this bread from a simple side dish into a complete, satisfying meal that keeps your family full and happy.
  • Show-Stopping Presentation: Braiding the dough creates a beautiful, restaurant-quality look that will impress dinner guests without requiring professional baking skills.
  • Customizable Comfort: Swap spices or add different fillings to match your family’s taste, making this recipe a flexible go-to for personalized dining experiences.

Ingredient Breakdown for Braided Sesame Chicken Bread

Dough Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour (450 g): The foundation of our soft, tender bread that will hold everything together.
  • Instant Yeast (7 g): The magic helper that makes the dough rise and become light and airy.
  • Salt (8 g): Enhances the flavor and controls yeast activity for perfect texture.
  • Honey (15 g): Adds a subtle sweetness and helps the yeast activate more efficiently.
  • Yogurt (75 g): Brings moisture and a slight tanginess to the bread dough.
  • Sunflower Oil (45 ml): Creates a smooth, soft texture in the final bread.
  • Water (190 ml): Helps bind all the ingredients and create the right dough consistency.
Chicken Seasoning:
  • Chicken Breast (550 g): The protein-packed filling that makes this bread hearty and delicious.
  • Salt (4 g), Onion Powder (4 g), Garlic Powder (3 g): Classic seasonings that build a savory flavor base.
  • Cumin Powder (2 g), Cayenne Pepper Powder (2 g), Red Bell Pepper Powder (2 g): Spices that add depth and a gentle kick to the chicken.
  • Olive Oil (25 ml): Helps cook the chicken and keeps it moist.
Finishing Touches:
  • Honey (50 g), Water (100 ml): A sweet glaze to brush on top of the bread.
  • Sesame Seeds: The perfect crunchy topping that adds visual appeal and nutty flavor.

What Tools Braid Sesame Chicken Bread

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining and kneading bread dough comfortably.
  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Powerful tool to help knead dough smoothly and efficiently.
  • Rolling Pin: Essential for flattening dough to an even thickness when preparing your braid.
  • Baking Sheet: Sturdy metal surface where your braided bread will transform into a golden masterpiece.
  • Pastry Brush: Handy tool for applying honey glaze and creating a beautiful sheen on your bread.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measuring tools to ensure perfect ingredient proportions.
  • Sharp Kitchen Knife: Helpful for cutting dough and creating clean braiding sections.
  • Cooling Rack: Perfect spot to let your freshly baked bread rest and cool evenly.
  • Kitchen Towel: Soft covering to help dough rise in a warm, protected environment.

Soft Braided Sesame Chicken Bread Baking Instructions

Soft Braided Sesame Chicken Bread Baking Instructions
1

Make Dough Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in 450 g flour, 8 g salt, and 7 g instant yeast. Make a little well in the center and pour in 15 g honey, 75 g yogurt, 45 ml sunflower oil, and 190 ml water. Mix everything until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a clean surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a covered bowl and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour until it doubles in size.

2

Prepare Chicken Filling

Heat 25 ml olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breast and season with these spices:

  • 4 g salt
  • 4 g onion powder
  • 3 g garlic powder
  • 2 g cumin powder
  • 2 g cayenne pepper powder
  • 2 g red bell pepper powder

Cook the chicken thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces. Let the mixture cool completely.

3

Shape the Bread

Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cooled chicken mixture evenly across the dough. Cut the dough into three long strips and carefully braid them together. Transfer the braided bread to a baking sheet.

4

Final Rise and Glaze

Let the braided bread sit for another 30 minutes at room temperature. Mix 50 g honey with 100 ml water to create a glaze. Brush the bread generously with the honey mixture and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

5

Bake the Bread

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the braided bread for 25-30 minutes until it turns golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for Soft Braided Sesame Chicken Bread

  • Choose bread flour for a stronger gluten structure that helps your braided bread hold its beautiful shape perfectly.
  • Shred chicken super fine so it spreads evenly without tearing through your delicate bread dough.
  • Keep your dough in a warm, draft-free spot like near the stove to help it rise faster and more consistently.
  • Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan before sprinkling to release their nutty flavor and make your bread look extra professional.
  • Brush honey mixture gently to create a gorgeous golden shine without weighing down your beautifully braided bread.

What Sesame Chicken Bread Variations to Try

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Swap chicken for roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach, cutting them into small pieces that blend perfectly with the bread’s soft texture.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to help your bread hold together, ensuring everyone can enjoy this tasty creation.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Mix ground lamb with harissa paste and cumin for a bold, rich filling that adds warmth and depth to your braided bread adventure.
  • Cheese Lover’s Modification: Blend crumbled feta cheese with fresh herbs like parsley and dill into the chicken mixture, creating a tangy and aromatic filling that melts beautifully inside the bread.

Serving Ideas for Soft Braided Sesame Chicken Bread

  • Serve Warm and Fresh: Pull this braided bread straight from the oven and slice it while still warm to capture those incredible aromas and soft textures.
  • Perfect Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetable medley to balance the rich chicken and bread flavors.
  • Portion Like a Pro: Cut generous thick slices that showcase the beautiful braided pattern, allowing each person to enjoy the golden sesame crust.
  • Storing Smartly: Wrap leftover bread in foil and store at room temperature for up to two days, gently reheating before serving to restore its delicious softness.

How to Store Braided Sesame Chicken Bread

  • Refrigerate leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and soft.
  • Reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore that just-baked crispness.
  • Freeze entire braided loaves by wrapping them securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and a layer of foil, which preserves texture for about 2 months.
  • Thaw frozen bread overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to bring back its original warmth and flavor.

Soft Braided Sesame Chicken Bread FAQs Explained

FAQ

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat and season it before adding to the dough.

FAQ

How difficult is braiding the bread?

Braiding looks complicated but becomes easy with practice. Start by dividing the dough into three equal strips and weave them together like you’re making a basic hair braid.

FAQ

What if the dough doesn’t rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and your rising area is warm and draft-free. Letting the dough sit in a warm spot near your oven can help activate the yeast and encourage rising.

FAQ

Can this bread be frozen after baking?

Yes, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for about a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Are there alternatives to sesame seeds?

Poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or dried herbs like oregano work great as toppings. Choose something that complements the chicken’s flavor profile.

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Soft Braided Sesame Chicken Bread Recipe

Soft Braided Sesame Chicken Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 1x

Description

Braided sesame bread with chicken brings comfort straight from your kitchen to the dinner table, wrapping warm, herbed chicken inside a golden, twisted bread that looks as delicious as it tastes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 550 g chicken breast
  • 450 g flour

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 8 g salt
  • 4 g salt
  • 4 g onion powder
  • 3 g garlic powder
  • 2 g cumin powder
  • 2 g cayenne pepper powder
  • 2 g red bell pepper powder
  • sesame seed

Liquids and Binding Agents:

  • 190 ml water
  • 100 ml water
  • 45 ml sunflower oil
  • 25 ml olive oil
  • 15 g honey
  • 50 g honey
  • 75 g yogurt
  • 7 g instant yeast

Instructions

  1. Pour 450 g flour, 8 g salt, 7 g instant yeast, 15 g honey, 75 g yogurt, 45 ml sunflower oil, and 190 ml water into a large mixing bowl. Knead the mixture for 10 minutes until your dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  2. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 hour, allowing it to double in size.
  3. Season 550 g chicken breast with 4 g salt, 4 g onion powder, 3 g garlic powder, 2 g cumin powder, 2 g cayenne pepper, and 2 g red bell pepper powder. Sauté in 25 ml olive oil over medium heat for 12-15 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through.
  4. Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangular shape about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cooked chicken mixture evenly across the dough.
  5. Cut the dough into three long strips and carefully braid them, tucking the ends underneath to create a neat loaf.
  6. Let the braided bread rest for another 30 minutes at room temperature to allow a second rise.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Mix 50 g honey with 100 ml water to create a glaze.
  8. Brush the braided bread with the honey mixture and generously sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Bread flour provides better structure and chewiness compared to all-purpose flour, giving your braided bread a professional texture.
  • Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot helps develop better flavor and ensures a soft, airy interior.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour, though the texture will be slightly different.
  • Swap chicken with roasted vegetables or seasoned tofu to create a vegetarian alternative that’s equally delicious.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 to 6
  • Calories: 371 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Susan Whitaker

Susan Whitaker

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Guide

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Saint Paul College
  • Program: Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Trained in a hands-on professional kitchen environment with coursework spanning core culinary technique, pastry, butchery, charcuterie, food safety, sanitation, restaurant operations, and the nutritional side of healthy cooking, with real-world practice tied to the college’s student-run restaurant.

Susan is the steady, practical guide at Mary Sue & Susan, bringing clarity, structure, and a warm sense of encouragement to every recipe she touches. Susan joined the site with a simple goal: help people cook with more confidence and less guesswork.

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