Introduction:
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer, snack, or light meal that combines the flaky, buttery goodness of crescent roll dough with a savory and creamy chicken filling. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or a fun family dinner, offering a comforting and flavorful bite that’s both satisfying and portable.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, golden brown crescent roll, revealing a tender and creamy filling of seasoned chicken. The flaky, buttery crust perfectly complements the rich and savory filling, creating a delightful textural contrast and a burst of flavor in every bite. They are a fun and approachable way to enjoy a creamy chicken dish without the fuss of a full casserole or pie.
Whether you are looking for a simple appetizer for a gathering, a kid-friendly snack, or a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are an excellent choice. They are surprisingly versatile, customizable to your taste, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Get ready to enjoy these irresistible little pockets of chicken deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
There are many reasons why this Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy and quick to make, especially when using pre-made crescent roll dough. With minimal prep time and a short baking time, you can have a batch of these flavorful rolls ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy schedules.
Secondly, the flavor is wonderfully comforting and satisfying. The creamy chicken filling, seasoned with herbs and spices, is both savory and rich, perfectly complementing the flaky and buttery crescent roll. It’s a familiar and universally loved flavor combination that appeals to all ages.
Finally, these stuffed crescent rolls are incredibly versatile and customizable. You can easily adapt the filling to your taste preferences by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices. You can also vary the size and shape of the rolls for different occasions, making them perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a light meal. This adaptability makes them a reliable and endlessly customizable recipe for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create these delightful and flavorful Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls, you’ll need a selection of pantry staples and a few key ingredients to build their signature creamy chicken filling and flaky crust. The foundation of the recipe is the crescent roll dough. Pre-made crescent roll dough sheets or pre-cut crescent rolls are highly recommended for their convenience and ease of use. They provide a consistent flaky and buttery crust. Look for them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
Cooked chicken is the protein base of the filling. Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced, is recommended for its lean protein and mild flavor. You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook chicken specifically for this recipe. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and cooled slightly before using in the filling.
Cream cheese is essential for creating the creamy and rich texture of the filling. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the creamiest and most flavorful filling. Neufchatel cheese (reduced-fat cream cheese) can also be used for a slightly lighter option. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and a lump-free filling.
Shredded cheese, such as cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, adds extra cheesy flavor and melty texture to the filling. Cheddar cheese provides a classic sharp cheddar flavor. Monterey Jack cheese is mild and creamy, offering a smooth melt and mild cheesy flavor. You can use a single type of cheese or a blend depending on your preference. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, or you can shred your own from a block for potentially better melting and flavor.
Mayonnaise is used to add moisture and richness to the chicken filling, helping to bind the ingredients together and create a creamy consistency. Full-fat or reduced-fat mayonnaise can be used based on your preference. Mayonnaise adds flavor and moisture to the filling.
Onion powder and garlic powder are convenient seasonings that add savory depth to the chicken filling. Onion powder provides a subtle onion flavor. Garlic powder adds a savory garlic note. These powdered seasonings are easy to incorporate and provide consistent flavor. Dried herbs, such as dried parsley or Italian seasoning, add herbaceous flavor and aroma to the filling. Dried parsley adds a mild herbaceous note. Italian seasoning provides a blend of aromatic herbs. Choose your preferred dried herbs based on flavor preference.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the filling. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. Freshly cracked black pepper provides a more aromatic and nuanced flavor compared to pre-ground pepper. Proper seasoning is crucial for a well-balanced and flavorful filling.
Egg wash, made from one egg beaten with a little water, is used to brush the crescent rolls before baking. Egg wash creates a golden brown color and enhances shine on the baked crescent rolls.
Optional additions for enhancing the flavor and presentation of the rolls include chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma after baking. Everything bagel seasoning, sprinkled on top before baking, adding a savory, oniony, garlicky, and seedy topping for extra flavor and texture. Poppy seeds or sesame seeds, sprinkled on top before baking, offering a simple and elegant topping for visual appeal and subtle nutty flavor.
HOW TO MAKE “Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls”:
Making Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls is a simple and satisfying baking process, primarily involving mixing the filling, assembling the rolls, and baking until golden brown. The recipe utilizes pre-made crescent roll dough, streamlining the process and making it very approachable for home cooks of all skill levels. The baking method is straightforward, resulting in flaky and golden brown crescent rolls with a warm and creamy filling.
The recipe is structured into clear, easy-to-follow steps. It begins with preparing the creamy chicken filling by combining cooked chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings. The filling is then spooned onto crescent roll dough, rolled up, brushed with egg wash, and baked until golden brown and cooked through. Optional toppings can be added before baking or as a garnish after baking.
By carefully following the step-by-step instructions, even novice bakers can easily achieve delicious and impressive Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls at home. The simplicity of the method belies the incredible flavor and satisfying nature of the finished rolls. Get ready to enjoy these delightful and crowd-pleasing stuffed pastries!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Chicken Filling. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheating the oven ensures it reaches the correct temperature for baking. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack), mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley (or Italian seasoning), salt, and black pepper. Medium bowl provides ample space for mixing filling ingredients. Ensure cream cheese is softened for smooth mixing.
Stir all filling ingredients together until well combined and creamy. Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed and mixture is smooth and cohesive. Taste the filling and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference. Properly seasoned filling is crucial for flavorful stuffed crescent rolls. Set the chicken filling aside while you prepare the crescent rolls. Having filling ready streamlines assembly process.
Step 2: Assemble the Crescent Rolls. If using pre-cut crescent roll dough, gently separate the crescent rolls at the perforations, creating triangles of dough. If using crescent roll dough sheets, roll out the dough sheet slightly and cut into triangles or squares as desired. Triangle shape is classic crescent roll shape, squares are also an option for easier stuffing and rolling. Work with one crescent roll dough triangle or square at a time, keeping the rest covered to prevent drying out. Covering dough prevents it from drying and cracking, making it easier to work with.
Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the creamy chicken filling in the center of the wide end of each crescent roll dough triangle or square. Avoid overfilling as overfilling can make rolls difficult to seal and prone to bursting during baking. 1-2 tablespoons is usually sufficient filling per roll.
Starting at the wide end, roll up the crescent roll dough triangle or square, enclosing the chicken filling completely. Roll tightly to create a firm, compact roll. Pinch the edges and points to seal the rolls and prevent filling from leaking out during baking. Proper sealing is crucial to prevent filling leakage. Shape the rolled crescent rolls into a crescent shape, if desired, or leave them straight. Crescent shape is classic crescent roll presentation, straight rolls are also acceptable and simplify shaping.
Place the assembled chicken stuffed crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each roll. Spacing allows for air circulation and even baking. Reroll any dough scraps and cut out more triangles or squares and assemble more rolls until all filling and dough are used (if possible, dough scraps may not reroll well). Rerolling scraps minimizes dough waste, though crescent dough scraps may be less workable after rerolling.
Step 3: Bake the Crescent Rolls. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Egg wash enhances browning and shine. Brush the tops of each assembled crescent roll with the egg wash. Brush evenly for consistent color and shine.
Optional: Sprinkle the tops of the egg-washed crescent rolls with everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds (if desired) before baking. Toppings add visual appeal and flavor. Choose your preferred topping or leave plain.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and size of crescent rolls. Baking ensures rolls are cooked through and golden brown. Golden brown color indicates doneness.
Step 4: Cool and Serve. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. Cooling slightly makes them easier to handle and eat, and prevents burning your mouth on the hot filling.
Garnish with fresh chopped chives or green onions (if desired). Fresh herbs add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma. Optional garnishes enhance visual appeal and flavor. Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Serve warm for optimal enjoyment and warmth. Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are versatile and satisfying. Enjoy these flavorful and easy-to-make stuffed pastries!
USEFUL TIPS:
To prevent filling leakage, ensure the crescent rolls are tightly sealed, especially at the edges and points. Proper sealing is crucial to prevent filling from oozing out during baking. Pinch edges firmly. Avoid overfilling the rolls.
For extra golden brown and shiny crescent rolls, brush them with egg wash a second time halfway through baking. Double egg wash application enhances browning and shine even further. Second egg wash application should be done during baking for best results.
If you want a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling mixture, or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar cheese. Cayenne pepper or hot sauce adds heat to filling. Pepper jack cheese adds both cheese flavor and spice. Adjust spice level according to your preference.
To add more vegetables to the filling, consider adding finely diced cooked vegetables such as cooked broccoli florets, cooked carrots, or sautéed mushrooms to the chicken filling mixture. Additional vegetables increase nutritional value and flavor complexity. Cook vegetables before adding to filling to ensure they are tender.
For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Prepare chicken filling completely and store covered in refrigerator. Assemble and bake crescent rolls just before serving for best results. Making filling ahead saves time on the day of serving.
For reheating leftover crescent rolls, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy, or microwave individual rolls briefly. Oven reheating helps to maintain crispiness better than microwaving. Microwave reheating is quicker for individual servings but may soften the crust. Reheat gently to avoid drying out or burning.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 20 minutes. The preparation time includes shredding chicken, softening cream cheese, mixing filling ingredients, and assembling crescent rolls. Efficient prep work will streamline the cooking process. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes baking. The baking time is for baking crescent rolls until golden brown and cooked through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on oven and size of crescent rolls. Monitoring crescent rolls for golden brown color ensures optimal baking.
Total Time: 30-35 minutes. The total time from start to finish, including prep time and cook time, is approximately 30-35 minutes. This makes it a quick and easy appetizer, snack, or light meal option. The short total time makes it convenient for busy schedules.
Yield: Approximately 8-12 crescent rolls (depending on size of crescent rolls and filling amount). This recipe yields approximately 8-12 crescent rolls, suitable for serving a small gathering or family. Yield can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing ingredient quantities. Yield is sufficient for a party appetizer or family snack/light meal.
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Light Meal, Pastry. Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are versatile, categorized as an appetizer, snack, light meal, and pastry. They are appropriate for various meal occasions and snack times. Categorization highlights their versatility and culinary role.
Method: Baking, Mixing. The primary cooking method is baking the crescent rolls, combined with mixing the chicken filling. Baking creates flaky and golden brown crescent rolls. Mixing combines filling ingredients evenly. These methods combine to create the final dish.
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Pastry. Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are American in style and a classic comfort food pastry, widely enjoyed across the United States. Their widespread appeal and comforting nature classify them as a classic recipe. American cuisine often features savory pastries and filled doughs, and this is a prime example. Cuisine reflects the recipe’s origin and cultural relevance.
Diet: Not Vegetarian (contains chicken), Adaptable (can be modified). The base recipe is not vegetarian due to the chicken. It can be adapted to be vegetarian by substituting the chicken with cooked and crumbled vegetarian chicken substitutes or omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables, although the flavor profile will be altered. Diet category highlights its standard form (non-vegetarian) and potential for modification.
NOTES:
One note on crescent roll dough – work with cold dough straight from the refrigerator for easier handling. Warm dough becomes sticky and difficult to work with. Keep dough chilled until ready to assemble.
Another note is regarding filling consistency – ensure the chicken filling is not too wet. Excess moisture can make the crescent rolls soggy and prevent proper baking. Drain any excess liquid from cooked chicken and avoid adding too much mayonnaise.
For serving suggestions, Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are delicious on their own, or paired with: a side salad, a dipping sauce (such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce), or a simple vegetable side. Pairing suggestions enhance serving presentation and complement stuffed roll flavors. Consider serving with lighter sides to balance the richness of the rolls.
If you want to make mini crescent rolls for appetizers, you can cut the crescent roll dough triangles into smaller triangles before assembling and baking. Smaller triangles will create mini, bite-sized appetizers, perfect for parties or finger food. Baking time may need to be slightly reduced for smaller rolls.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
A: Yes, you can use puff pastry as a substitute for crescent roll dough for Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Puff pastry will create a different texture, resulting in a less flaky and more layered and buttery crust compared to crescent rolls. Puff pastry often requires slightly longer baking time than crescent rolls. Follow puff pastry package instructions for baking recommendations. Puff pastry offers a richer and more buttery crust alternative.
Q: Can I add different cheeses to the filling?
A: Yes, you can easily customize the cheese in the filling to your preference. Pepper jack cheese (for spice), Gruyere cheese, Swiss cheese, provolone cheese, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious additions or substitutions for cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. Experiment with different cheese types and combinations to find your favorite flavor blend. Consider cheese melting properties and flavor profiles when choosing substitutes.
Q: Can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time and freeze them?
A: Yes, you can assemble Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls ahead of time and freeze them unbaked for later baking. Assemble crescent rolls completely, but do not bake. Freeze assembled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Freezing provides a make-ahead option for convenience. Baking from frozen requires slightly longer cooking time.
Q: What are good dipping sauces to serve with Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls?
A: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are delicious on their own, but dipping sauces can enhance their flavor and add variety. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, cheese sauce, buffalo sauce, or a creamy dill dip are all excellent dipping sauce options. Offer a variety of dipping sauces for guests to choose from and customize their flavor experience. Consider dipping sauce flavor pairings with creamy chicken filling and pastry.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To ensure your leftover Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls remain delicious and safe to eat, proper storage is key. Allow the crescent rolls to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Do not place hot food directly into the refrigerator, as this can create condensation and potentially affect food safety and texture of the pastries. Cooling to room temperature before refrigerating is recommended.
Once cooled, store the leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container. Store in a single layer if possible to prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together. If you need to layer them, place paper towels between layers to absorb any excess moisture. Airtight containers prevent air exposure and help maintain crispness for a longer period (though crispness will diminish over time).
Store the airtight container of leftover crescent rolls in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers promptly within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety, especially because of the cream cheese and mayonnaise filling. Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Proper refrigeration is crucial for preventing bacterial growth and maintaining food safety for dairy and mayonnaise-based fillings.
Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality and food safety. While leftovers may remain safe to eat for slightly longer, the texture of the crescent rolls will soften, and the overall dish quality may degrade over time. For optimal taste and to minimize health risks, it is recommended to consume leftovers within this timeframe. Always use your senses—sight, smell, and taste—to assess the quality of leftovers before consuming.
Reheating leftover Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls is best done in an oven or air fryer to help regain some crispiness. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy again. Microwaving is also an option for reheating individual rolls quickly, but the crust may become softer and less crispy compared to oven or air fryer reheating. Oven or air fryer reheating is preferred for best texture retention.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed these easy and flavorful Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls, you will likely enjoy these other savory stuffed pastry and crescent roll variations. Consider trying Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls for another classic savory crescent roll filling featuring ham and cheese. Ham and cheese crescent rolls offer a simpler savory filling with ham and cheese as the stars, maintaining the same flaky crescent roll base. It’s a delicious alternative for a quick and easy savory pastry.
Another excellent option is Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Crescent Rolls, for a vegetarian option featuring a creamy spinach and artichoke dip filling in crescent rolls. Spinach and artichoke stuffed crescent rolls offer a vegetarian and vegetable-rich filling option, perfect for appetizers or vegetarian snacks. It’s a great choice for vegetarian guests or those wanting a vegetable-based filling.
For a different style of savory stuffed pastry, explore Sausage Rolls (Pigs in a Blanket), classic pastries featuring sausage wrapped in puff pastry or crescent roll dough. Sausage rolls (pigs in a blanket) are a classic and simple savory pastry with sausage as the primary filling, offering a different flavor profile and typically less creamy filling than chicken stuffed crescent rolls. These related recipes offer diverse savory filling options and ingredient combinations within the stuffed pastry and crescent roll category, providing a range of delicious options to explore beyond Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls.
CONCLUSION
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are a perfect example of simple ingredients combining to create something truly delicious and satisfying. This recipe offers an incredibly easy and approachable way to make a crowd-pleasing appetizer, snack, or light meal that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these stuffed crescent rolls are guaranteed to be a hit.
The combination of flaky, buttery crescent roll dough and a creamy, savory chicken filling is a classic pairing that is both comforting and universally appealing. Homemade Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are far more flavorful and satisfying than any store-bought version, and the simple steps make them accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a treat that is as enjoyable to make and share as it is to eat, perfectly capturing the spirit of relaxed and delicious home cooking.
So, gather your crescent rolls, cooked chicken, and cream cheese, and prepare to experience the simple joy of homemade Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to your liking, adding your favorite cheeses, vegetables, herbs, or spices to create your own personalized version of these delightful pastries. Embrace the simplicity, savor the flavors, and enjoy the flaky, buttery, and creamy goodness of every bite. Happy baking, and may your Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls be a delicious success!
