Description
These Chicken Broccoli Crepes combine tender shredded chicken and steamed broccoli in a creamy cheddar sauce, all wrapped in delicate, thin crepes. The filled crepes are baked until hot and served with a smooth cheese sauce, optionally garnished with sliced almonds for a delightful crunch. Perfect for a comforting dinner or brunch, this recipe balances rich flavors with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Crepes
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup flour
- 3 Tbsp melted butter
Filling
- 4 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken (approximately)
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 6 Tbsp flour
- 2 1/4 cups milk
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped and steamed till barely tender
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crepe Batter: Combine milk, eggs, salt, flour, and melted butter in a blender. Blend until the batter is smooth. Chill for 30-60 minutes to allow the batter to thicken and hydrate the flour.
- Cook the Crepes: Heat a non-stick round skillet over medium heat. Pour about 3 tablespoons of batter into the center of the skillet. Swirl the pan gently to spread the batter into a very thin, even layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges lift and the crepe is lightly golden. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter. Set cooked crepes aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce Base: In a soup pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 6 tablespoons of flour until combined to form a roux. Gradually pour in 2 1/4 cups milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, boiling for at least one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Cheese to Sauce: Slowly incorporate the grated cheddar cheese into the sauce by adding about a quarter cup at a time, whisking thoroughly until each addition melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Remove about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of cheese sauce and set it aside. To the remaining sauce in the pot, add shredded cooked chicken and steamed broccoli. Stir gently to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. Remove the pot from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Assemble and Bake Crepes: Spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture onto each crepe and roll or fold them. Place filled crepes into two greased 9×13 inch baking pans. Cover the pans with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through.
- Prepare Serving Sauce and Garnish: Reheat the reserved cheese sauce, thinning it with a bit of milk if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency. Serve the baked crepes topped or served alongside this sauce. Garnish with sliced almonds if desired for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the crepe batter improves texture and helps prevent tearing during cooking.
- Make sure the broccoli is steamed just until tender to retain a slight crunch and bright color.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- To save time, leftover cooked chicken can be used in this recipe.
- Optional sliced almonds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor when sprinkled over the crepes before serving.
- Keep an eye on crepes while baking to avoid drying out the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken crepes, broccoli crepes, cheesy chicken crepes, baked crepes, comfort food
