Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe

If you're looking for a tasty, comforting dish that's easy to whip up for dinner, this Chicken Crescent Bake recipe is perfect for you! Packed with creamy chicken filling, wrapped in golden, flaky crescent rolls, and topped with a savory sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best chicken crescent bake, including ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, tips, and even serving suggestions. Keep reading to find out how you can bring this warm and cozy dish to your dinner table tonight!

this Recipe

---

What Is Chicken Crescent Bake?

Chicken Crescent Bake is a flavorful and simple casserole made from crescent rolls, shredded chicken, and a creamy sauce, often featuring cream cheese, sour cream, or condensed soup. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

The dish takes inspiration from classic American comfort food, and it's a great way to turn leftover chicken into something exciting. Plus, crescent rolls add a buttery, flaky touch that complements the creamy chicken filling perfectly.

---

Ingredients List for Chicken Crescent Bake

To make a delicious Chicken Crescent Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken works great)
• 1 can of refrigerated crescent rolls (usually 8 rolls per can)
• 1 package (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• ½ cup of sour cream
• ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter (optional, for brushing on top of the rolls)

---

Ingredients List for the Creamy Sauce

To elevate the Chicken Crescent Bake to the next level, you’ll want to top it off with a creamy, flavorful sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• ½ cup of milk (or half-and-half for a creamier sauce)
• ½ teaspoon of dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

This sauce adds moisture and richness to the dish, ensuring every bite is flavorful and creamy.

---

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Chicken Crescent Bake is its versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Protein Substitutions: While shredded chicken is traditional, you can easily substitute cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded ham. This is a great recipe for using leftover meat from a holiday meal.
• Cheese Variations: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory flavor, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a little kick.
• Add Vegetables: To make this dish more wholesome, consider adding finely chopped veggies like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the chicken mixture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the cream cheese and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives, and use a dairy-free crescent roll brand to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking a Chicken Crescent Bake is easier than you might think. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get the perfect bake every time:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready when it’s time to bake.
2. Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the chicken is fully coated and the cream cheese is evenly distributed.
3. Roll the Chicken in Crescent Rolls: Open the can of crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle and roll them up, tucking in the sides as you go. Place each rolled crescent into a greased baking dish, seam-side down.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a small saucepan, mix together the can of cream of chicken soup, milk, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through and smooth.
5. Pour Sauce Over Crescents: Once your sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the crescent rolls in the baking dish. Make sure each roll is coated well.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the sauce-covered crescents.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crescents are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
8. Brush with Butter (Optional): For extra richness and flavor, brush the tops of the crescents with melted butter once they come out of the oven.

---

How to Cook Chicken Crescent Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to make the perfect Chicken Crescent Bake:

1. Shred Your Chicken: If you're using freshly cooked chicken, allow it to cool slightly before shredding. Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience, but if you’re boiling or roasting your own chicken breasts, make sure they’re seasoned with at least salt and pepper for added flavor.
2. Cream Cheese Must Be Softened: For easier mixing, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This allows it to combine smoothly with the shredded chicken.
3. Roll Crescents Carefully: While rolling up the chicken mixture inside the crescent dough, be careful not to overstuff the rolls. Too much filling can cause them to burst open during baking.
4. Prepare Sauce Ahead of Time: The sauce can be made a few hours ahead if needed, but make sure to heat it up again before pouring it over the crescents to ensure even cooking.
5. Bake Until Golden: Watch the crescent rolls closely as they bake. Once they reach a golden-brown color and the sauce is bubbling, they’re done.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overstuffing the Crescents: If you put too much filling inside each crescent, they might burst open during baking, which can cause a mess and uneven cooking.
• Not Preheating the Oven: This is crucial for even cooking. If the oven isn’t hot enough, the crescent rolls may turn out soggy instead of golden and flaky.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold cream cheese and chicken make it harder to get a smooth, evenly mixed filling. Be sure to let your ingredients come to room temperature before assembling the dish.
• Skipping the Sauce: The creamy sauce not only adds flavor but also keeps the crescents from drying out in the oven.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Crescent Bake can be a hearty main course, but you can easily elevate it with some thoughtful serving and presentation tips.

---

How to Serve Chicken Crescent Bake

This dish pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides like a mixed green salad or steamed vegetables. To complement the rich and creamy flavors of the bake, you can serve it with:

• Roasted broccoli or asparagus for a healthy, vibrant contrast.
• Mashed potatoes or rice pilaf for an extra comforting side.
• Cranberry sauce or a light fruit salad to add a touch of sweetness.

---

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Crescent Bake

• Individual Portions: After baking, use a spatula to lift each crescent roll from the dish and place it on individual plates. Drizzle any extra sauce from the baking dish over the top.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley, chives, or even cilantro on top of each portion for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve in the Baking Dish: For a more family-style approach, place the entire dish on the dinner table and let everyone serve themselves.

---

Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the Chicken Crescent Bake up to 8 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
• Freezing Option: After assembling the crescents and sauce, you can freeze the entire dish for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
• Spice It Up: If you want to add some heat, consider adding a bit of chopped jalapeño to the chicken mixture or using a spicy cheese like pepper jack.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, canned chicken can work as a quick and convenient substitute for freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to drain and shred it well.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
While crescent rolls are more commonly used, puff pastry can work in a pinch. However, it will result in a different texture—more buttery and flaky.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese or prefer a lighter option, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese, though they will alter the flavor slightly.

---

Conclusion

With its creamy, cheesy filling wrapped in golden crescent rolls and topped with a savory sauce, Chicken Crescent Bake is a dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you're preparing it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a great way to enjoy comfort food at its finest. Try out the substitutions and variations to suit your taste, and don’t forget to use the tips to make sure your bake turns out perfectly every time. Happy cooking!

Print