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The Best Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls Recipe

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Easy Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls Appetizer

What if you could whip up a warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying appetizer or quick meal in under 30 minutes, using just a handful of simple ingredients? It sounds like a busy parent’s or party host’s dream, right? I remember one particularly hectic evening in Marrakesh, with unexpected guests arriving, and my pantry looking sparse. A can of crescent rolls, some leftover chicken, and a block of cream cheese became my saving grace. The result was these unbelievably easy and delicious chicken stuffed crescent rolls, a recipe that has since become my go-to for effortless entertaining and speedy weeknight dinners.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a versatile solution. We’re talking about tender, flaky crescent dough wrapped around a creamy, savory filling of shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions, all baked to a perfect golden brown. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to use a can of crescent rolls.

Your Simple Toolkit for a Delicious Bite

Here is your complete shopping list for creating these crowd-pleasing stuffed crescent rolls. The magic of this recipe is how these simple, easy-to-find ingredients combine into a flavor-packed treat.

IngredientAmountSubstitution Suggestions & Notes
Refrigerated crescent roll dough1 can (8 ounces)You can also use crescent roll sheets and cut them into triangles.
Cooked chicken, shredded1 cupRotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver here! Canned chicken, drained well, also works.
Cream cheese, softened½ cupFor a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese can be used.
Shredded cheddar cheese½ cupMonterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend would also be delicious.
Chopped green onions¼ cupFinely chopped chives or a tablespoon of minced red onion can be used for a different flavor.
Salt and pepperTo taste
Melted butter1 tablespoonA brush of milk or an egg wash can be used for a similar golden finish.

Timing Your Quick & Easy Treat

This impressive-looking appetizer or light meal comes together in a flash, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected company.

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 12-15 minutes
  • Total time: 27-30 minutes

This recipe is a true time-saver. For a savory baked good, it takes approximately 50% less time than making similar appetizers from scratch, thanks to the convenience of refrigerated crescent dough.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Filling

Your journey to cheesy, flaky goodness begins with a hot oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, you can whip up the incredible, creamy filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to your liking and stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.

Step 2: Unroll and Stuff the Crescent Rolls

Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean work surface or a piece of parchment paper. Separate the dough into the 8 pre-cut triangles. Spoon about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle.

Step 3: Roll to Golden-Brown Perfection

Now for the fun part! Starting at the wide end with the filling, roll up each triangle towards the pointed tip. Place the rolled-up crescents on an ungreased baking sheet, ensuring the pointed tip is tucked underneath. For an extra touch of golden-brown deliciousness, brush the tops of each crescent roll with the melted butter.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the crescent rolls are a beautiful golden brown and the cheesy filling is warm and bubbly. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.

Nutritional Insights

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per stuffed crescent roll, assuming the recipe makes 8 rolls:

  • Calories: ~200 kcal
  • Protein: ~9g
  • Carbohydrates: ~12g
  • Fat: ~13g
  • Sodium: ~450mg (will vary based on ingredients used)

While this is a comforting treat, making them at home gives you control over the ingredients. The chicken provides a good source of protein.

Healthier Alternatives to Consider

Craving these cheesy bites but want to lighten things up? Here are a few simple and effective swaps.

  • Lighter Dairy: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lower the overall fat content.
  • Leaner Protein: Ensure you’re using lean chicken breast. You could also substitute the chicken with shredded turkey or even a can of tuna, drained well.
  • Veggie-Packed Filling: Boost the nutritional value by adding more vegetables to the filling. Finely chopped spinach (squeezed dry), bell peppers, or mushrooms would be delicious additions.
  • Whole Wheat Dough: If you can find it, some brands offer a whole wheat version of crescent roll dough, which would increase the fiber content.

Sensational Serving Suggestions

These versatile stuffed crescent rolls are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.

  • With a Dipping Sauce: Serve them warm with a side of ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy aioli for dipping.
  • As a Light Lunch: Pair two or three crescent rolls with a simple green salad or a cup of tomato soup for a perfectly satisfying lunch.
  • Party Appetizer Platter: Arrange them on a platter with other finger foods like pigs in a blanket, vegetable sticks, and dips for a party-ready spread.
  • Breakfast Twist: For a savory breakfast or brunch option, try adding a little scrambled egg to the filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For perfect stuffed crescent rolls every time, sidestep these common pitfalls:

  • Overfilling the Rolls: It’s tempting to pile on the filling, but this can cause it to ooze out during baking, making a mess and leaving your rolls less full. About two tablespoons per roll is the sweet spot.
  • Using Cold Cream Cheese: Starting with softened, room temperature cream cheese is key to a smooth, lump-free filling that’s easy to mix and spread.
  • Forgetting to Tuck the Tip: Make sure the pointed tip of the crescent roll is tucked securely underneath when you place it on the baking sheet. This prevents it from unrolling during baking.
  • Not Preheating the Oven: Placing the rolls in an oven that isn’t fully preheated can result in them being doughy and undercooked on the inside.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These are best enjoyed warm from the oven, but leftovers can still be delicious with proper handling.

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • The Secret to Reheating: The best way to revive the flaky texture is in an oven or air fryer. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until the filling is hot and the dough has re-crisped. Microwaving will make the crescent rolls soft.
  • Can I Freeze Them? You can freeze the baked and cooled crescent rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

Your New Go-To for Quick and Easy Deliciousness

These chicken stuffed crescent rolls are the ultimate solution for any occasion that calls for a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing dish. The combination of flaky, buttery dough with a creamy, cheesy, and savory chicken filling creates a truly irresistible bite. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this incredibly simple recipe a try and see for yourself how easy it is to create a truly memorable snack or meal. Let me know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more easy and delicious recipes that are perfect for any occasion!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the rolls completely, cover them, and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. You may need to add a minute or two to the baking time.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and you’ll have delicious cheese and green onion stuffed crescent rolls. To make them heartier, you could add finely chopped sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts to the cheese mixture.

How can I add a little spice to the filling?

For a spicy kick, you could add a finely chopped jalapeño (with or without seeds), a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.

What other fillings could I try?

The possibilities are endless! Try a pizza version with pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara; a ham and Swiss version; or a taco-inspired filling with seasoned ground beef and Mexican cheese blend.

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