These Chicken Crescent Roll Ups are a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer or snack that combines flaky crescent rolls with a creamy, savory filling of shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. With a hint of garlic and onion powder for added flavor, these roll ups are perfect for family gatherings, parties, or as a quick dinner option. The buttery, golden exterior pairs perfectly with the creamy filling inside, making them a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and Easy: With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy days or last-minute appetizers.
Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy chicken and cheddar filling wrapped in flaky crescent dough is a winning combination for any occasion.
Versatile: Enjoy these as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings.
Customizable: You can easily adapt the filling ingredients to your taste or switch up the cheese and seasonings for variety.
Key Ingredients:
Crescent Roll Dough: Pre-made crescent roll dough keeps the recipe easy and quick. For a different texture, try using puff pastry or biscuit dough.
Shredded Chicken: Leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken works well here. Shred it finely to make it easier to roll up.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and richness to the filling. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends easily into the filling, adding a creamy texture and subtle tang. Make sure it’s fully softened to avoid lumps.
Seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper are simple yet effective seasonings. Adjust the amounts to taste, or add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions
Prep
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the crescent roll dough bakes evenly and achieves a golden brown color.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the roll ups from sticking.
Mix Filling
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and milk. The milk softens the mixture for easier blending.
Add Seasoning: Sprinkle in garlic powder and onion powder for a subtle flavor boost. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir to Blend: Mix all ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
Prepare Dough
Unroll Crescent Dough: Separate the dough into individual triangles. Make sure the dough is easy to handle and pliable.
Lay Out the Triangles: Arrange the triangles on a clean work surface, like a cutting board or countertop.
Assemble
Add Filling: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the wider end of each triangle. Avoid overfilling to prevent spilling during baking.
Roll Up: Starting from the wider end, gently roll the dough towards the pointed end, enclosing the filling. Pinch edges if needed to seal each roll.
Bake
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled-up dough on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Optional Butter Brush: If desired, brush each roll with melted butter for added richness and a golden finish.
Bake: Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. They should sound hollow when tapped. Keep an eye on them as they finish baking.
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Garnish and Serve
Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the roll ups from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Serve Warm: Enjoy the Chicken Crescent Roll Ups as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
Serving Suggestions:
These Chicken Crescent Roll Ups are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dips:
Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or marinara sauce for dipping.
Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Soup: Serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup or chicken noodle soup for a cozy meal.
Veggie Platter: A side of raw veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers complements the rich flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
These roll ups store well and can easily be reheated for a quick snack later on.
Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked roll ups for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, use a microwave, though the texture will be softer.
Recipe Variations:
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ups: Add 1-2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the filling for a spicy twist, and serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Bacon Ranch Roll Ups: Add 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon and 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning to the filling for extra flavor.
Veggie-Filled Roll Ups: Mix in finely chopped veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or green onions for added color and nutrients.
Italian-Style Roll Ups: Use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar, and add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the filling. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Jalapeño Popper Roll Ups: Add diced jalapeños and a bit of extra cream cheese for a spicy, creamy filling that resembles classic jalapeño poppers.
Conclusion:
Chicken Crescent Roll Ups are a delightful appetizer or snack that combines savory chicken, creamy cheese, and buttery crescent rolls for a comforting bite. With their quick prep time and versatile filling options, these roll ups are perfect for casual gatherings, parties, or even as a quick meal. They’re easy to customize, and their warm, flaky goodness is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Give these a try the next time you’re craving a simple yet satisfying appetizer, and enjoy every flaky, cheesy bite!
Chicken Crescent Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough 8 oz
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon melted butter optional, for brushing
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and milk. Sprinkle in garlic powder and onion powder, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth.
- Separate crescent roll dough into individual triangles. Lay out the triangles on a clean work surface.
- Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto the wider end of each triangle. Roll from the wide end toward the pointed end to enclose the filling. Pinch edges if needed.
- Place roll ups on prepared baking sheet. Optionally, brush each roll with melted butter. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.