Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls

This cheesy chicken crescent roll recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible meal that satisfies both kids and adults. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent dough creates a comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

I started making these when my daughter was going through a picky eating phase. The familiar crescent shape combined with her favorite cheesy chicken filling became our compromise that eventually turned into a family favorite requested at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Crescent roll dough: 1 can provides the perfect flaky exterior that puffs beautifully in the oven
• Cooked shredded chicken: 2 cups delivers protein and substance use rotisserie chicken for the best flavor
• Cream cheese: 4 oz softened creates the creamy base that holds everything together
• Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup adds that stretchy cheesy goodness opt for freshly shredded for best melting
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon infuses the filling with aromatic flavor without overwhelming
• Chopped parsley: 1 tablespoon brings a fresh element and color contrast to the rich filling
• Salt and pepper to taste: allows you to adjust seasoning based on your preference
• Olive oil or cooking spray: prevents sticking and helps achieve golden brown exteriors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray. Having everything ready before handling the dough prevents it from warming up too much which can make it difficult to work with.

Create The Filling:

Combine the shredded chicken cream cheese cheddar cheese garlic powder parsley salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until you have a cohesive creamy filling. The warm chicken will help soften the cream cheese making it easier to blend everything together.

Prepare The Dough:

Unroll the crescent dough on a clean lightly floured surface. Separate the dough along the perforated lines to create triangles. If the dough seems too sticky refrigerate it for about 5 minutes before working with it.

Fill And Roll:

Place a generous tablespoon of filling at the wider end of each triangle. Gently roll the dough starting from the wide end and rolling toward the pointed tip making sure to tuck in the sides as you go to prevent filling from leaking out during baking.

Arrange For Baking:

Place each filled crescent on the prepared baking sheet with the pointed end facing down to secure the seal. Leave about an inch of space between each roll to allow for expansion during baking.

Bake To Golden Perfection:

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the crescents are puffed up and golden brown. The color change indicates the dough is fully cooked and flaky.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the crescents to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the filling to set slightly making them easier to handle and less likely to burn your mouth.

Save

My absolute favorite way to enjoy these is with a bit of homemade honey mustard sauce for dipping. I discovered this combination by accident when my son grabbed the wrong condiment one night, and now we cannot imagine eating them any other way.

Make Ahead Options

These crescent rolls are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare them up to the rolling stage, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, simply add 2-3 minutes to the baking time. The convenience of having them ready to pop in the oven makes weeknight dinners so much easier.

Customization Ideas

The basic chicken and cheese filling is just the beginning. Try adding finely diced bell peppers for color and crunch, substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover holiday turkey, or introduce different cheese varieties like pepper jack for heat or Swiss for a nutty flavor. My family particularly enjoys the addition of caramelized onions and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning when we want to change things up.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy chicken crescents pair beautifully with light sides that balance their richness. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, while roasted vegetables add nutritional value without competing with the main dish. For casual gatherings, arrange them on a platter surrounded by various dipping sauces like ranch, buffalo, or honey mustard to let guests customize their experience.

Storage And Reheating

Store any leftover crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crescent dough soggy. These rolls also freeze exceptionally well after baking. Just cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for these crescent rolls?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and is specifically mentioned in the notes. It saves time and adds great flavor to the filling. Simply remove the skin and shred the meat before mixing with the other ingredients.

→ How can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare these rolls completely, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 1 month.

→ What vegetables can I add to the chicken filling?

Great additions include finely diced bell peppers, spinach (thawed and squeezed dry if using frozen), corn kernels, diced mushrooms, or finely chopped broccoli. Just ensure vegetables are pre-cooked or small enough to cook through during baking.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cream cheese and cheddar, you can substitute with mozzarella for more stretch, pepper jack for heat, Swiss for nuttiness, or even a cheese blend. Just maintain similar proportions to preserve the creamy texture.

→ What can I serve with these chicken crescent rolls?

These versatile rolls pair wonderfully with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or soup for a complete meal. For appetizer servings, offer marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard as dipping options. They're also great with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus.