Introduction:
Welcome to the delightful world of Chicken Crescent Roll Ups! This recipe is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal. It’s a family favorite that combines the flakiness of crescent rolls with a creamy, savory chicken filling.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something simple yet delicious. It was an instant hit with my family! The combination of tender chicken and creamy cheese wrapped in a buttery crescent roll is simply irresistible.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a quick weekend lunch. It’s versatile, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. You can even get the kids involved in rolling up the crescents, making it a fun family activity. It is a simple recipe, easy to cook, and will be loved by everyone who tries it.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This recipe is a guaranteed winner for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients. Even on the busiest of days, you can whip up this meal in no time.
Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the filling to your liking, adding different cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings. This makes it a great way to use up leftovers or get creative in the kitchen.
Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flaky crescent rolls and savory chicken filling is a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, these Chicken Crescent Roll Ups are sure to be a hit. They are the perfect comfort food and party appetizer.
INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED:
To make these delicious Chicken Crescent Roll Ups, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. You’ll need two cans of crescent roll dough. I recommend using a good quality brand like Pillsbury, but store brands can work in a pinch.
You’ll also need softened cream cheese, melted butter, and shredded cooked chicken. For the chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or even canned chicken if you’re short on time. It is better to avoid precooked seasoned chicken.
Additionally, you’ll need some finely chopped green onions, milk, salt, and pepper for the filling. For the topping, you’ll need melted butter, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients create a flavorful and satisfying filling that’s perfectly complemented by the buttery crescent rolls. Instead of canned chicken, you can also cook a couple of chicken breasts.
HOW TO MAKE Chicken Crescent Roll Ups:
Making Chicken Crescent Roll Ups is a breeze. Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking sheet. Then, in a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth.
Next, add the shredded chicken, green onions, milk, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Mix everything together until well combined. This will be your delicious filling for the crescent rolls.
Now, unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Then, roll up each crescent, starting from the wide end and rolling towards the point, and bake until golden brown.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. This will prevent the crescent rolls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk for this. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. Add the shredded chicken, green onions, milk, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy. Unroll your crescent dough and separate it into triangles along the perforations. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
Roll up each crescent, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the point. Place the rolled-up crescents on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the crescents with melted butter.
Sprinkle with the breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and the filling is heated through. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
HELPFUL HINTS:
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before starting. This will make it much easier to blend with the other ingredients. You can soften cream cheese quickly by microwaving it for a few seconds.
If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken for this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid from the canned chicken. For a richer flavor, you can sauté the green onions in a little butter before adding them to the filling.
You can also add other vegetables to the filling, such as finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations! Don’t be afraid to add your favorite spices, such as garlic powder or paprika. You can also try adding a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
DETAILS:
Preparation time: Approximately 25 minutes. This includes the time it takes to mix the filling and assemble the crescent rolls. If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, this time may be even shorter.
Cooking Time: Around 25 minutes. The crescent rolls should be golden brown and the filling heated through when done. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent over-browning.
Total Time: Around 50 minutes. This includes both the preparation and cooking time. It’s a relatively quick meal to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
Yield: This recipe makes 8 servings. Each serving is one filled crescent roll. You can easily double or triple the recipe if you’re feeding a larger crowd.
Category: This dish falls under the category of appetizers or main courses, depending on how you serve it.
Method: Baking is the primary cooking method for this recipe.
Cooking: This recipe is cooked in the oven.
Diet: This recipe is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to the chicken and dairy products. However, it can be adapted for a gluten-free diet by using gluten-free crescent roll dough.
NOTES:
Feel free to use any type of cooked chicken in this recipe. Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even canned chicken will work. Just make sure the chicken is shredded or finely chopped.
The filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time on the day you plan to serve the dish. Simply assemble and bake the crescent rolls when you’re ready.
These Chicken Crescent Roll Ups freeze well for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the baked crescents cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Reheat them in a 350°F oven until heated through.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the filling. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would work well.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the crescent rolls a few hours in advance and bake them just before serving.
What can I serve with these Chicken Crescent Roll Ups? These crescent rolls are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side salad, soup, or dipping sauce. A simple green salad or a bowl of tomato soup would be a great accompaniment.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store any leftover Chicken Crescent Roll Ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through.
You can also freeze these crescent rolls for longer storage. To freeze, let the baked crescents cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen crescent rolls, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through. There’s no need to thaw them first. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
Related recipes. If you liked this recipe, you’ll surely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
If you enjoyed these Chicken Crescent Roll Ups, you might also like other savory pastries. Consider trying recipes like Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels or Spinach and Feta Turnovers. These recipes offer a similar combination of flaky pastry and savory filling.
For another chicken-based appetizer, try making Buffalo Chicken Dip or Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas. These dishes are also crowd-pleasers and are perfect for parties or game-day snacks. They offer a similar flavor profile but in a different format.
You could also explore other recipes that use crescent roll dough. Try making Cinnamon Rolls or Fruit-Filled Turnovers for a sweet treat. Or, for another savory option, try making Mini Quiches or Pizza Rolls using crescent dough.
CONCLUSION:
These Chicken Crescent Roll Ups are a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish. With their flaky crescent roll exterior and savory chicken filling, they’re sure to be a hit.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experiment with different variations. Add your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings to make it your own. You might just discover your new favorite weeknight meal!
Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and try new things. This recipe is a great starting point for culinary exploration, and I hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought me and my family.
