Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls

Category: Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Golden, flaky crescent dough cradles a hearty mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, and fresh parsley in every soft, savory bite. These bundles are easy to prep: just blend the creamy filling, tuck it into pillowy crescents, and bake until puffed and beautifully golden. Ideal as an appetizer, lunch, or a comforting dinner, they're also convenient to make ahead or freeze. Customize your filling with favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch, and enjoy warm straight from the oven with a garnish of herbs for extra freshness. Wholesome, satisfying, and delightfully cheesy, they’re perfect for sharing.

A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Mon, 25 Aug 2025 20:03:38 GMT
A plate of food with a pastry on top. Pin
A plate of food with a pastry on top. | mellierecipes.com

Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are my go-to comfort food when I want something warm and satisfying yet incredibly easy to pull together. Flaky crescent dough wraps around a creamy, cheesy chicken filling that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Whether you are feeding a group or just looking to use up leftover chicken, these rolls offer a quick solution that never disappoints.

I first made these for my family during a rainy weekend and now they are a top-requested snack every movie night. They are the sort of recipe you pass along because everyone asks how you made them.

Ingredients

  • Crescent roll dough: One can of fresh dough keeps everything light and buttery Choose refrigerated dough for best puff
  • Cooked chicken: Two cups of shredded chicken give lots of protein Use rotisserie for major flavor boost
  • Cream cheese: Four ounces of softened cream cheese create the creamy base Make sure it is softened for easy mixing
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: One cup for rich meltiness Choose extra sharp for big cheesy taste
  • Garlic powder: One teaspoon adds depth and savory flavor Go for a good-quality powder
  • Parsley: One tablespoon freshly chopped for herby freshness Fresh works best but dried is still tasty
  • Salt and pepper: Add to taste for seasoning Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible
  • Olive oil or cooking spray: For a golden crust on your baking sheet Only a light coat needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set the oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit This ensures the rolls bake evenly and get beautifully golden
Make the Filling:
In a large bowl mix shredded chicken softened cream cheese cheddar cheese garlic powder parsley salt and pepper Stir until completely smooth This guarantees every bite is cheesy and flavorful
Prepare the Dough:
Open the crescent roll can and gently unroll the dough on a clean counter Separate each triangle for easy rolling
Fill and Roll:
Spoon a generous scoop of chicken filling onto the wide end of each triangle Roll up towards the pointed end tucking in the sides as you go This prevents any filling from leaking out
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place each crescent seam side down on your greased baking sheet Leaving space between rolls allows for even baking
Bake to Perfection:
Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until the rolls are golden brown and puffed up This is the sign they are ready
Cool and Serve:
Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving This makes them easier to handle and helps the filling set
A plate of food with a green garnish. Pin
A plate of food with a green garnish. | mellierecipes.com

My favorite ingredient is the cream cheese which transforms the filling into something super creamy and rich My youngest called these cheesy clouds the first time she tried them and the name stuck in our house

Storage Tips

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results The rolls can also be frozen fully baked Allow them to cool fully wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months Thaw in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

For the chicken you can substitute turkey or even shredded rotisserie pork Vegan cream cheese and plantbased cheese work well for a dairyfree version Add a handful of baby spinach or chopped bell pepper to sneak in vegetables Switch up the spices with smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for a new flavor profile

A plate of food with a pastry and meat. Pin
A plate of food with a pastry and meat. | mellierecipes.com

Serving Suggestions

These rolls make a fantastic appetizer or party snack paired with ranch or honey mustard Serve them as a main with a big green salad or simple tomato soup For brunch cut into smaller pieces and serve alongside fruit

Quick History

Crescent dough is a staple in classic American cooking for quick convenient meals Stuffed crescent rolls have been popular since the seventies thriving as a comfort food at potlucks and holiday tables This take mixes classic flavors with a bit of nostalgic fun

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works great for the creamy filling and saves time on prep.

→ How can I add more flavor to the filling?

Add chopped vegetables, a sprinkle of your favorite spices, or fresh herbs to boost flavor and texture.

→ Are these crescent rolls gluten free?

If using gluten-free crescent dough, these rolls can easily fit a gluten-free diet. Always check labels to be sure.

→ Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rolls and keep them refrigerated before baking, or freeze for later baking as needed.

→ What's the best way to serve these rolls?

Serve warm out of the oven, garnished with fresh parsley or paired with a crisp salad or dipping sauce.

→ Can I swap the cheese used in the filling?

Absolutely. Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or your favorite melting cheese for different flavors and textures.

Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls

Flaky crescent rolls filled with creamy chicken and cheddar, baked until golden and irresistible for any occasion.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
30 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Family-Friendly Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 8 Portions (8 crescent rolls)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Dough

01 1 can (227 g) crescent roll dough

→ Filling

02 2 cups (280 g) cooked chicken, shredded
03 113 g cream cheese, softened
04 1 cup (115 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, fresh or dried
07 Salt, to taste
08 Black pepper, to taste

→ For Baking

09 Olive oil or cooking spray, for greasing baking sheet

How to Prepare

Step 01

Preheat oven to 190°C and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly blended and smooth.

Step 03

Open crescent roll dough and unroll onto a clean work surface. Separate into individual triangles.

Step 04

Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each dough triangle. Roll up gently toward the pointed end, tucking in sides to encase filling.

Step 05

Set filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet with the tip facing downward. Repeat until all dough and filling are used.

Step 06

Place baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until rolls become golden brown and puffed.

Step 07

Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes before serving, allowing filling to set.

Extra Tips

  1. Customize the filling by adding sautéed vegetables or your preferred spices to enhance flavor and texture.
  2. Using leftover rotisserie chicken offers convenience and added depth of flavor.
  3. Assembled rolls can be refrigerated before baking or frozen for future use.

Tools Required

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Oven

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) from crescent dough
  • Contains milk and cheese (dairy)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 250
  • Fat Content: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 20 grams
  • Protein Content: 10 grams