Chicken Crescent Rolls Recipe

Quick & Fluffy Chicken Crescent Rolls Recipe for Hungry Families

Tender, flaky chicken crescent rolls have become my weekend comfort meal.

A simple blend of shredded chicken and creamy cheese transforms ordinary ingredients into something magical.

Soft pastry wraps around savory filling, creating pockets of deliciousness that melt in your mouth.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these rolls come together with minimal prep work.

Packed with protein and flavor, this recipe works perfectly for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

The combination of buttery crescents and seasoned chicken never fails to bring smiles around the table.

Grab a plate and see how these rolls can become your new favorite go-to meal.

Why Chicken Crescent Rolls Make Dinner So Easy

  • Whip Up Speedy Comfort: These chicken crescent rolls deliver a quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights, requiring just 25 minutes from start to finish.
  • Transform Leftovers into Magic: Easily repurpose leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken into a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.
  • Customize for Every Palate: Incredibly versatile recipe allows simple swaps like adding different herbs, using alternative cheeses, or incorporating extra veggies to match family preferences.
  • Kid-Friendly Handheld Delight: Portable, easy-to-eat crescent rolls make mealtime fun, with a cheesy filling that tempts even picky eaters to enjoy a protein-packed dinner.

What Goes Into Chicken Crescent Rolls

Meat Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that provides the main filling flavor, best when cooked and shredded from rotisserie or leftover chicken.
Dairy Components:
  • Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy and sharp cheeses that add rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture to the filling, choose full-fat versions for best results.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps bind the filling ingredients together, works well with chicken.
Dough Base:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Convenient pre-made pastry that creates a flaky, golden exterior, easily unrollable and separates into triangles.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spice combination that enhances the chicken's flavor profile, provides depth and balance.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a light, bright note to the filling, can use dried or fresh.
Additional Finish:
  • Melted Butter: Creates a golden, glossy crust on the crescent rolls, adds rich flavor and helps browning.

How To Make Chicken Crescent Rolls Flaky And Full

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Magical Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mayonnaise
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Blend everything together until the mixture looks creamy and inviting.

Step 3: Wrap Up the Flavor Bundles

Unwrap the crescent dough and separate into 8 perfect triangles. This is where the magic happens!

Scoop a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Now roll each crescent from the wide end, gently tucking the sides to lock in all that delicious filling.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange your little flavor packets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter to create a stunning golden crust. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Pro Tip: Let these beauties cool for a few minutes before devouring. They’re hot and packed with flavor!

Serving Suggestion: Perfect as a quick lunch, dinner, or crowd-pleasing appetizer. Pair with a fresh salad or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips For Best Chicken Crescent Rolls Texture

  • Cheese Maximizing Trick: Choose full-fat cream cheese and sharp cheddar for richer, more intense flavor that elevates the entire filling.
  • Chicken Prep Hack: Shred chicken while it's still warm to make mixing easier and ensure smoother, more consistent filling texture.
  • Seal and Protect Method: Pinch crescent roll edges carefully to prevent filling from leaking during baking, creating perfect pockets of cheesy goodness.
  • Butter Brilliance Technique: Brush melted butter generously before baking to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that looks professionally baked.
  • Flavor Boost Strategy: Experiment with additional herbs like chives or dried thyme to add unexpected depth and complexity to the chicken mixture.

Storage Tips For Chicken Crescent Rolls

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken crescent rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess and maintain crispy texture.
  • Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep moisture out.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispness and warm, gooey filling.
  • Avoid microwaving, which can make the crescents soggy and tough.
  • Freeze unbaked filled crescents by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed in the original recipe.
  • For best quality, consume within the recommended storage timeframe to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.

Sides That Pair With Chicken Crescent Rolls

  • Craft Complementary Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy chicken filling and matches the roll's buttery texture.
  • Design Fresh Salad Companion: Prepare a zesty mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy crescent rolls and add refreshing contrast to the warm appetizer.
  • Select Hearty Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick ranch or herb-infused aioli with fresh chopped herbs that enhances the garlic and parsley notes already present in the crescent rolls.
  • Recommend Cool Beverage Match: Serve chilled sparkling water with lemon or a light beer like pilsner to cleanse the palate between bites and complement the savory chicken filling.

Creative Fillings For Chicken Crescent Rolls

  • Spicy Southwest Crescent Rolls: Add diced jalapeños, taco seasoning, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese into the chicken mixture for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Rolls: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Ranch Lovers' Chicken Rolls: Mix in prepared ranch seasoning and replace mayonnaise with ranch dressing to create a creamy, tangy filling.
  • Greek-Style Chicken Pockets: Blend in chopped kalamata olives, diced cucumber, and crumbled Greek cheese for a refreshing Mediterranean variation.

Common Questions On Chicken Crescent Rolls

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat and mix it into the filling for a quick and delicious meal.

  • Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?

Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese will work fine and help reduce the overall calorie content without compromising the taste of your crescent rolls.

  • Can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the rolls up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the freshest results.

  • What if I don't have fresh parsley?

No worries! You can use dried parsley or skip it entirely. The other seasonings will still provide plenty of flavor to your chicken crescent rolls.

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Chicken Crescent Rolls Recipe

Chicken Crescent Rolls Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade chicken crescent rolls deliver comfort with classic American comfort food charm. Flaky pastry wraps tender seasoned chicken, creating a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for hungry families seeking delicious quick dinner solutions.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (56 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise (or sour cream)
  • 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter, melted (for brushing)

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)

Dough:

  • 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough

Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking surface by lining a sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to a moderate temperature of 375F (190C).
  2. Create a harmonious filling by blending shredded chicken with creamy textures of cream cheese and cheddar, enriched with mayonnaise and a medley of seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley.
  3. Carefully unroll the delicate crescent dough, separating each triangle with precision. Distribute the savory chicken mixture generously along the broader edge of each triangle.
  4. Expertly roll each triangle from the wide base, gently folding and pinching the edges to secure the luscious filling within the soft dough.
  5. Position the filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even spacing. Enhance their appearance and flavor by delicately brushing the surface with melted butter.
  6. Allow the crescents to transform in the preheated oven, baking until they achieve a glorious golden-brown color and emit an irresistible aroma, typically requiring 12-15 minutes of cooking time.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the crescents rest briefly, allowing the filling to settle and the exterior to crisp to perfection before serving.

Notes

  • Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth when shredding meat for the filling.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Swiss for a unique taste profile that keeps the recipe exciting.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature to create a smooth, easily blendable filling without lumps.
  • Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and lactose-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 590 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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