High-Protein Low-Carb Cheesy Chicken Crescent Braid
Flaky, cheesy, and loaded with juicy chicken! This low-carb version replaces regular crescent dough with homemade high-protein mozzarella dough. You get all the comforting flavors of the original braid without the high-carb pastry.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
High-Protein Low-Carb Dough
- 1½ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp unflavored whey protein isolate
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 4 slices lean turkey deli meat, chopped
- ½ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp softened light cream cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Brushing
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dough
Add mozzarella cheese to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely melted.
3. Mix the Dough Ingredients
Add almond flour, whey protein isolate, egg, baking powder, and garlic powder. Mix until a soft dough forms.
If the dough is sticky, let it rest for 3–5 minutes.
4. Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped turkey, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix until creamy and evenly combined.
5. Shape the Dough
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll into a rectangle approximately 10 × 12 inches.
6. Add the Filling
Spread the chicken mixture down the center third of the dough, leaving the sides clear.
7. Create the Braid
Cut diagonal strips along both sides of the dough. Fold the strips alternately over the chicken filling to create a braided pattern. Tuck the ends underneath.
8. Brush the Top
Brush the braid with beaten egg. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
9. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and firm. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
10. Cool and Serve
Allow the braid to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm while the cheese is deliciously melted!
Estimated Nutrition Information
Per serving · 4 servings
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 440 |
| Protein | 43g |
| Total Carbs | 9g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Net Carbs | 6g |
| Fat | 26g |
Weight-Loss & Keto Tips
- Use skinless chicken breast for lean protein.
- Choose reduced-fat mozzarella and cheddar.
- Use lean turkey instead of ham.
- Serve with cucumber salad or steamed broccoli.
- Keep portions measured to manage calories.
High-protein
Low-carb
Keto-friendly
Final Result: A golden, cheesy chicken braid with a soft mozzarella crust, creamy chicken filling, approximately 43g protein and 6g net carbs per serving.
Nutrition is estimated and depends on the brands used.
