Chicken Bread

Chicken bread is a delicious savory bread filled with a flavorful chicken and vegetable filling. Here's a basic recipe to make chicken bread:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon salt
3. 2 tablespoons sugar
4. 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
5. 1/4 cup warm water
6. 1/2 cup milk
7. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
8. 1 egg

For the Filling:

1. 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
2. 1 small onion, finely chopped
3. 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
6. 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
7. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8. 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
9. 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
10. 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
11. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
12. 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

For Egg Wash:

1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

For the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water-sugar mixture, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, milk, vegetable oil, and egg.
3. Mix the ingredients together to form a dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

For the Filling:

1. In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shredded chicken, peas, and carrots. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is heated through.
4. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, cumin powder, paprika or chili powder, tomato ketchup, and mayonnaise. Stir well to combine. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
5. Allow the filling mixture to cool completely.
6. Assembling the Chicken Bread:
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
8. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
9. Roll out one portion of the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. The rectangle should be about 1/4-inch thick.
10. Spread half of the chicken and vegetable filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
11. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the filling if using.
12. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the long sides, to form a log.
13. Repeat the process with the second portion of dough and the remaining filling.
14. Place both chicken bread logs seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
15. Brush the tops of the bread with the beaten egg for a shiny finish.
16. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
17. Allow the chicken bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade chicken bread!
18. You can customize the filling to your liking by adding other vegetables or spices to suit your taste.