Introduction
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness all wrapped in a warm, flaky crescent roll. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a quick and comforting snack. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, these delightful rolls will be ready in under 30 minutes, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe involves simple ingredients like cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and crescent roll dough, combined with creamy mayonnaise and cream cheese. The mixture is seasoned with garlic and onion powder, creating a flavorful filling that is wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked to perfection. The result is a golden-brown, cheesy, and chicken-filled roll that’s crispy on the outside and deliciously gooey on the inside.
History and Origin
While crescent rolls have their roots in European baking traditions, particularly in France and Austria, this particular variation with cheesy chicken filling is a modern American twist. Crescent rolls became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century when refrigerated dough became widely available, making it easy for home cooks to create buttery, flaky rolls without the time-consuming process of making dough from scratch. The addition of chicken and cheese to crescent rolls reflects American ingenuity in creating quick and easy meals that don’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
- In a medium-sized bowl, add the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
Step 3: Unroll and Prepare Crescent Dough
- Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a flat surface.
- Separate the dough into individual triangles by following the pre-cut lines.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Dough
- Place a spoonful of the prepared chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Carefully roll up each triangle, starting from the wide end where the filling is placed, and continue rolling towards the pointed end. As you roll, tuck in the sides slightly to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Step 5: Arrange and Brush
- Place the filled crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
- Brush the tops of the crescent rolls with the melted butter, which will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The crescent rolls should be golden brown and fully cooked through.
Step 7: Serve
- Once baked, remove the crescent rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Serve warm, either as an appetizer, a snack, or a part of your meal.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
These Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and dips. Consider serving them with a fresh green salad for a light meal, or with a side of steamed vegetables for a more substantial dinner. For dipping, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a zesty marinara sauce are great options that complement the cheesy chicken filling.
Variations of the Recipe
- Spicy Chicken Crescent Rolls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Chicken Crescent Rolls: Replace the mayonnaise with BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor, and use shredded mozzarella instead of cheddar.
- Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls: Mix in some buffalo sauce with the chicken filling, and serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing.
- Veggie-Stuffed Crescent Rolls: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
Health Benefits Notes
While Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are a comforting treat, they can also be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here are a few health benefits of the ingredients used:
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein, chicken helps in muscle building and repair.
- Cheddar Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein, cheddar cheese supports bone health.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a source of healthy fats, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high-calorie content.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: Both spices are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
To make this dish lighter, consider using low-fat versions of cream cheese and mayonnaise, and using a reduced-fat crescent roll dough.
FAQs
1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven as directed.
2. Can I freeze the uncooked rolls? Absolutely! Prepare the rolls as instructed, then freeze them on the baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. How can I make the rolls more crispy? To achieve a crispier texture, you can bake the rolls a little longer or increase the oven temperature slightly. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
4. Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
5. What can I use as a substitute for mayonnaise? If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar creamy texture.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls are a delightful and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, they are perfect for any occasion, whether you need a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a light meal. The endless variations allow you to customize them to your taste, making them a fun and delicious addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness of these rolls, and don’t hesitate to try out different fillings to find your perfect combination!