Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe
There is nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a homemade Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake. This delightful dish brings together tender cooked chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and flaky crescent rolls into one irresistibly cozy casserole. Every bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors that make it an ideal family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck addition. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a warm, hearty meal wrapped in flaky, golden crescents.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake lies not only in its flavors but also in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from giving the dish creaminess and moisture to adding bursts of cheesy goodness and flaky texture.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Shredded or chopped, rotisserie chicken works wonders here for quick prep and rich flavor.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (1 tube, 8-count): These provide the buttery, flaky exterior that holds all the delicious fillings inside.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): It adds that creamy, smooth base that soaks into the crescents and blends all flavors.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Used to thin the soup and create a luscious sauce that bakes perfectly into the dish.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded, divided): Half goes inside the crescents and half tops the bake for a golden, melty crust.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of savory warmth without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a gentle hint of sweetness and aroma.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch to brighten and balance the creaminess with mild heat.
- Optional garnish – chopped parsley: A fresh pop of green that brightens up the presentation beautifully.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s perfectly ready when your bake goes in. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and help the crescents develop that lovely golden crust.
Step 2: Fill the Crescents
Carefully unroll your crescent dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles. At the wide end of each triangle, spoon some of the cooked chicken and sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar cheese. Roll each one up snugly from the wide end toward the point, making sure to tuck in the filling. Place these rolls seam side down in your prepared baking dish—this keeps them sealed during baking.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Next, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. This flavorful sauce is what turns those crescent rolls into a luscious, comforting casserole.
Step 4: Pour Sauce and Top with Cheese
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the rolled-up crescents in your baking dish, making sure to coat every inch. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. This layer will melt down and form that irresistible cheesy topping that everyone will love.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crescents are puffy and golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and everything sets beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a simple yet effective way to brighten the look and add a touch of fresh flavor. It creates a lovely color contrast with the golden cheese topping, making your Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. The freshness balances out the richness of the casserole perfectly and adds the right bite on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake in individual ramekins or muffin tins so each person gets a personal cheesy crescent roll perfect for dipping. Alternatively, sprinkle a bit of extra shredded cheese and herbs right before serving to amp up the flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven to enjoy the comforting flavors all over again.
Freezing
You can freeze your Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake unbaked for up to 2 months. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed. This is a fantastic option for meal prepping or bringing a dish to gatherings.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place individual portions on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. This method helps maintain the crescent’s flaky texture and melty cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully cook and shred the chicken before adding it to the crescents. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but any cooked chicken works well.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slight flavor variation. Alternatively, make a quick homemade cream sauce to keep things creamy and delicious.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, finely chopped cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can add a nice boost of flavor and nutrition. Just be sure they’re cooked ahead and drained of excess moisture to avoid soggy crescents.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
You could try using a gluten-free crescent roll or puff pastry alternative, but baking times might vary. Check the package instructions and monitor the bake closely to get that perfect golden finish.
How spicy is this dish?
This Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake is mild and kid-friendly. You can add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the sauce for a little kick if you prefer some heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting meal that’s easy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious, the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake is an unbeatable choice. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles around the table and warms the heart with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a new favorite in your home—it’s truly that good!
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Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender shredded chicken wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, smothered in a creamy seasoned sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this dish combines convenience with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Filling and Crescents
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls (8-count)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley for a pop of color
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside while you prepare the crescents.
- Fill the Crescents: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. Place a spoonful of the cooked chicken and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese at the wide end of each triangle. Roll each crescent starting at the wide end, covering the filling and rolling toward the point. Arrange the rolled crescents seam side down evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the crescent rolls in the baking dish, ensuring all are covered.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the crescents and sauce. This will create a delicious, gooey, golden cheesy topping when baked.
- Bake It Up: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling along the edges. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked chicken with cooked turkey or leftover rotisserie meat for convenience.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture.
- If desired, use low-fat or reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup and cheese to make it a bit lighter.
- Make sure to allow the bake to rest after removing from the oven to avoid the sauce being too runny when served.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and freshness just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1/8th of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken crescent bake, chicken casserole, easy dinner recipe, crescent roll recipes, creamy chicken bake
