If you're looking for a comforting and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love, then this Chicken Crescent Bake recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, and gooey mozzarella all wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, this dish is pure comfort in every bite. Follow this guide to make a delightful Chicken Crescent Bake that will quickly become a household favorite.
What is Chicken Crescent Bake?
Chicken Crescent Bake is a savory dish that features shredded cooked chicken mixed with cream cheese and seasonings, all wrapped in crescent rolls and baked to golden perfection. The dish is then topped with a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup and milk, creating a luscious, comforting meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. This recipe is simple yet satisfying, making it a go-to option when you want something delicious but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Ingredients List for Chicken Crescent Bake
Before diving into the cooking process, it's important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here's what you'll need for the Chicken Crescent Bake:
- 1 tube of 8-count regular-sized crescent rolls: The crescent rolls serve as the base for wrapping the chicken filling. Choose a standard-sized tube for this recipe.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease. The chicken should be shredded to mix well with the other ingredients.
- 4 oz softened cream cheese: Cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to the filling, making it extra delicious.
- 1 teaspoon instant minced onion: This adds a subtle onion flavor to the filling without the need for chopping fresh onions.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the flavor of the filling with a mild garlic taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors in the filling.
- Pinch of pepper: A pinch of pepper adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, adding a gooey, cheesy layer inside the crescent rolls.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese: Parmesan or Romano cheese provides a sharp, salty contrast to the creamy filling, adding depth to the flavor.
For the Sauce:
- 1 (10.75 oz) can of cream of chicken soup: This forms the base of the creamy sauce that tops the crescent rolls.
- 1 can of milk (use the empty soup can): Milk thins out the soup to create a pourable sauce that coats the crescent rolls perfectly.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Chicken Crescent Bake recipe is its versatility. If you don’t have some of the ingredients on hand or want to switch things up, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can use turkey or even ham as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, consider using cooked, seasoned tofu or a meat substitute.
- Crescent Rolls: For a heartier dish, use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls. Puff pastry will provide a more buttery, flaky texture.
- Cream Cheese: If you prefer, you can use ricotta cheese or mascarpone in place of cream cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella with cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist.
- Soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used instead of cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
- Seasonings: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an extra layer of flavor. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a little heat if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect Chicken Crescent Bake.

How to Cook Chicken Crescent Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your crescent rolls will bake evenly and turn golden brown.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything until well combined. The cream cheese should be fully incorporated, creating a creamy mixture.
- Roll the Crescents: Open the tube of crescent rolls and separate them into triangles as per the perforations. Place about a tablespoon of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Roll the crescent from the wide end to the narrow end, enclosing the filling inside.
- Arrange in the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. Place the rolled crescents seam-side down in the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the can of cream of chicken soup with the milk until smooth. Pour the sauce over the crescent rolls, ensuring they are all coated.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over the top of the sauce. This will add a nice crusty layer as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Chicken Crescent Bake comes out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overstuffing the Crescents: Adding too much filling to each crescent roll can cause them to burst open during baking. Stick to about a tablespoon of filling per crescent.
- Not Sealing the Rolls Properly: Make sure to pinch the seams of the crescent rolls closed to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
- Undercooking the Crescent Rolls: Ensure that the crescent rolls are fully cooked and golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. Cold cream cheese can be difficult to mix and may result in a lumpy filling.
- Not Mixing the Sauce Thoroughly: Make sure the soup and milk are fully combined before pouring over the crescent rolls to avoid any lumps in the sauce.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can elevate your dish from simple to spectacular. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your Chicken Crescent Bake.
How to Serve Chicken Crescent Bake
- Individual Portions: Serve the Chicken Crescent Bake as individual rolls, making it easy for everyone to enjoy their own portion. Use a spatula to carefully lift each roll from the dish.
- Family Style: Place the baking dish in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves. This method is perfect for a casual family dinner.
- With Sides: Pair this dish with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes to complete the meal.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Crescent Bake
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or basil over the baked crescents for a pop of color and freshness.
- Add a Drizzle: Just before serving, drizzle a bit of the sauce from the baking dish over the top of each crescent roll for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Use a Decorative Dish: Bake and serve the Chicken Crescent Bake in a decorative casserole dish to make the presentation even more appealing.
Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe Tips
To ensure the best results, consider these additional tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the Chicken Crescent Bake a few hours in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're baking it straight from the fridge.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help keep the crescent rolls crisp.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked crescent rolls with the filling for up to 2 months. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, arrange them in a baking dish, add the sauce, and bake from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the filling might be slightly less rich and creamy.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crescent rolls and ensure the cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can be added to the chicken filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, canned chicken can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Conclusion
This Chicken Crescent Bake is a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it's bound to be a hit. With its creamy, cheesy filling and flaky crescent roll exterior, this recipe is the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Plus, with the various substitutions and variations, you can tailor it to your family’s preferences. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step guide, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that's sure to become a staple in your home!
PrintChicken Crescent Bake Recipe
This Chicken Crescent Bake is a comforting dish featuring crescent rolls stuffed with seasoned shredded chicken, cream cheese, and topped with a rich sauce made from cream of chicken soup and milk. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tube (8 count) regular-sized crescent rolls
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 tsp instant minced onion
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Sauce:
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 soup can of milk (use the empty soup can)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and mozzarella cheese.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on each triangle. Roll up the crescents starting from the wide end.
- Place the filled crescents in a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk. Pour this mixture over the crescents.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of the dish)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1050mg
Leave a Reply