Chicken stuffed crescent rolls: Prepare to meet your new weeknight dinner champion! Imagine biting into a flaky, golden crescent roll, only to discover a warm, savory filling of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful herbs. It’s comfort food elevated, and trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your meal rotation.

While the exact origins of stuffing chicken into crescent rolls are a bit hazy, the concept of wrapping savory fillings in pastry has been around for centuries. Think of the Cornish pasty, a handheld meat pie enjoyed by miners in Cornwall, England, or the countless variations of empanadas found throughout Latin America. These dishes all share a common thread: delicious, portable, and satisfying food.

But what makes chicken stuffed crescent rolls so universally appealing? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The buttery, flaky crust gives way to a soft, cheesy, and savory chicken filling. They are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Plus, they are endlessly customizable! You can easily adapt the filling to suit your taste preferences, adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a fun snack, these delightful rolls are sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Preparing the Chicken Filling:

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of our stuffed crescent rolls the chicken filling! This is where we’ll combine all those delicious flavors that will make these rolls irresistible. Trust me, this step is crucial, so pay close attention!

Shred the Cooked Chicken: First things first, make sure your cooked chicken is shredded into small, manageable pieces. You can use a fork to shred it, or if you’re feeling fancy, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed. Just be careful not to over-shred it into a paste! We want some texture in our filling. I usually use leftover rotisserie chicken for this, it’s super convenient and flavorful. You can also bake or poach chicken breasts specifically for this recipe.
Soften the Cream Cheese: This is important! Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft. If it’s still cold and hard, it won’t mix properly with the other ingredients, and you’ll end up with a lumpy filling. You can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or you can microwave it in 15-second intervals until it’s soft enough to work with. Just don’t melt it!
Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Add the Seasonings: Now for the flavor boosters! Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, but that’s totally optional.
Mix Well: Using a spoon or spatula, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the filling is smooth and creamy. There shouldn’t be any large clumps of cream cheese.
Chill (Optional): If you have time, I recommend chilling the filling in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help it firm up a bit, making it easier to work with when you’re stuffing the crescent rolls. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

Assembling the Crescent Rolls:

Now comes the fun part assembling the crescent rolls! This is where we’ll transform those plain rolls into delicious, stuffed pockets of goodness. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the crescent rolls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Unroll the Crescent Roll Dough: Carefully unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto a clean, flat surface. Gently separate the dough into individual triangles.
Spoon the Filling: Place a generous spoonful (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the chicken filling onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Be careful not to overfill them, or the filling will ooze out during baking.
Roll Up the Crescent Rolls: Starting at the wide end, roll up each crescent roll triangle towards the point. Make sure to tuck in the edges as you roll to seal in the filling.
Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 with the second can of crescent roll dough.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the assembled crescent rolls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll.

Baking and Finishing Touches:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake our stuffed crescent rolls to golden-brown perfection. And don’t forget those finishing touches that will make them extra special!

Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a tablespoon of water. This will create an egg wash that will give the crescent rolls a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish.
Brush with Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops of the crescent rolls with the egg wash. Be sure to get all the nooks and crannies.
Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds (Optional): If you’re using sesame seeds, sprinkle them evenly over the tops of the egg-washed crescent rolls. This will add a nice nutty flavor and a bit of visual appeal.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the filling is heated through. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crescent rolls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet.
Serve: Serve the chicken stuffed crescent rolls warm. They’re delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a side of ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your chicken stuffed crescent rolls? Here are a few tips and variations to get you started:

Add Vegetables: Feel free to add some chopped vegetables to the chicken filling. Diced celery, carrots, or bell peppers would all be great additions.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling.
Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a little bit of blue cheese would all be delicious.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with cooked and crumbled vegetarian ground meat or a mixture of chopped vegetables and beans.
Add Bacon: Everything is better with bacon! Add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the chicken filling for a smoky, savory flavor.
Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs in the filling. Fresh parsley, dill, or thyme would all be great additions.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble the crescent rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Freeze for Later: Baked crescent rolls can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Serving Suggestions:

These chicken stuffed crescent rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

Appetizer: Serve them as a delicious appetizer at your next party or gathering.
Lunch: Pack them in your lunchbox for a satisfying and portable meal.
Dinner: Serve them as a main course with a side salad or soup.
Snack: Enjoy them as a quick and easy snack any time of day.
Potluck: Bring them to your next potluck or picnic. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!

Storage Instructions:

Leftover chicken stuffed crescent rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 250-300 per crescent roll
Fat: 15-20 grams
Protein: 10-15 grams
Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams

Enjoy!

I hope you love these chicken stuffed crescent rolls as much as I do! They’re a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are truly a must-try recipe, and I’m confident they’ll become a family favorite in your home, just like they are in mine. The flaky, buttery crescent roll dough perfectly complements the creamy, savory chicken filling, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. What more could you ask for? But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes and preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Dip it! Serve these delightful rolls with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would be fantastic. * Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a little extra kick. * Cheesy goodness! Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan on top of the rolls before baking for an extra layer of cheesy flavor. * Veggie boost! Sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms into the chicken filling for added nutrients and texture. * Make it a meal! Serve these rolls alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of soup for a complete and satisfying meal. * Leftovers transformation! Got leftover cooked chicken? This is the perfect way to use it up! Simply shred the chicken and add it to the filling mixture. * Party perfect! These rolls are also a great option for parties and gatherings. They’re easy to make ahead of time and can be served warm or at room temperature. I truly believe that these Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are a winner. They’re the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience, making them ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend lunches. The recipe is so simple that even beginner cooks can master it with ease. Plus, the variations are endless, so you can customize it to suit your own personal preferences. I’ve poured my heart into creating this recipe, and I’m so excited for you to try it. I’m confident that you’ll love the delicious flavors and the ease of preparation. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing rolls! I can’t wait to hear about your experience with this recipe! Did you try any of the variations? Did you add your own special touch? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable to me, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls! I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.