Savory Chicken Crescent Rolls

Savory Chicken Crescent Rolls are the ultimate comfort food wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. These rolls are stuffed with a creamy, seasoned chicken filling, made even more irresistible with melted cheese. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a satisfying appetizer, or a crowd-pleasing snack, these rolls deliver on all fronts. Their golden, crisp exterior and rich, savory filling make them a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using pre-made crescent roll dough as the base cuts down on prep time without compromising on flavor or presentation. The filling is a delightful blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, seasonings, and your favorite cheese, creating a rich and hearty center that pairs beautifully with the flaky crust. Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping for the week, or just need a quick comfort meal, these savory rolls are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Using store-bought crescent dough simplifies the process, making this recipe accessible even for beginner cooks.
Perfect for Any Meal: These rolls work as a main course, snack, or appetizer. Serve them with a salad for dinner or alongside a soup for a cozy lunch.
Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, creamy filling is a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, the portable size makes them great for little hands.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the filling to match your preferences, adding veggies, herbs, or even swapping the chicken for turkey.
Great for Leftovers: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey, giving it new life in a delicious form.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 crescent rolls
Serving size: 1 roll

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Filling:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Rolls:

1 can (8 rolls) refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Additions:

¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
¼ cup diced green onions or fresh parsley
¼ cup sautéed mushrooms

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and mayonnaise or sour cream. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and creamy. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles along the perforated lines. Lay the triangles flat on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Fill the Rolls

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Be careful not to overfill to ensure the rolls can be properly sealed.

5. Roll and Seal

Starting at the wide end of the dough triangle, gently roll the dough around the filling, tucking in the edges as you go to fully enclose the filling. Place the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet.

6. Brush with Butter

Melt the butter in a small bowl and brush it generously over the tops of the crescent rolls. For added flavor, sprinkle with dried parsley or a pinch of garlic powder.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. The tops should be crisp and slightly flaky.

8. Cool and Serve

Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm, and enjoy the gooey, savory filling with every bite.

Ingredient Background

Chicken

Shredded chicken is the star of this recipe, offering a lean and protein-rich filling. Rotisserie chicken is ideal because it’s tender and flavorful, but you can also use poached, grilled, or baked chicken.

Cream Cheese

The cream cheese creates a smooth, creamy base for the filling. Its mild flavor enhances the richness without overpowering the other ingredients.

Crescent Dough

Refrigerated crescent dough is convenient and bakes into a light, flaky crust that complements the creamy filling. Pillsbury is a popular choice, but any brand will work.

Cheese

Mozzarella provides meltiness, while cheddar adds sharpness to the filling. This combination ensures a rich, cheesy flavor in every bite.

Technique Tips

Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to make the filling smooth and easy to spread.
Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the rolls to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. Stick to about 2 tablespoons per roll.
Seam-Side Down: Place the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet to keep them securely sealed while baking.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Mini Crescent Bites: Cut the crescent dough triangles in half and make smaller, bite-sized rolls. Perfect for appetizers or party platters.
Crescent Pinwheels: Spread the filling evenly over the dough, roll it into a log, slice it into pinwheels, and bake.
Crescent Casserole: Lay the crescent triangles in a baking dish, spread the filling on top, and fold the dough over to create a casserole-style dish.

Additional Tips for Success

Prep Ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This makes assembly quick and easy.
Use a Cookie Scoop: To portion out the filling evenly, use a small cookie scoop for each roll.
Make It Crispy: For extra crispiness, sprinkle the tops of the rolls with shredded parmesan cheese before baking.

Recipe Variations

Buffalo Chicken Rolls: Add 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the filling for a spicy twist. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Barbecue Chicken Rolls: Swap the mayonnaise for barbecue sauce and use smoked cheddar for a barbecue-inspired flavor.
Vegetarian Crescent Rolls: Replace the chicken with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and onions for a veggie-packed option.
Greek Chicken Rolls: Add crumbled feta cheese, spinach, and a pinch of oregano to the filling for a Mediterranean twist.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing

Prepare the rolls as instructed but do not bake them. Instead, place the assembled rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the dough soggy.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Whole Wheat Dough: Use whole wheat crescent dough for added fiber and nutrients.
Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Swap regular cream cheese for a low-fat or fat-free version.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini into the filling for extra nutrition.
Air Fryer Option: Bake the rolls in an air fryer for a lighter, crispier alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Savory Chicken Crescent Rolls are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as:

Appetizers: Arrange them on a platter with a dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.
Lunch: Pair them with a fresh garden salad or a bowl of soup for a cozy midday meal.
Party Snacks: Serve alongside other finger foods like sliders, stuffed mushrooms, or vegetable platters.

Special Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Pastry brush (for butter)
Mixing bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated crescent dough?

Absolutely! Homemade crescent dough works just as well and allows for a more artisanal touch.

2. Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls for later use. Bake them directly from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.

3. What’s the best way to reheat leftover rolls?

Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their flaky texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rolls soggy.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

5. What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to experiment with cheeses like gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavors.

6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

7. How can I prevent the rolls from leaking?

Make sure the filling is not overstuffed and that the dough is tightly sealed around the edges.

8. What dipping sauces pair well with these rolls?

Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a creamy garlic dip are all excellent options.

Conclusion

Savory Chicken Crescent Rolls are a delicious, versatile dish that works for any occasion. With their creamy, cheesy filling and flaky crust, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for dinner, a party, or just as a quick snack, these rolls are sure to impress. Customizable, easy to prepare, and absolutely irresistible, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.