Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls: A Comforting and Easy Dinner Recipe
Looking for a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? These Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are just what you need! Made with tender, shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a savory dressing mix, these rolls are wrapped in flaky crescent dough and baked to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even as a quick snack. The addition of a simple cream cheese gravy takes these stuffed rolls to a whole new level of comfort.
Let’s dive into the full recipe to see how to make this flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 (8 oz) cans Pillsbury crescent roll dough
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2-3 cups shredded cooked chicken (use rotisserie for convenience)
- 1 package Italian dressing mix (or 3 tablespoons)
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s ready to bake the crescent rolls to golden perfection.
2. Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a medium-sized pot, add the cream cheese and both cans of cream of chicken soup. Turn the heat to medium and stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Once the mixture is smooth, add the Italian dressing mix. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
Turn down the heat to low to keep the mixture warm and set aside.
3. Create the Chicken Filling
Take the majority of the cream cheese and soup mixture and pour it into a large mixing bowl. You’ll want to reserve a small portion of the mixture in the pan to use later as a gravy for topping the crescent rolls.
To the large bowl, add the shredded chicken and chopped green onions (if using). Stir the mixture until everything is evenly combined. The chicken should be well coated in the creamy sauce, creating a delicious filling for your rolls.
4. Assemble the Crescent Rolls
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate each piece into individual triangles. Lay them out on a baking sheet.
Scoop a spoonful of the chicken filling onto the wide part of each crescent triangle. Sprinkle some shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the filling for added creaminess and flavor.
To wrap the rolls, fold the left side of the triangle in, followed by the right side, and then roll the dough towards the pointed end to fully enclose the filling. This ensures the chicken mixture stays secure inside the crescent rolls as they bake.
5. Bake the Crescent Rolls
Place the stuffed rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown. The dough should be flaky and cooked through, with a crispy outer layer and a soft, cheesy chicken filling inside.
6. Serve and Top with Gravy
Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. If you reserved some of the cream cheese mixture from earlier, you can now warm it back up and use it as a gravy to drizzle over the stuffed crescent rolls before serving.
Garnish with extra chopped green onions if desired and serve while warm.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and convenient option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and mix it into the filling. It saves time and adds a lot of flavor.
- Customize the Cheese: While Monterey Jack cheese is recommended, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for a bit of heat.
- Make it Spicy: For those who love a little spice, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling before rolling up the crescent dough.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Crescent rolls bake quickly, so be sure to check them around the 9-minute mark to prevent over-baking. You want them golden and crispy but not too brown.
- Double the Recipe: These rolls are a crowd-pleaser, so if you’re feeding a larger group or want leftovers, consider doubling the recipe. You can easily bake two batches or use a larger baking sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes, you can substitute the crescent roll dough with puff pastry or biscuit dough if you prefer a different texture. Puff pastry will give you a flakier result, while biscuit dough will be thicker and more bread-like.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not retain their crispiness.
Can I freeze these chicken stuffed crescent rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking, allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! You can add finely chopped vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the chicken filling for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure they are cooked or steamed beforehand to ensure they’re tender inside the rolls.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the rolls in advance. Store the uncooked stuffed rolls in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them as instructed.
Final Thoughts
These Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a deliciously creamy chicken filling wrapped in buttery crescent dough, they’re bound to be a family favorite. The added touch of gravy makes them extra comforting and rich. Serve them as a main dish for dinner, or as an appetizer at your next gathering, and watch them disappear from the plate!
Try this recipe the next time you need a quick and cozy dinner idea, and enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow!