Chicken crescent rolls are a crowd-pleasing recipe that marries tender, flavorful chicken with buttery crescent roll dough, making for a versatile dish suitable for family dinners, potlucks, or snacks. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a hearty main course, chicken crescent rolls can be customized to suit your taste and needs. Let’s explore a variety of recipes and techniques to make this classic dish truly shine.
Classic Chicken Crescent Rolls
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Assemble the Rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll up the dough starting at the wide end and place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or marinara.
BBQ Chicken Crescent Rolls
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 package crescent roll dough
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped red onions
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling: Mix the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce in a bowl. Add red onions and mozzarella cheese.
Assemble the Rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and spoon the BBQ chicken mixture onto each triangle. Roll them up and place on a baking sheet.
Bake: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes.
Optional Garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top before serving.
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
1 package crescent roll dough
1/4 cup chopped celery
Instructions:
Mix Filling: Combine the chicken with buffalo sauce and celery. Add blue cheese if desired.
Assemble Rolls: Unroll crescent dough, add filling, and roll tightly.
Bake: Cook in the oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Serve: Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Crescent Rolls
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup cooked spinach (squeeze out excess moisture)
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 package crescent roll dough
Instructions:
Prepare Filling: Mix chicken, spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan until combined.
Fill and Roll: Add filling to crescent dough triangles and roll tightly.
Bake: Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
Serve: These pair well with a side of creamy Alfredo sauce.
Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Crescent Rolls
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
2 tablespoons diced jalapeños (adjust for heat preference)
1 package crescent roll dough
Instructions:
Combine Filling: Mix chicken, cheese, and jalapeños in a bowl.
Fill Dough: Place a spoonful of filling onto each crescent dough triangle and roll tightly.
Bake: Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with salsa or guacamole for dipping.
Sweet and Savory Chicken Crescent Rolls
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/4 cup honey mustard
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/4 cup dried cranberries or diced apples
1 package crescent roll dough
Instructions:
Mix Ingredients: Combine chicken, honey mustard, cheese, and cranberries or apples in a bowl.
Assemble Rolls: Add filling to crescent dough and roll up.
Bake: Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Optional Glaze: Drizzle with a little honey before serving for added sweetness.
Make-Ahead Tips for Chicken Crescent Rolls
Preparing in Advance:
Assemble Ahead: Prepare and assemble the rolls, then place them on a baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing: Assemble the rolls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating:
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispy texture.
Microwave for 30-60 seconds for a quick option, though the rolls may not stay as crispy.
Customizing Chicken Crescent Rolls
Chicken crescent rolls are endlessly customizable to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas to make the recipe your own:
Herbs and Spices: Add Italian seasoning, paprika, or taco seasoning to the chicken mixture for a unique flavor profile.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda, feta, or Monterey Jack.
Vegetables: Include vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Dipping Sauces: Pair with various dips such as honey mustard, marinara, garlic aioli, or sweet chili sauce.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of chicken crescent rolls will vary depending on the ingredients used, but here is an approximate breakdown for one serving (one roll):
Calories: 200-250
Protein: 12-15g
Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Fat: 10-15g
For a healthier option, use whole wheat crescent dough and low-fat cheeses.
Why Chicken Crescent Rolls?
Chicken crescent rolls are beloved for their:
Convenience: Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatility: Ideal as an appetizer, snack, or main course.
Customizability: Can be adapted to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.
Comfort Factor: Warm, cheesy, and filling—a true comfort food.
Final Thoughts
Chicken crescent rolls are a versatile and delicious recipe that everyone should try. With the variety of fillings and flavors you can create, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or venture into unique combinations, chicken crescent rolls will always be a hit. So grab your crescent dough, get creative, and start baking!
