Chicken crescent rolls are a great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. The creamy filling combined with buttery crescent rolls creates a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. They come together quickly and are ideal for busy weeknights, parties, or even as a lunchbox treat. Kids and adults alike love their bite-sized appeal and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
Crescent roll dough (store-bought refrigerated tubes)
Cream cheese, softened
Shredded cheddar cheese
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Melted butter (optional, for brushing the tops)
Parsley or other herbs for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles.
Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
Roll up each triangle from the wide end to the point, tucking in the sides slightly.
Place rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter if desired.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or herbs before serving, if using.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 8 rolls and serves 4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and baking time is 12–15 minutes, making the total time around 25 minutes.
Variations
Use different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss.
Spice it up with diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Swap in cooked turkey instead of chicken for a different twist.
Make them larger by doubling the filling in each crescent triangle.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispness, or warm in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, though the dough may soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works well for this recipe. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly and break it up before mixing.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze chicken crescent rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze baked rolls in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, green onions, or spinach work well in the filling.
Do I need to cook the crescent dough first?
No, use the dough raw. It bakes together with the filling during cooking.
How do I keep the rolls from unrolling while baking?
Make sure to pinch the edges slightly and place the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Can I serve these with a dipping sauce?
Yes, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic sauce make great pairings.
Are these good for kids?
Definitely. They’re kid-friendly in size and flavor, making them a popular lunch or dinner item.
Can I use homemade crescent dough?
Yes, if you prefer homemade dough, just roll it into triangles and follow the same assembly and baking instructions.
Conclusion
Chicken crescent rolls are a quick, satisfying dish perfect for nearly any occasion. With their creamy, cheesy filling wrapped in flaky dough, they strike the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a party or need a weeknight dinner idea, these rolls are a reliable go-to that everyone will enjoy.
Chicken crescent rolls are savory, handheld pastries filled with creamy, seasoned chicken and baked in flaky crescent dough. They’re quick, comforting, and perfect for a snack, appetizer, or light meal.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Chopped parsley or herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into individual triangles.
Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
Roll up each triangle from the wide end to the tip, tucking in the sides slightly.
Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter if desired.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or herbs before serving, if using.
Notes
Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.Try different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.Double the filling for larger rolls.Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
