When the weeknight dinner dilemma strikes and you find yourself yearning for something comforting yet easy to whip up, Chicken Crescent Roll Ups come to the rescue! Imagine the warm, flaky aroma of crescent dough enveloping tender, savory chicken and a creamy blend of cheese—it’s a dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a delightful culinary experience.
I first discovered this gem during a casual gathering with friends, when a chaotic week left me hunting for a quick yet satisfying recipe. With a handful of ingredients and endless customization options, these roll-ups quickly became a staple in my kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at a festive get-together, they’re as versatile as they are delicious. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get adventurous with your favorite flavors, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly these easy Chicken Crescent Roll Ups can steal the show!
Why are Chicken Crescent Roll Ups a Must-Try?
Comforting Aroma: The irresistible scent of freshly baked crescent dough paired with savory chicken is sure to entice everyone around the table.
Endless Customization: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste by adding veggies or experimenting with different cheeses.
Quick & Simple: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delightful dish ready in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for gatherings, these roll-ups can turn any occasion into a feast that everyone will love.
Perfect for Leftovers: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a convenient and quick meal solution— a win-win for busy nights!
Chicken Crescent Roll Ups Ingredients
For the Dough
• Crescent Dough – Provides a flaky and tender base for the rolls; gluten-free versions are available for dietary needs.
For the Filling
• Cooked Chicken Breasts – Adds protein and savory flavor; leftover rotisserie chicken makes for a quick substitute.
• Cream Cheese – Creates a creamy filling that binds the ingredients; you can use light cream cheese for a healthier option.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds sharpness and richness to the filling; mozzarella is a great swap for a milder taste.
• Minced Garlic – Infuses the filling with aromatic flavor; garlic powder is a handy alternative if needed.
• Salt and Pepper – Enhances overall taste and balances flavors; adjust to your personal preference.
For the Dipping Sauce
• Soy Sauce – Creates a savory contrast to the rolls; consider using teriyaki sauce for a delightful twist.
• Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce that complements the savory Chicken Crescent Roll Ups perfectly.
Let the delicious journey of crafting these roll-ups begin!
How to Make Chicken Crescent Roll Ups
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Preheat: Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Don’t forget to prepare your baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray to guarantee easy removal of the rolls later.
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Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté your diced cooked chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes golden brown. Season with salt and pepper to bring out its savory flavor.
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Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed chicken, minced garlic, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and creamy—this will be your delicious filling!
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Assemble Rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Take 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling and place it at the wide end of each triangle, rolling it securely from the wide to the tip.
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Bake: Place the rolled crescent creations in your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
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Prepare Dipping Sauce: While the rolls are baking, whisk together soy sauce and honey in a small bowl to create a simple dipping sauce. Drizzle this over the baked rolls before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Optional: Serve your Chicken Crescent Roll Ups with fresh salads or crispy veggies for a delightful meal!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Chicken Crescent Roll Ups?
Elevate your dining experience with these delightful roll-ups that are perfect for sharing and companionable feasting.
- Fresh Garden Salad: Tossed greens with a light vinaigrette add a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the roll-ups.
- Crispy Veggie Platter: A mix of colorful veggies provides a crunchy texture that balances well with the warm, flaky dough.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks are a comforting side, perfect for dipping in the sweet soy and honey sauce.
- Potato Wedges: Baked or fried, potato wedges add a hearty element that pairs beautifully with the rich and cheesy filling.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw introduces a tangy bite that complements the savory roll-ups while adding a satisfying crunch.
- Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: For an added layer of flavor, serve with honey mustard—a sweet and tangy dip that enhances the savory chicken.
For drinks, consider serving a chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade to round out the meal, making your Chicken Crescent Roll Ups an irresistible centerpiece!
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Crescent Roll Ups
Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Crescent Roll Ups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to enjoy later!
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual roll-ups in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To retain crispiness, reheat rolls directly from the fridge or freezer in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and golden brown.
Thawing: If frozen, thaw Chicken Crescent Roll Ups in the fridge overnight before reheating, ensuring a flavorful and delightful treat awaits you!
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Crescent Roll Ups are a lifesaver for busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling and assemble the rolls up to 24 hours ahead of time, just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can mix your dipping sauce and store it separately for added convenience. When it’s time to serve, simply preheat the oven and pop the assembled rolls in directly from the fridge—baking them for 15-20 minutes until golden brown will ensure they come out just as delicious as if they were made fresh. This prep method not only saves time but also makes weeknight meals a breeze!
Chicken Crescent Roll Ups Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own, adding flavors that beckon your taste buds.
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Vegetable Boost: Add fresh spinach or cooked bell peppers to the filling for an extra layer of nutrition and flavor. The vibrant colors will tempt your family and uplift the dish!
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Cheesy Twist: Swap shredded cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a delightful spice kick that’ll tantalize your palate. Spice lovers will appreciate this fiery change!
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Italian Flavor: Incorporate Italian seasoning or sun-dried tomatoes into the filling for a delicious Mediterranean flair. The aroma of herbs will whisk you away to sun-soaked Italy!
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BBQ Style: Replace the dipping sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet variation that will please any grill enthusiast. This twist turns your roll-ups into a summer treat, no matter the season!
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Turkey Substitution: Use shredded turkey or even a plant-based protein instead of chicken for a tasty alternative. This is a great option for holiday leftovers or those looking for lighter fare.
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Herbed Cream Cheese: For a refreshing twist, mix in fresh herbs like chives or dill into your cream cheese filling. Each bite will be a burst of flavor that revitalizes the classic recipe.
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Crunchy Topping: Experiment with a crunchy topping by sprinkling crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the rolls before baking, adding texture and flavor that’ll leave everyone craving more.
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Sweet & Savory: Drizzle a bit of honey over the filling for a sweet contrast with the savory filling. This unexpected combination could become your new favorite!
Expert Tips for Chicken Crescent Roll Ups
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Cook Chicken Properly: Ensure your chicken is cooked through and seasoned well to maximize flavor in your Chicken Crescent Roll Ups.
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Seal Edges Tightly: When rolling the dough, pinch the edges securely to prevent any delicious filling from leaking out while baking.
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Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to personalize your filling—try adding chopped spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
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Use Leftovers Wisely: Utilize leftover chicken, like rotisserie, for a quick shortcut—this makes weeknight meals a breeze!
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Check for Crispiness: Keep an eye on the baking time to achieve that perfect golden brown exterior; overbaking can lead to dryness.
Chicken Crescent Roll Ups Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken works best for the filling?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken breasts are perfect as they provide the savory flavor and protein needed. Leftover rotisserie chicken is an easy alternative—simply shred it and mix it into your filling for a quick solution. If you’re short on time, canned chicken works too!
How should I store leftover Chicken Crescent Roll Ups?
After your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. Before serving, reheat the roll ups in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Can I freeze Chicken Crescent Roll Ups?
Very! To freeze, individually wrap each roll-up in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What if the filling leaks out while baking?
No worries! If you find your filling leaking, it’s usually because the dough wasn’t sealed tightly enough. Make sure to pinch the edges of the crescent dough securely when rolling. If it happens, simply enjoy the crispy bits that surround the roll ups—they come with their own crispy goodness!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! If you have gluten sensitivities, consider using gluten-free crescent dough. For those with dairy allergies, you can experiment with plant-based cream cheese and cheese alternatives to keep the recipe creamy and delicious, just like the original!
Delicious Chicken Crescent Roll Ups Perfect for Any Gathering
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray the baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté diced cooked chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed chicken, minced garlic, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until creamy.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. Place 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling at the wide end of each triangle and roll securely from wide to tip.
- Place the rolled crescent creations in the prepared baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- While rolls are baking, whisk together soy sauce and honey in a small bowl for the dipping sauce.