Description: These Creamy Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are a delightful and easy-to-make treat, perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or even a light dinner. Flaky crescent rolls are filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe is customizable and versatile, allowing you to add your favorite cheeses, spices, and sauces to create a unique and comforting meal. The combination of soft, buttery rolls and a rich, savory filling makes these crescent rolls a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for a party, these stuffed crescent rolls are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury)
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
- Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (for extra flavor)
- Optional: Dipping sauce (ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce)
Preparation:
These rolls are straightforward to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy individuals or families. The steps are clearly outlined below:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature when you place the rolls inside, which is crucial for achieving a golden-brown and perfectly baked result. While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the rolls from sticking to the pan, making cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken and softened cream cheese. It’s important that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature, as this will make it easier to mix with the chicken and other ingredients, resulting in a smoother, more cohesive filling. Add the chopped fresh parsley (or dried parsley if fresh is not available), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the bowl. At this stage, you can also add any optional spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to enhance the flavor of the filling. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined, ensuring that the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the chicken. If you’re using shredded cheese, fold it into the mixture now.
Step 3: Unroll the Crescent Roll Dough
Carefully open the can of crescent roll dough. Pop the can against the edge of the counter if necessary, then unroll the dough onto a clean, flat surface. Separate the dough into the pre-cut triangles. If you prefer larger rolls, you can gently press the seams together to create larger triangles.
Step 4: Stuff the Crescent Rolls
Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill the triangles, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking. Starting from the wide end, carefully roll up the dough towards the point, tucking the filling inside as you go. This ensures that the filling is securely enclosed within the roll. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside, preventing it from leaking out during baking.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake the Rolls
Place the stuffed crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet, with the point side down. This prevents the rolls from unrolling during baking. Make sure to leave a little space between each roll to allow for even baking. If desired, you can brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter or an egg wash to give them a golden and glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the rolls while they are baking to ensure that they don’t burn.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit, making the rolls easier to handle. Serve the Creamy Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls warm.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Creamy Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are incredibly versatile and satisfying. The recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy chicken filling is packed with flavor, and the flaky crescent rolls provide a delightful contrast in texture. This recipe is also highly customizable – you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences by adding different cheeses, spices, or sauces. They’re also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Plus, they are always a crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or a fun family meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Creamy Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls as a light lunch with a side salad.
- Pair them with a warm bowl of soup for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Serve them as an appetizer at a party or gathering with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
- They also make a great addition to a brunch spread.
Tips:
- Ensure that the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with the chicken to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth filling.
- Don’t overfill the crescent roll triangles to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter or an egg wash for a golden and glossy finish.
- If you want to add extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the chicken filling.
- Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 27-30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
Conclusion:
Creamy Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are a simple yet satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and customizable meal. Whether you’re serving them for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer, these stuffed crescent rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the warm, flaky goodness and the creamy, flavorful filling that makes this recipe a standout!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for mozzarella or cheddar cheese, you can easily substitute it with your favorite type of cheese. Gruyere, provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp cheddar would all work well and add a unique flavor profile to the filling.
Q2: What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Can I use dried parsley instead?
A: Yes, you can definitely use dried parsley as a substitute. If you don’t have fresh parsley, use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley instead of 1-2 tablespoons of fresh. Keep in mind that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so you’ll need less of them compared to fresh herbs.
Q3: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake the rolls, simply stuff the crescent dough with the prepared filling and bake as directed. You can also assemble the rolls completely ahead of time and store them unbaked in the refrigerator for a few hours. However, keep in mind that the dough may become slightly sticky if stored for too long.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to the chicken filling?
A: Certainly! Adding vegetables to the filling can add extra nutrients and flavor to the rolls. Some great options include finely diced celery, onions, bell peppers, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables lightly before adding them to the chicken mixture to soften them and enhance their flavor.
Q5: What kind of dipping sauces go well with these crescent rolls?
A: These Creamy Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, marinara sauce, or even a creamy dill sauce would all be great choices. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite combination!
