When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the charm of Chicken Broccoli Crepes with Cheddar Sauce. This dish beautifully combines the delicate nature of crepes with a hearty, flavorful filling, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal perfect for any occasion. From the first bite to the last, each element of this dish delivers something special: the creamy cheddar sauce, the tender chicken, and the slight bitterness of broccoli, all wrapped in a soft crepe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate, offering warmth and comfort in every forkful.
Crepes:
Filling:
Step 1: Prepare the Crepes
Start by making the crepe batter. In a small bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt, then gradually add it to the milk mixture. Whisk until the batter is completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Once the batter is ready, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in tender, light crepes.
Step 2: Cook the Crepes
After the batter has rested, it’s time to cook the crepes. Heat a lightly greased 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir the batter again to ensure it’s well combined, then pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the skillet. Immediately lift and tilt the pan to spread the batter evenly across the bottom. Cook the crepe until the top appears dry and the edges start to lift, about 1-2 minutes. Flip the crepe and cook for an additional 15-20 seconds. Once done, remove the crepe from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to cool. Repeat this process until all the batter is used up, greasing the skillet as needed. Once all the crepes are cooked and cooled, stack them with wax paper or paper towels in between to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Now it’s time to make the delicious, creamy cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Reduce the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sour cream until fully combined.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the cheese sauce is coming together, prepare the filling. Cook the frozen broccoli according to package instructions, then drain it well to remove any excess water. Once drained, chop the broccoli into smaller pieces. Cube the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set these aside as you assemble the crepes.
Step 5: Assemble the Crepes
To assemble the crepes, place four broccoli spears and 1/3 cup of cubed chicken down the center of each crepe. Spoon 1/3 cup of the cheese sauce over the filling, then carefully roll up the crepe, folding in the sides to enclose the filling. Place each rolled crepe seam-side down in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Once all the crepes are in the dish, pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the crepes.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the crepes uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the crepes to cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheese will continue to melt as the dish cools slightly, creating a beautifully creamy texture.