Chicken Crescent Rolls: A Quick and Comforting Family Meal
Transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner with these creamy Chicken Crescent Rolls. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy filling, and flaky crescent dough to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of seasoned chicken and cream cheese creates a rich, flavorful filling, while the crescent roll dough provides a buttery, flaky exterior. These handheld delights are easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for both dinner and leftovers.
Essential Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 2 packages (8 count each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced carrots
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
- Small bowl for egg wash
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Filling
- Mix the base:
- Combine softened cream cheese and butter
- Mix until smooth and creamy
- Add milk to thin if needed
- Add seasonings:
- Mix in garlic powder
- Add dried herbs
- Season with salt and pepper
- Stir until well combined
- Incorporate chicken:
- Fold in chopped chicken
- Add diced onion
- Mix until evenly distributed
- Check seasoning
Assembly Process
- Prepare for baking:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Line baking sheet with parchment
- Whisk egg with water for wash
- Prepare crescents:
- Unroll crescent dough
- Separate into triangles
- Place on clean surface
- Fill and roll:
- Add filling to wide end
- Roll up starting from wide end
- Tuck in sides
- Place on baking sheet
- Final touches:
- Brush with egg wash
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds
- Space rolls evenly
Baking Instructions
- Bake the rolls:
- Place in preheated oven
- Bake 12-15 minutes
- Watch for golden brown color
- Let cool 5 minutes
Pro Tips for Success
- Filling Tips:
- Use room temperature cream cheese
- Chop chicken finely
- Don’t overfill crescents
- Season generously
- Assembly Advice:
- Keep dough cold until ready
- Seal edges well
- Don’t stretch dough too thin
- Space evenly on sheet
- Baking Guidelines:
- Watch carefully near end
- Rotate pan if needed
- Check bottoms don’t burn
- Cool slightly before serving
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare filling day before
- Assemble just before baking
- Keep dough refrigerated
- Have ingredients ready
Storage Guidelines:
- Refrigerate leftovers 3-4 days
- Reheat in oven briefly
- Don’t microwave too long
- Freeze uncooked up to 1 month
Variations and Adaptations
Different Fillings:
- Buffalo chicken
- Ranch chicken
- BBQ chicken
- Mediterranean chicken
Cheese Options:
- Mozzarella
- Swiss
- Pepper jack
- Provolone
Vegetable Add-ins:
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes:
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Soup
- Fresh fruit
Sauces for Serving:
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Gravy
Troubleshooting Tips
Common Issues:
- Filling too wet: Add breadcrumbs
- Dough tears: Patch carefully
- Uneven cooking: Rotate pan
- Filling leaks: Seal better
Prevention Tips:
- Keep dough cold
- Don’t overfill
- Seal edges well
- Watch oven temperature
These Chicken Crescent Rolls offer a perfect combination of convenience and comfort food. Whether served for a family dinner or as party appetizers, they’re sure to become a requested favorite in your recipe collection.