These Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, shredded chicken with creamy cheeses, all wrapped up in flaky crescent rolls. The result is a warm, gooey, and savory treat that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Each bite is filled with a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making this dish an instant favorite for both kids and adults.
With minimal prep and just a short time in the oven, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy days when you need a delicious meal in a pinch. The crescent rolls bake up golden and flaky, while the cheesy chicken filling stays creamy and rich. Serve these rolls alongside a fresh salad or some steamed veggies for a complete meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Full Recipe:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into 8 triangles.
- Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each crescent roll.
- Carefully roll up each crescent roll, starting from the wide end and rolling towards the point.
- Place the rolls on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 8 rolls
Background of the Dish
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are a comforting and versatile dish that can serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. This dish brings together the savory flavors of chicken and cheese in a flaky crescent roll crust, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. The recipe is quick and straightforward, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes in the oven, this recipe is ideal for those who need a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Versatile: The filling can be customized to suit different tastes. You can add extra spices, swap out the cheddar for a different cheese, or even add some veggies like chopped spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, creamy filling and the flaky crescent roll crust make this dish appealing to children, making it a great way to get picky eaters excited about dinner.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick snack, or are planning a casual family dinner, these rolls fit the bill perfectly.
Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save even more time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred the meat and it’s ready to be mixed into the filling.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
- Add Some Veggies: For an extra boost of flavor and nutrition, try adding finely chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to the chicken mixture.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Serve with Dips: These rolls pair wonderfully with a variety of dips. Serve them with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for an added burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls can be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack or appetizer. To turn them into a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of warm soup. They’re also great as part of a party platter, served with other finger foods like vegetable sticks, chips, and dip.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Leftover crescent rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. This will help maintain their crispy exterior. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds, but the crust may become softer.
Nutritional Information
While the recipe is indulgent and cheesy, it can be adjusted for different dietary needs. Using reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat cheddar can help reduce the calorie content. Additionally, using crescent roll dough with whole grains can add a bit more fiber to the dish.
Fun Fact
Crescent rolls originated in Austria in the 13th century, but they became widely popular in America in the 1960s when Pillsbury introduced refrigerated crescent roll dough. The combination of this flaky dough with various fillings, like chicken and cheese, has since become a staple in many households for its convenience and delicious taste.
Possible Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls: Add some buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture for a tangy and spicy variation.
- BBQ Chicken Crescent Rolls: Mix in some barbecue sauce and use a blend of cheddar and smoked gouda cheese for a smoky flavor.
- Spinach Artichoke Chicken Rolls: Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the filling for a twist on the classic spinach-artichoke dip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy chicken filling encased in a buttery, flaky crescent roll. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving these at a family dinner, potluck, or game-day party, these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
- Easily Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit different taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey, reducing food waste and giving new life to ingredients you already have in the fridge.
Nutritional Benefits of Ingredients
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein, chicken helps in muscle building and repair. It’s also rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
- Cheddar Cheese: Besides being a good source of calcium, cheddar cheese also provides protein and fat, making these crescent rolls not only delicious but also quite filling.
- Green Onions: These add a pop of fresh flavor and are a good source of vitamins A and C, contributing to immune health and vision.
- Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: While they add a creamy texture and rich taste, using light or reduced-fat versions can help cut down on calories and fat content without sacrificing flavor.
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls Variations and Add-Ins
- Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, paprika, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn to the chicken mixture, and serve with a side of salsa and guacamole for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Breakfast Version: Replace the chicken with scrambled eggs and cooked bacon or sausage, and add a handful of spinach to turn this into a savory breakfast roll.
How to Make It Ahead
If you want to prepare these rolls in advance, you can make the filling a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the crescent rolls with the pre-made filling and bake as directed. This makes it easier to serve fresh, warm rolls to guests or family members without much fuss.
Freezing and Reheating Instructions
- Freezing: These crescent rolls can be frozen for later use. To freeze, assemble the rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be baked directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: To reheat frozen or refrigerated rolls, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain the rolls’ flaky texture.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
- Dips: Serve these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls with a variety of dips for added flavor. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or even a spicy buffalo sauce can complement the cheesy filling beautifully.
- Side Dishes: Pair these rolls with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of tomato soup to create a balanced meal.
- Brunch Spread: These rolls make an excellent addition to a brunch spread. Serve alongside fresh fruit, a platter of mixed cheeses, and some freshly squeezed juice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Exploring More Flavor Combinations
Experimenting with different ingredients can give this dish a new twist every time you make it. Here are some flavor combinations to try:
- Mediterranean: Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the chicken mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired roll.
- Italian: Mix in some marinara sauce, pepperoni slices, and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-flavored crescent roll.
- French: Add Dijon mustard, ham, and Gruyère cheese to the filling for a croque-monsieur-inspired roll.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are the ultimate comfort food—quick, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. With a creamy chicken filling wrapped in a flaky crescent roll crust, they make the perfect meal for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to party appetizers. Easy to customize and sure to please all ages, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and convenient dish.