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Cheesy chicken crescent rolls are my ultimate answer to quick comfort food In just about thirty minutes you get buttery golden rolls filled with a creamy mix of chicken and cheese brightened by parsley and a whisper of garlic These bundles are crowd pleasers at every party or work perfectly for busy weeknights when dinner needs to come together fast Serve them warm and watch how quickly they vanish from the tray
I first whipped up these when the fridge was nearly empty and now they are my not so secret trick for winning over friends and family alike
Ingredients
- Crescent roll dough: from a can gives buttery soft layers choose dough that is cold and fresh for the best texture and easy rolling
- Cooked chicken shredded: brings protein and heartiness any cooked chicken works but rotisserie adds the most flavor
- Cream cheese softened: blends effortlessly into a rich creamy filling select the full fat kind for a meltier result
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts into gooey ribbons sharp cheddar packs the most flavor grate your own for top notch meltiness
- Garlic powder: wakes up the savory notes go for garlic powder instead of salt to control seasoning
- Parsley: fresh or dried gives a burst of herb flavor and a touch of color fresh parsley really pops but dried works in a pinch
- Salt and pepper: round out every bite with just the right balance fresh cracked pepper feels zestier
- Olive oil or cooking spray: keeps the rolls from sticking and delivers crisp bottoms pick a mild oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet:
- Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray to keep the rolls from sticking and help them crisp
- Make the Chicken Filling:
- Mix together your shredded chicken cream cheese cheddar cheese garlic powder parsley salt and pepper in a large bowl until everything is well combined and creamy
- Shape the Rolls:
- Roll out the crescent dough sheet onto a clean counter gently separate at the perforations to create individual triangles
- Fill and Roll:
- Spoon a heap of the chicken filling onto the wide end of each dough triangle then roll it up snugly toward the point pinching the sides to seal in the filling
- Arrange and Bake:
- Place each stuffed roll seam side down on your greased baking sheet keeping space between each one to help them brown on all sides
- Bake Until Golden:
- Bake for about twelve to fifteen minutes watching closely at the end so they turn puffed and perfectly golden without overbaking
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the rolls to rest for three minutes on the tray before transferring with a spatula this keeps the shape intact and lets the melty cheese settle
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Cheddar cheese always reminds me of baking as a kid with my grandma who thought every bread could be brightened with a handful of cheddar these rolls always bring me back to those cozy kitchen moments
Storage Tips
Once cooled completely store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best texture reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven instead of microwaving which softens the crust If freezing wrap well before baking for ready to bake snacks or freeze cooked rolls then reheat directly from frozen
Ingredient Substitutions
No cheddar on hand Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a flavor twist Cottage cheese works in place of cream cheese but makes for a softer filling Well drained canned chicken also works and is worth seasoning for extra flavor
Serving Suggestions
Round out your meal with a crisp green salad tomato soup or veggie sticks For casual gatherings slice each roll into bite sized pieces and pair with a mild salsa or honey mustard They are also great for lunchboxes especially paired with apple slices
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Cultural or Historical Context
Convenience baking took hold in American kitchens during the twentieth century making canned crescent dough a staple Cheesy filled rolls are comfort food classics in many cultures echoing traditions of pairing creamy fillings with soft warm bread
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Yes, rotisserie chicken adds rich flavor and shreds easily for mixing with the cheeses and seasonings.
- → Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
Mascarpone or ricotta can replace cream cheese for a similar creamy texture though the flavor will vary slightly.
- → How do I keep the crescent rolls from sticking?
Lightly grease your baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray before arranging the filled rolls to prevent sticking and ensure crisp bottoms.
- → Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken and cheese filling can be mixed in advance and refrigerated until ready to fill and bake.
- → Are these rolls suitable for gluten free diets?
Using gluten free crescent dough makes these tasty bundles an option for gluten sensitive diets.
- → What can I serve with these crescent rolls?
They pair well with crisp salads, tomato soup, or raw vegetable sticks for a balanced meal or appetizer spread.