Broccoli Chicken & Cheese Braid

Tonight I combined two of my previous recipes to create a new one. I used the bread from the Yummy Sandwich Braid post and the filling from the Chicken & Broccoli Bake post.

Ingredients:
Filling -

4 chicken breast halves, cooked and shredded

2 pounds fresh broccoli, Cut up and steamed

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1 c. milk

1 c. sour cream (can sub. mayo)

2. c grated cheese

2 T lemon juice

Bread-
1 T shortening
2 T sugar
1 T salt
1 C boiling water
1 C cold water
1/3 C lukewarm water
1 T yeast
5-6 C flour
1 egg
Rosemary (optional)

1. To make the dough dissolve 1 T yeast in 1/3 C lukewarm water.
2. In the bottom of your mixer smash the sugar, salt and shortening together with a fork until well combined.
3. Pour the boiling water over the sugar mixture.
4. Pour the cold water over the sugar mixture.
5. Pour the yeast/water mixture over the sugar mixture.
6. Add the flour 1 C at a time while mixing. You know you have enough flour when the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.
7. Once you have enough flour mix on high for 7-8 minutes.
8. Let the dough rest for about 2 minutes in the bowl.
9. Divide the dough into two equal parts and let them rest on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray for about 5 minutes.
10. Knead rosemary or other herbs into your dough if you wish.
11. Spray some cooking spray onto your counter. Roll the dough out into 2 large rectangles. Using a pizza cutter, cut 11-12 one inch wide strips along both long sides of the rectangle. Be sure to leave about 5 inches down the center uncut. You want to leave room for your
12.Combine the soup, sour cream, lemon juice and milk in a large bowl and mix well. Stir in cheese and set aside.

13. Place half of the shredded chicken in the center of first rectangle. Repeat on second braid.

14. Place half of the broccoli on top of the chicken. Repeat on second braid.

15. Pour half of the sauce down the center of the bread on top of the chicken and broccoli. Repeat on second braid.

16. Braid each rectangle and baste with beaten egg.

Sprinkle with rosemary or other herbs/spices if you wish.

Place the sandwich loaf on a large cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
17. Let the dough rise in a warm oven (I turn mine to 170 degrees) for about 20 minutes.
18. Turn your oven up to 400 degrees and bake for about 15 minutes. (Leave the dough inside while the temperature rises)
19. When the loaves are golden brown on top turn the oven down to 350, switch the pan on the bottom rack to the top and vice versa.
Bake for another 5 minutes.
20. Let the loaves rest for about 5 minutes, then cut and enjoy!