Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe

Cozy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe: Family Dinner Magic

Dinner nights call for something comforting and delightful, and this chicken crescent bake recipe hits all the right notes.

Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish brings together tender chicken and flaky crescent rolls in a mouthwatering combination.

Creamy textures meld perfectly with crisp edges, creating a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of savory ingredients that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to enjoy this hearty and delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Crescent Bake Chicken That’s Always a Hit

  • Whip Up Quickly: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy chicken and melted cheese, these crescent rolls offer a delightful combination that both kids and adults will absolutely love.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for dinner, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this dish adapts easily to different occasions and always brings smiles to the table.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using basic pantry staples and pre-made crescent rolls, this recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredient List for Chicken Crescent Bake

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that serves as the primary filling for the recipe.
  • Crescent Rolls: Soft, flaky pastry dough that creates the outer shell of the dish.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps bind the filling.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides additional flavor and melty texture.
  • Sour Cream: Tangy dairy product that enhances the moisture and creaminess of the filling.
Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken mixture.

How to Make a Perfect Chicken Crescent Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Get your baking dish ready for some delightful magic.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Chicken Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these tasty ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix everything until it becomes a creamy, dreamy blend that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Unroll and Prep the Crescent Dough

Carefully unroll your crescent roll package and separate each triangle with gentle hands.

Step 4: Stuff the Crescents

Scoop a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle.

This is where the magic begins!

Step 5: Roll and Arrange

Start rolling each crescent from the wide end, tucking in the filling as you go.

Nestle these rolled treasures into your baking dish, creating a beautiful arrangement.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Let them bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece and let them cool for a moment.

Serve these warm, mouthwatering crescent rolls and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Tips for Golden, Flaky Crescent Bake

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture with chicken filling.
  • Use rotisserie chicken or quickly shred warm chicken using two forks for faster preparation.
  • Lightly spray baking dish with cooking spray and avoid overfilling crescents to maintain crispy edges.
  • Sprinkle dried herbs like parsley or chives on top before baking for extra aromatic dimension.
  • Prepare filling and assemble rolls up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate before baking for convenient meal planning.

Ways to Mix Up Crescent Bake Fillings

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace crescent rolls with gluten-free crescent dough or use almond flour-based pastry for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap crescent rolls with thin sliced zucchini or large lettuce leaves as a wrapper, using same chicken filling for a lighter meal.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with seasoned black beans, roasted vegetables, or tofu crumbles, maintaining the creamy cheese mixture for rich flavor.
  • Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-style version of the original recipe.

Serving Crescent Bake for Family Dinners

  • Family Dinner Star: Pair these golden rolls with a crisp garden salad for a complete meal that keeps everyone satisfied and happy.
  • Dip Delight: Serve alongside ranch, marinara, or spicy chipotle sauce to enhance the chicken's creamy flavor and add extra excitement to each bite.
  • Comfort Combo: Complement the dish with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a balanced, nutritious plate that feels both homey and elegant.
  • Brunch Twist: Transform this recipe into a weekend brunch centerpiece by adding a fresh fruit medley or light mimosa to create a memorable gathering.

Storing Crescent Bake for Later

  • Store leftover chicken crescent rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place rolls on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat rolls on microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add 15-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and use it as a quick substitute for home-cooked chicken.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most children love the cheesy, creamy filling and soft crescent roll texture. It’s a crowd-pleaser for families and picky eaters.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the crescent rolls with filling and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to cooking time when baking from cold.

  • Are there any low-fat alternatives for the ingredients?

Try using reduced-fat cream cheese, low-fat sour cream, and part-skim cheddar cheese to make a lighter version of this recipe while maintaining great flavor.

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Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe

Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory chicken crescent bake brings comfort and convenience to dinner tables with minimal effort. Cheesy, creamy filling nestled in flaky pastry creates a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Dairy:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk (60 milliliters)

Bread and Seasonings:

  • 1 can (8 ounces / 226 grams) refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk (120 milliliters)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 milliliters)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish for the savory chicken rolls.
  2. Combine shredded chicken with cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, and seasonings in a mixing bowl, creating a creamy and flavorful filling.
  3. Carefully separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangular shapes on a clean work surface.
  4. Distribute a generous dollop of the chicken mixture along the wider edge of each dough triangle.
  5. Gently roll each triangle from the wide end to the pointed tip, encasing the filling completely and creating a neat crescent shape.
  6. Arrange the rolled crescents in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are positioned close together but not touching.
  7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls transform into a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the chicken crescents to rest for a few minutes, letting the filling settle and cool slightly.
  9. Serve immediately while warm, presenting a delightful blend of tender chicken and flaky pastry.

Notes

  • Customize the filling by adding chopped herbs like chives or dill for extra flavor complexity.
  • Swap regular cream cheese for low-fat or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds more depth to the chicken mixture.
  • Enhance crispiness by brushing the crescent rolls with melted butter or an egg wash before baking for a golden, flaky exterior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 378 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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