Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love, this Chicken Crescent Bake recipe is just what you need. This dish combines flaky, buttery crescent rolls with a creamy, savory chicken filling, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a special family dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Read on to learn how to make this simple and delicious Chicken Crescent Bake!

What Is Chicken Crescent Bake?

Chicken Crescent Bake is a delicious casserole-style dish made by wrapping cooked chicken, cream cheese, and shredded cheese in crescent roll dough and baking it until golden and bubbly. The result is a creamy, cheesy, and savory filling encased in buttery, flaky crescent rolls. It’s a perfect dish for comfort food lovers and can be made in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients List for Chicken Crescent Bake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Chicken Crescent Bake:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (condensed)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Ingredients List (Optional Add-ons or Variations)

• ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (for extra flavor)
• ¼ cup chopped broccoli or spinach (to sneak in some veggies)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for added richness)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a tangy kick)

Substitutions and Variations

This Chicken Crescent Bake recipe is quite flexible, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with cooked mushrooms, sautéed spinach, or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3: Roll the Crescent Rolls

Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll the dough into triangles. Place a heaping spoonful of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Roll up the dough around the filling, starting from the wide end, and place each filled crescent roll into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will create a flavorful sauce to pour over the crescent rolls before baking.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce

Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the filled crescent rolls in the baking dish. Make sure the rolls are coated with the sauce so they stay moist and flavorful during baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the Chicken Crescent Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. If needed, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the Chicken Crescent Bake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

Here’s a recap of how to make this simple and delicious Chicken Crescent Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the chicken filling with cream cheese, shredded cheese, and seasonings.
3. Fill the crescent rolls with the chicken mixture and roll them up.
4. Prepare the sauce with cream of chicken soup, milk, and butter.
5. Pour the sauce over the crescent rolls.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve with fresh herbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Crescent Bake:

• Overfilling the Crescent Rolls: Be careful not to overstuff the crescent rolls, as this can cause them to burst open while baking. Use a heaping spoonful of the chicken mixture, but leave enough room to roll the dough securely.
• Not Greasing the Baking Dish: Don’t forget to grease the baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the crescent rolls from sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Undercooking the Chicken: If you're not using pre-cooked chicken, be sure to fully cook the chicken before adding it to the filling. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred chicken breasts ahead of time.
• Skipping the Sauce: The sauce adds moisture and flavor to the crescent rolls. Don’t skip it, as it keeps the dish from becoming dry.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Crescent Bake is a hearty and filling dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• Family-Style Serving: Serve the crescent rolls directly from the baking dish at the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Individual Plates: Plate each crescent roll with a spoonful of sauce and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a beautiful presentation.
• Accompaniments: Serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or garlic bread to complete the meal.

How to Serve Chicken Crescent Bake

To serve Chicken Crescent Bake:

• Use a spatula to carefully lift each crescent roll from the baking dish, ensuring you get a spoonful of the creamy sauce with each portion.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve hot with a side of vegetables, salad, or even mashed potatoes.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Crescent Bake

To make your Chicken Crescent Bake even more visually appealing, try these presentation ideas:

• Use a white baking dish to make the golden crescent rolls stand out.
• Garnish generously with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a pop of green color.
• Serve with a side of colorful roasted vegetables for a balanced and beautiful plate.

Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your Chicken Crescent Bake turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s pre-cooked, flavorful, and saves time in the kitchen.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the crescent rolls. This makes it even quicker to put together on busy nights.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to the chicken mixture to make the dish even heartier and more nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
A: Yes! You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey, ham, or even ground beef for a different flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the crescent rolls and the sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the dish in the oven and bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Crescent Bake?
A: Yes! You can freeze the baked dish for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Q: Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of refrigerated dough?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer homemade crescent dough, you can use it in place of the store-bought variety. Just roll it out into triangles and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Q: Can I use low-fat ingredients in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese if you want a lighter version of this dish. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious.

Conclusion

This Chicken Crescent Bake recipe is a comfort food classic that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With creamy, cheesy chicken wrapped in flaky crescent rolls and topped with a rich sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is a winner. Try it out tonight, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!

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