Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake has always been my go-to for a quick, comforting weeknight meal that the whole family devours. It’s the ultimate comfort food, made even better by its incredible ease. I love how the creamy chicken filling melds perfectly with the flaky, buttery crescent dough, creating a truly satisfying meal. If you’re looking for a delicious cheesy chicken casserole with crescent rolls or simply an easy cheesy chicken bake recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking this family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
This recipe is a weeknight winner for so many reasons! It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s incredibly easy to whip up. Here’s why it’s a family favorite:
- Super Speedy: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings. This is a truly quick cheesy chicken bake.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and wrapped in buttery dough – it’s pure coziness in every bite.
- Family Approved: Even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds of this chicken and crescent roll casserole.
- Uses Leftovers: Fantastic for using up leftover shredded chicken from Sunday dinner.
- Minimal Cleanup: Often a one-pan wonder, meaning less time scrubbing and more time enjoying.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite cheeses or a little spice.
- Deliciously Creamy: The rich chicken filling is simply irresistible.
Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful cheesy chicken crescent bake is simple. You’ll need two cans of refrigerated crescent rolls to create that perfect flaky crust. For the luscious filling, you’ll want 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened, which gives our creamy cheesy chicken crescent bake its signature richness. I always use about 2 to 3 cups of cooked shredded chicken – rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here! Then, add 1/3 cup sour cream for extra tang, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for that gooey factor, and a pinch of 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder for flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper, to taste. Finally, you’ll need 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup and 1/2 cup milk to create the savory sauce that bakes over everything.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
This recipe for how to make cheesy chicken crescent bake is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get this delicious meal on the table. Let’s get started on this comforting chicken crescent roll bake recipe!
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light grease so nothing sticks.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cooked shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all up until it’s nice and creamy, with everything well combined. This filling is what makes this cheesy chicken bake so irresistible!
- Step 3: Now, let’s work with the crescent rolls. Unroll the dough and separate it into those classic triangles. Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the wider end of each triangle. Roll them up tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside. Arrange them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish, creating a lovely pattern.
- Step 4: In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and the milk until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Pour this sauce evenly over all the crescent rolls nestled in the dish. This sauce adds so much flavor and moisture.
- Step 5: Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color on the crescent rolls and bubbly sauce. Once it’s done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows everything to settle and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your homemade cheesy chicken crescent bake!
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
Want to elevate your cheesy chicken crescent bake from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that make all the difference. These tips ensure your cheesy chicken bake using crescent dough is always a hit at the dinner table!
- For the flakiest crust, make sure your crescent dough is cold when you start assembling.
- Don’t skimp on the cream cheese; using the full 8 ounces is key to that ultra-creamy filling.
- If you’re using leftover chicken, shred it finely so it distributes evenly within the crescent rolls.
- A sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top before baking adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
What’s the secret to a perfect Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake?
The secret to the best cheesy chicken crescent bake is twofold: a super creamy filling and properly sealed crescent rolls. Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened and don’t overfill the dough triangles, allowing them to seal tightly for that perfect bake. For more tips on achieving perfect baked goods, you can check out our baking guides.
Can I make Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire cheesy chicken bake, minus the sauce, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Add the sauce just before baking and expect to add a few extra minutes to the cook time. For more information on meal prep, visit our homepage.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake?
A common mistake is overfilling the crescent rolls, which can prevent them from sealing properly. Also, make sure your cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother filling. Finally, don’t skip resting the bake for 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven! Proper food handling is crucial, and you can learn more about it at our safety guidelines.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
This delightful cheesy chicken crescent bake is so versatile, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and cheese. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans also make a fantastic, healthy accompaniment. If you’re looking for a heartier option, consider serving this chicken crescent bake with cheese alongside a scoop of fluffy mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf. It’s a true comfort food meal!
Variations of Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
One of the things I adore about this cheesy chicken crescent bake is how easily it can be adapted. You can create a delicious cheesy chicken puff pastry bake by swapping the crescent rolls for puff pastry sheets for an extra flaky texture. For a bit of heat, stir in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling to make a spicy cheesy chicken bake. If you’re aiming for a healthier or different flavor profile, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even a different cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a simple cheesy chicken crescent bake. And for those looking for a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and spinach, or even a plant-based protein alternative. The possibilities are endless for this versatile dish! For more recipe inspiration, check out our recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
Can I use rotisserie chicken in my Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this cheesy chicken crescent bake. It’s already cooked and seasoned, saving you a significant amount of prep time. Just shred it and mix it into the creamy filling as directed.
How do I freeze Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake?
You can freeze this cheesy chicken bake before or after baking. For freezing unbaked, assemble the dish completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the sauce, then bake as usual, adding a little extra time. If freezing baked portions, let them cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven. For more on food storage, see our storage tips.
What is Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake and how do I reheat leftovers?
What is cheesy chicken crescent bake? It’s a wonderfully comforting dish featuring a creamy chicken and cheese filling wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, all baked together. For reheating leftovers, the best method is to place a serving in a baking dish and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the texture of the crescent rolls better than microwaving, which can make them a bit soggy. You can find more reheating advice at our kitchen tips.
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Amazing Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake is a comforting, cheesy, and quick weeknight dinner. Packed with creamy chicken filling and wrapped in buttery crescent dough, it’s the definition of easy comfort food, perfect for busy nights or picky eaters. It’s ready in under an hour and is flexible for using leftovers or customizing flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 to 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
- Unroll crescent dough, separate into triangles. Place 1-2 tablespoons of chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Pour evenly over the crescent rolls.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick prep.
- Do not overfill the crescent rolls to ensure they seal properly.
- Add herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
- Consider adding mozzarella or topping with parmesan for more richness.
- Stir in jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Swap cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack, or add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, adding sauce just before baking.
- Freeze unbaked rolls for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding extra time.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best results.
- Serve with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or light soup.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, cheese sauce, or paprika.
- Puff pastry can be used as a substitute for a flakier texture.
- For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms and spinach or plant-based protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving