Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls Recipe
If you love a warm, melty, and savory snack that feels like a hug in food form, you are going to fall in love with these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls. Imagine tender shredded chicken mingling with rich cream cheese and sharp cheddar, all wrapped up in buttery crescent dough that bakes to a golden, flaky perfection. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy nights, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want something satisfying and easy to make. I promise, once you try these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls, they’ll become your new go-to comfort food!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one is crucial in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma that makes Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls irresistible. Fresh herbs add a pop of color and brightness, while the combination of cheeses brings creaminess and sharpness that complement the tender chicken inside the flaky dough.
- Crescent roll dough: One 8-ounce can provides that buttery, flaky base that wraps all the fillings in perfect golden layers.
- Cooked chicken: Two cups of shredded chicken bring hearty protein and texture — perfect for stuffing.
- Cream cheese: Four ounces of softened cream cheese add richness and a luscious creaminess that helps bind everything together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: One cup offers a sharp, tangy bite that complements the creamy and savory elements beautifully.
- Garlic powder: One teaspoon for a subtle depth of flavor without overwhelming the filling.
- Parsley: One tablespoon, fresh or dried, adds a fresh herbaceous note and lovely green flecks that brighten the look and flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing every other ingredient.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: For greasing the baking sheet, ensuring those crescent rolls come off easily and bake evenly.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures the crescents will bake up golden and flaky. Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and to help the bottoms crisp just right.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the filling is smooth, creamy, and evenly blended. This mixture is the heart of your Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls, delivering all those incredible flavors in every bite.
Step 3: Roll Out the Crescent Dough
Carefully open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. You’ll see the dough divided into triangles — these are your little canvases for the filling. The dough is soft and pliable, perfect for rolling without cracking or tearing.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Take one triangle of the dough and place a spoonful of the chicken mixture near the wider end. Then, roll the dough toward the pointed end, folding the sides in to keep the filling tucked securely inside. This keeps all the cheesy goodness sealed during baking, so it melts inside that gorgeous flaky crust.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Place each filled crescent on your prepared baking sheet, arranging them with the pointed end down so they don’t unroll during baking. Repeat this process with all the dough and filling. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown and start to puff up. The scent wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the filling set slightly and makes them easier to handle, while still warm and melty inside.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
To elevate your Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika on top just before serving. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on the side can add a delightful tangy kick.
Side Dishes
These crescent rolls shine as an appetizer or light meal, especially when paired with a crisp green salad, creamy tomato soup, or roasted vegetables. The fresh, crunchy contrasts balance the richness perfectly and round out the plate with vibrant colors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party spread, arrange your Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls on a beautiful platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with a sprig of parsley makes a charming presentation for guests or packed lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (and trust me, that’s a big if), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture well and reheat beautifully.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unbaked crescent rolls arranged on a baking sheet; once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can bake fresh rolls directly from the freezer by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time—just shred it well to ensure even mixing with the cheeses and seasoning.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with cooked, seasoned mushrooms or a medley of sautéed veggies like bell peppers and spinach for a tasty vegetarian twist.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Definitely. While cheddar provides great flavor, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for varying textures and tastes.
How do I prevent the crescent rolls from leaking filling during baking?
Make sure to tuck in the sides well when rolling and place the pointed end down on the baking sheet. Avoid overfilling to keep everything sealed inside as it bakes.
Can these be made ahead of time and baked later?
You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out, then bake as directed when ready.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are one of those recipes that blend simplicity and indulgence so perfectly, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. Whether for a quick snack, a fun appetizer, or a comforting meal, they bring incredible flavor and heartwarming satisfaction every time. Go ahead and give them a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent rolls 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. Made with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese blends, and aromatic herbs wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, they bake to golden perfection and offer a deliciously savory bite perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for greasing the baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet using olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well blended and creamy.
- Unroll Dough: Open the can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it onto a clean, flat surface, separating the dough into individual triangles along the perforations.
- Fill and Roll: Place a spoonful of the chicken and cheese filling onto the wider end of each dough triangle. Roll the dough from the wide end towards the pointed end, tucking the sides in gently to enclose the filling securely.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each rolled crescent onto the prepared baking sheet with the pointed end tucked under to prevent unrolling during baking. Repeat until all dough and filling are used.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown, puffed up, and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crescent rolls to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling to set and prevents burns.
Notes
- You can use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or onion powder to the filling.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- These crescent rolls are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent roll
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken crescent rolls, chicken appetizers, easy chicken recipes, crescent roll snacks, cheesy snacks
