Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate easy comfort food that’s guaranteed to make everyone at the table swoon, it has to be Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls. This dish is wonderfully golden, melty, and satisfying, with tender chicken and gooey cheese packed into buttery crescent dough. Whether you need a low-stress appetizer or a simple yet memorable dinner, these rolls always come through: prep is fast, flavors are big, and leftovers (if you even have any!) keep beautifully for next-day snacking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You truly don’t need a mile-long list for something as irresistible as Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls. Every item here matters, contributing to the dreamy texture, the irresistible cheesy pull, or that perfect golden crunch once baked. Here’s the lineup and why you need each one.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Provides a hearty, protein-rich filling with a neutral flavor base that soaks up the seasonings and creamy cheese.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 ounces): The secret shortcut to flaky, buttery wraps, setting the stage for easy rolling and baking.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds luscious tang and silkiness to the filling, ensuring every bite is creamy and rich.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Brings sharp, gooey flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken for that classic cheesy pull.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/4 cup): Offers extra melt and a subtle, milky flavor that rounds out the cheese blend beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Lends subtle aromatic depth and extra savoriness without overpowering the filling.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle sweetness and a little backbone to bring out the best in the chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but essential, seasoning every bite so the flavors pop.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional for garnish): Sprinkled at the end for a little color and a fresh, herbal finish.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons, optional for brushing): Brushed on top to boost that golden color and add extra buttery goodness.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Mix Up the Dreamy Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab a medium bowl and stir together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, both the cheddar and mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix until everything’s perfectly combined and almost spreadable. The cream cheese acts as the glue, making sure your filling holds together as you roll. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the moment to mix in extras like a little chopped bacon, green onion, or a dash of hot sauce!
Step 2: Shape the Crescent Rolls
Unroll your crescent dough and gently separate it into eight triangles. This store-bought magic means there’s no dough kneading or fuss—just quick, effortless prep. Place a generous spoonful of the chicken and cheese mixture on the wide end of each dough triangle. Don’t be shy with the filling, but resist the urge to overstuff—they seal and bake best with a neat mound in the center.
Step 3: Roll, Arrange, and Prepare for Baking
Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle up tightly, encasing that savory mixture within. Tuck any stray bits inside if needed. Place each roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out for even browning. For extra shine and flavor, brush the tops with melted butter—trust me, it’s worth the extra minute. This step helps the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls bake up ultra-golden.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous, deep golden color and check that the dough is firm and no longer doughy at the seams. As soon as they’re done, your kitchen will smell positively irresistible! Let the rolls cool just slightly before serving; this lets the filling set up so you won’t lose any of that yummy cheese.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, shower the rolls with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if you like a bit of green—or skip it for pure cheesy appeal. These beauties are ready to serve hot, warm, or even at room temp, making them fabulously flexible for parties or weeknight dinners.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
A little garnish can take Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls from snack to showstopper. Fresh parsley is a classic for color and freshness, but you can also try a dusting of grated Parmesan, a dash of smoked paprika, or sliced green onions for extra flair. The key is to aim for something that adds both a visual pop and a sprinkle of extra savor.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair perfectly with light sides: a crisp green salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or some roasted veggies add a nice contrast to the richness of the filling. If you’re serving them at a party, offer dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or even a bit of marinara for more flavor and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls high on a platter with small bowls of different dips so everyone can grab and dunk. You could also slice each roll in half for bites-sized appetizers, or arrange them in a circular “pull-apart” fashion on your tray. For dinner, nestle them alongside your favorite veggies for an easy, hearty meal-in-one.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Storing Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls is a breeze. Simply let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge and they’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or after-school snacks.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the baked (and cooled) rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. If you want to prep ahead, you can also freeze the unbaked rolls and bake straight from the freezer, just adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To gently reheat, pop the rolls in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp on the outside. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave (about 30 seconds per roll) does the trick, though the dough will be a bit softer.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving superstar and works beautifully in Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls. Just shred or chop it finely and mix it with the other filling ingredients as directed.
What other cheeses can I substitute?
Feel free to swap in other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or fontina for a twist. As long as you have a good blend of flavorful and melty, you can’t go wrong.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the rolls (up to the baking step) and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 6 hours before baking. When ready, just bake as usual—perhaps adding an extra minute or two to ensure they’re cooked through.
How do I keep the rolls from unrolling during baking?
Rolling them tightly and placing them seam-side down helps a lot. The crescent dough is pretty forgiving, but if needed, gently press the ends to seal before baking to keep everything neat.
Are Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids generally love the cheesy, mild flavors and fun hand-held presentation. You can even involve them in the filling and rolling process for a fun kitchen activity.
Final Thoughts
There’s a good reason Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are such a cherished favorite—each bite is a warm hug of creamy chicken and melty cheese wrapped in flaky, golden dough. They’re easy enough for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing enough for any gathering. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; I have a feeling it will become a much-loved favorite in your kitchen, too!
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Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are a delicious and easy appetizer or main course that combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy, cheesy filling wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the Dough: Unroll crescent dough, place chicken mixture on each triangle, and roll up tightly.
- Bake: Place rolls on a baking sheet, brush with butter, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Cool slightly, then garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with ingredients like green onions, cooked bacon, or hot sauce for added flavor.
- Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer or Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
