Flaky Crescents with Chicken

This flaky crescent roll recipe filled with creamy chicken and cheese has been my weeknight dinner savior for years. When I need something comforting but quick, these stuffed crescents never disappoint - they're like a warm hug in food form.

I first made these chicken stuffed crescents when my kids had friends over unexpectedly. They disappeared faster than I could serve them, and now they're requested at least twice a month at our house.

Ingredients

• Package of crescent roll dough from the refrigerated section provides the perfect flaky base
• Two cups of cooked shredded chicken gives protein and substance
• One cup shredded cheddar cheese adds rich flavor and creates a gooey center
• Half cup mayonnaise creates creaminess and binds everything together
• Quarter cup chopped green onions for a mild onion flavor without being overpowering
• Quarter teaspoon garlic powder infuses the filling with savory notes
• Quarter teaspoon black pepper balances the richness with a touch of spice
• Quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese creates a beautiful golden crust on top
• One tablespoon fresh chopped parsley optional but adds nice color and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the filling. A properly heated oven ensures the crescents rise properly and become perfectly golden.

Prepare Your Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. The parchment also helps the bottoms of the crescents brown evenly without burning.

Mix The Filling

In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated. The consistency should be creamy but still hold together.

Prepare The Crescent Dough

Carefully unroll the crescent dough on a clean work surface, separating along the perforations to create eight triangles. Handle gently to avoid stretching or tearing the dough.

Fill And Roll

Place about two tablespoons of your chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill or the mixture will spill out during baking. Roll up each triangle starting from the wide end and gently curve into a crescent shape.

Arrange On Baking Sheet

Place your rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one to allow for expansion during baking.

Add The Parmesan Topping

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of each crescent. This creates a delicious savory crust as they bake.

Bake To Golden Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, watching carefully toward the end. They should be puffy and golden brown on top with the filling hot throughout.

Finishing Touch

If using, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley right after removing from the oven for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Save

My family particularly loves the combination of the flaky crescent dough with the creamy chicken filling. My son once declared these "the best thing ever invented" after a particularly exhausting soccer practice, and watching him devour three in one sitting was quite the testament to their appeal.

Make Ahead Options

These chicken stuffed crescents work beautifully as a make ahead meal. You can prepare the chicken filling up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply fill and roll the crescents before baking. For even more convenience, you can assemble the entire recipe up to 8 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just add 2 3 minutes to the baking time if cooking them straight from the fridge.

Clever Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. For a lighter version, swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt which adds tanginess and reduces calories. Not a cheddar fan? Try Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella instead. The chicken can be replaced with cooked turkey, ham, or even tuna for different flavor profiles. Vegetarians can use sautéed mushrooms and spinach as a delicious alternative to the chicken filling.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken stuffed crescents pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a cup of tomato soup for dipping. They make excellent appetizers when made smaller using mini crescent rolls, perfect for game days or casual gatherings. I love setting up a buffet with the crescents as the main attraction alongside various dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce.

Save

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare chicken stuffed crescents ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the crescents just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can assemble them completely, refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this dish?

Greek yogurt or sour cream make excellent substitutes for mayonnaise. They provide similar creaminess with a slightly different flavor profile. Cream cheese (softened) is another good alternative that creates an even richer filling.

→ How do I store and reheat leftover chicken stuffed crescents?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crescents soggy rather than crisp.

→ Can I freeze chicken stuffed crescents?

Yes, these freeze well either before or after baking. For unbaked crescents, freeze them separated on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time. For baked crescents, cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.

→ What variations can I make to the chicken stuffed crescents?

Try buffalo chicken (add hot sauce to the filling), Mediterranean style (use feta, spinach and olives), Mexican-inspired (add taco seasoning, corn and black beans), or Italian version (mix in pesto and sun-dried tomatoes). You can also substitute turkey, ham, or even tuna for the chicken.

→ What sides pair well with chicken stuffed crescents?

These crescents pair beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, tomato soup, or fresh fruit. For a heartier meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice pilaf. They also work well with coleslaw or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.