Introduction:
Elevate your mealtime with our delectable cheesy chicken crescent rolls recipe! These flaky, golden-brown crescent rolls are stuffed with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and savory herbs for a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. In this article, we’ll share our easy-to-follow recipe along with tips for making the most delicious cheesy chicken crescent rolls your family and friends will love.
Discover the Delight of Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls: Cheesy chicken crescent rolls are the epitome of comfort food bliss. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, with tender chicken, melted cheese, and buttery crescent dough coming together in perfect harmony. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these irresistible crescent rolls are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface and separate into triangles. Spoon a generous portion of the chicken and cheese mixture onto each triangle of dough.
- Roll Up: Starting at the wide end, roll up each crescent roll, enclosing the filling inside. Place the rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each roll.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the cheesy chicken crescent rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce or condiment.
Benefits of Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls:
- Versatility: Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as diced vegetables, cooked bacon, or different types of cheese for endless flavor variations.
- Ease of Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the combination of cheesy chicken filling and flaky crescent dough, making these crescent rolls a family favorite that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Serving and Storage Tips for Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls:
Serving:
- Presentation: Arrange the freshly baked cheesy chicken crescent rolls on a serving platter or tray for an appetizing presentation.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve the crescent rolls with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for dipping, adding extra flavor and enjoyment.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the crescent rolls for a vibrant and appealing finishing touch.
- Accompaniments: Pair the cheesy chicken crescent rolls with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or a bowl of soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover cheesy chicken crescent rolls to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual crescent rolls in the microwave or toaster oven until warmed through. For best results, reheat at a lower temperature to prevent the dough from becoming too crispy.
- Freezing: While crescent rolls are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze unbaked crescent rolls for future use. Place the assembled but unbaked rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your cheesy chicken crescent rolls remain fresh, flavorful, and enjoyable for every meal. Whether served as a savory snack, appetizer, or main course, these delicious crescent rolls are sure to impress your family and friends alike.
Variations of Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls:
- Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls:
- Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Add crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella to the filling. Serve with extra buffalo sauce and ranch for dipping.
- Spinach and Artichoke Crescent Rolls:
- Combine cooked spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella in the filling. Season with garlic powder and black pepper for extra flavor.
- BBQ Chicken Crescent Rolls:
- Toss shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Add diced red onions and shredded cheddar cheese to the filling. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Mushroom and Swiss Crescent Rolls:
- Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic until tender. Mix with shredded cooked chicken, Swiss cheese, and a dollop of cream cheese. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before rolling up.
- Jalapeño Popper Crescent Rolls:
- Mix diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) with cream cheese, shredded cooked chicken, and shredded cheddar cheese. Roll up and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips before baking for added crunch.
FAQs:
- Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
- Yes, canned chicken can be used as a convenient alternative. Drain the canned chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients for the filling.
- Can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time and bake them later?
- Yes, you can assemble the crescent rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking as directed.
- Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or even brie for a unique flavor twist.
- How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
- Be sure to seal the edges of the crescent rolls tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out. You can also gently press down on the edges with a fork to seal them further.
- Can I freeze these crescent rolls after baking?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked crescent rolls for up to 2-3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- What is the best way to reheat leftover crescent rolls?
- Reheat individual crescent rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Can I make these crescent rolls vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or use a meat alternative such as tofu or chickpeas in the filling.
- How can I make these crescent rolls spicy?
- Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick. You can also serve them with a side of hot sauce or Sriracha for dipping.
- Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of store-bought?
- Yes, homemade crescent dough can be used if preferred. Roll out the dough into triangles and proceed with the recipe as directed.
- Are these crescent rolls suitable for a party or potluck?
- Absolutely! Cheesy chicken crescent rolls are perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or gatherings. Simply double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd, and watch them disappear in no time!
Conclusion:
With their irresistible combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and buttery crescent dough, cheesy chicken crescent rolls are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether served as a savory snack, appetizer, or main course, these delightful crescent rolls are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade cheesy chicken crescent rolls!