Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake is a comforting and hearty meal that your whole family will love. This dish combines tender chicken, gooey cheese, and flaky crescent rolls, making it not only delicious but also easy to prepare. If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t require a lot of time or complicated steps, this recipe is for you. It’s perfect for using leftover chicken or even rotisserie chicken from the store, which cuts down on prep time. Plus, the creamy sauce and melted cheese create a delightful flavor that feels indulgent without being difficult to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
Making Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake is simple and straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together, especially with just a few key ingredients. Below is a step-by-step guide to preparing this scrumptious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie works great)
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls (8-count)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley for a pop of color
Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Setting this aside will prepare you for the next steps, ensuring everything is organized and ready for smooth assembly.
Step 2: Fill the Crescents
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. On the wider end of each triangle, place a spoonful of cooked chicken followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Gently roll up each triangle, starting at the wide end and rolling toward the point, making sure to enclose the filling securely. Once rolled, place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and blended well. This creamy sauce will add moisture and flavor to the dish.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the crescent rolls in the baking dish. To create a delicious cheesy topping, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over everything. As it bakes, this will melt into a delightful golden cheese layer.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Once finished, allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief wait helps the sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to dish out.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake is versatile and pairs well with various sides. You can serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for a light complement or with steamed broccoli for a healthy touch. For a heartier meal, consider adding garlic bread or roasted vegetables. This dish can easily be the star of your dinner spread or a comforting weeknight meal on its own.
To make your presentation pop, garnish with fresh, chopped parsley right before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a little freshness to the dish.
How to Store Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
If you have leftovers, storing Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake is simple. Let the dish cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
If you prefer to freeze the dish, it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble the crescent rolls with the filling and place them in the baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you are ready to bake, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before following the baking instructions.
Tips to Make Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option. It’s already cooked and seasoned, which enhances the flavor of your dish.
Add Vegetables: For an even healthier twist, consider adding some vegetables. Chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or even frozen mixed vegetables can be added to the filling for extra nutrition.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the filling. This will give your dish an exciting kick.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake ahead of time. Just assemble the dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Additional Cheese Varieties: You can experiment with different cheeses. While cheddar is delicious, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses can add unique flavors to your bake.
Variation
While the classic version of Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake is delightful, there are plenty of variations to explore. One popular option is to swap out the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different taste. You could also use shredded turkey instead of chicken, especially around the holidays when you might have leftovers.
For a more luxurious take, consider adding a layer of pesto sauce over the chicken before adding the cheese. For those who like a crunch, try topping the bake with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Simply cook the chicken first, shred or chop it, and then use it in the recipe. You may want to season it to enhance the flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, to make a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with cooked vegetables. Ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or grilled zucchini work well to create a hearty filling.
How do I know when the bake is fully cooked?
The bake is fully cooked when the crescent rolls are golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating that it is heated through.
Print
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty meal featuring tender chicken, gooey cheese, and flaky crescent rolls. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie works great)
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls (8-count)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Unroll the crescent dough, place a spoonful of cooked chicken and sprinkle some cheese on each triangle, and roll them up. Place seam side down in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the crescent rolls, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Allow cooling for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Can be served with a salad or steamed vegetables. Garnish with parsley for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken bake, crescent rolls, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy recipe