Sundays were always my favorite growing up. That’s when my grandma would come over and we’d spend the whole day in the kitchen, cooking up our family’s most cherished recipes. One dish that always brought a smile to my face was her famous Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls. The way the flaky crescent dough would envelop the tender, seasoned chicken and oozing melted cheese – it was absolute perfection.
As I got older and started cooking on my own, I knew I had to recreate that same comforting flavor. After countless experiments, I finally nailed down the secret to making the best Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls. And let me tell you, this recipe is going to become your new go-to for cozy, crowd-pleasing dinners.
Why This Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
The key to these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls is all in the filling. Instead of just using plain shredded chicken, I add a blend of spices, herbs, and a touch of cream cheese to create an incredibly flavorful and juicy mixture. And of course, you can’t forget the shredded cheddar cheese that gets perfectly melty and gooey when baked inside the crescent dough.
But the true secret is in the way I layer the ingredients. I start by spreading a thin layer of the creamy chicken filling right onto the crescent dough, then I carefully roll it up and seal the edges. This ensures that every single bite is bursting with that amazing cheesy chicken flavor. Your family and friends are going to go absolutely wild for these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Chicken breasts – I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook up nice and tender.
– Cream cheese – Just a small amount of cream cheese helps make the filling extra rich and creamy.
– Shredded cheddar cheese – The melty, gooey cheddar cheese is the star of the show in these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls.
– Crescent roll dough – You can’t make Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls without the flaky, buttery crescent dough!
– Seasonings – A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper really amp up the flavor.
Step-by-Step Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls Instructions
Preparing Your Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
These Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls come together in just a few simple steps. In total, it’ll take you about 30 minutes to get this dish from prep to plate. You’ll need a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a sharp knife – that’s it! Let’s get started.
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully incorporated.
3- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface and pinch the perforations together to seal. Spread the chicken filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1/2 inch border.
4- Carefully roll up the dough, starting from the short side, to enclose the filling. Pinch the seams and ends to seal.
5- Slice the rolled dough into 8 equal pieces and arrange them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
6- Bake the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls for 18-20 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
– For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken filling, I recommend shredding or finely chopping the cooked chicken. This helps it integrate seamlessly into the other ingredients.
– Don’t overfill the crescent dough or it’ll be tricky to roll and seal. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per roll.
– Make sure to pinch and seal the seams and ends of the dough really well so the filling doesn’t ooze out while baking.
– Keep an eye on the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls in the oven – you want the dough to be golden brown, but not overbaked.
Serving and Storing Your Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
These Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are the ultimate cozy, comforting dinner. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. And don’t forget a side of marinara sauce for dipping!
For a heartier appetite, you could serve the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a simple pasta salad. And of course, they’re always a hit at potlucks, game days, or any casual gathering.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls reheat wonderfully, so they’re perfect for meal prep or having on hand for busy weeknights. Once they’ve cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. You can also reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. This way, all you have to do is pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
Creative Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls Variations
The great thing about these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls is that they’re so versatile. You can easily switch up the fillings to suit your tastes or the season.
For a Tex-Mex twist, try adding some diced green chiles, cumin, and a sprinkle of cheddar and pepper jack cheese. Or for a Mediterranean flair, swap the cheddar for feta and oregano.
You can also experiment with different proteins, like ground turkey or shredded pork. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the veggies – sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions would all be delicious additions.
Making Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls a bit healthier, there are a few simple swaps you can try:
– Use reduced-fat or low-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
– Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free crescent roll dough.
– Swap the chicken for lean ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken breast.
– Load up on veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the filling.
No matter what dietary restrictions you have, these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls can be easily adapted to fit your needs. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving hack for these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls. Just be sure to shred or finely chop the chicken before mixing it into the filling.
Q: How do I know when the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are fully cooked?
A: The rolls are done when the crescent dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also do the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of a roll, and it should come out clean when they’re fully cooked.
Q: Can I freeze these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls?
A: Yes, you can definitely freeze the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls! Let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen rolls to an airtight container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Q: How many Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes 8 Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls. The exact number may vary slightly depending on how thinly you roll out the dough and how much filling you use per roll.
Q: Why are my Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls leaking or bursting open?
A: If your rolls are leaking or bursting, it’s likely that you overfilled the dough or didn’t seal the seams and edges properly. Make sure to use just 2-3 tablespoons of filling per roll and really pinch and crimp the dough to fully enclose the filling.
Print
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 8
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of tender chicken, melty cheese, and buttery crescent rolls with this quick and easy Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this comforting dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. – In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
3. – Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles.
4. – Place a heaping spoonful of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle.
5. – Fold the narrow end of the triangle over the filling and roll up, sealing the edges.
6. – Place the filled crescent rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. – Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown.
8. – Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Notes
– For extra flavor, add 1/2 tsp of dried parsley or thyme to the chicken mixture.
– Swap out the cheddar cheese for another favorite, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
– Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like warm, fresh-from-the-oven Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls to bring the whole family together. With their irresistible combination of flaky dough, juicy chicken, and melty cheese, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new staple in your dinner rotation.
I hope you’ll give these Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls a try – I promise, once you taste them, you’ll be hooked! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how they turn out. Enjoy!
