Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe

Are you on the lookout for a quick, delicious, and comforting meal that the whole family will love? Then this Chicken Crescent Bake recipe is perfect for you! This dish combines flaky crescent rolls with tender, seasoned chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful spices to create a dinner that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Read on to discover the full details, from ingredients to serving tips, and ensure your dish is a hit every time!

What is Chicken Crescent Bake?

Chicken Crescent Bake is a warm, hearty dish made by wrapping cooked chicken and cheese in crescent roll dough and baking it until golden and delicious. The recipe often includes a creamy sauce, such as a mix of soup and milk, which adds richness and moisture to the dish. It’s a versatile, customizable dish that can be adjusted according to your taste preferences, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a weekend treat.

Ingredients List for Chicken Crescent Bake

To make this mouthwatering Chicken Crescent Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredients List for Chicken Crescent Bake Sauce

The sauce in Chicken Crescent Bake adds the creaminess and richness that makes this dish so comforting. Here’s what you’ll need for the sauce:

• 1 can cream of chicken soup (substitute with cream of mushroom or celery if you prefer)
• ½ cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional but recommended for extra tang)
• A pinch of garlic powder
• A pinch of black pepper

This sauce is simple but flavorful, complementing the chicken and crescent rolls perfectly.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Chicken Crescent Bake is its versatility. You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some substitution ideas:

• Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can use canned chicken or even turkey as an alternative.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a common choice, but you can switch it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
• Cream of Soup: While cream of chicken is the classic choice, cream of mushroom or cream of celery can add different flavors to the dish.
• Sour Cream: If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
• Add Veggies: For a more nutritious version, try adding sautéed spinach, broccoli, or peas into the mix.
• Spices: Feel free to add other spices such as paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

These variations allow you to make the Chicken Crescent Bake your own, adapting it to the tastes of your family or guests.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started with cooking. This Chicken Crescent Bake comes together quickly, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get the best results.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, shredded cheese, and a little salt and pepper to taste.
3. Roll the crescents: Unroll the crescent rolls from the can. Separate them into triangles. Place a small amount of the chicken-cheese mixture in the center of each triangle, then roll them up from the wide end toward the narrow tip. Place each roll in the prepared baking dish.
4. Make the sauce: In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth. Add a pinch of garlic powder and black pepper for extra flavor.
5. Pour the sauce over the crescent rolls in the baking dish, ensuring they’re well covered but not drowning in sauce.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. If the tops of the crescents are browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
7. Garnish and serve: Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

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

Cooking Chicken Crescent Bake is easy, but following some key steps will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. Here’s a brief guide to help you avoid common pitfalls and make the process even smoother:

1. Use pre-cooked chicken: Whether you use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken, make sure it's fully cooked before adding it to the crescents. This saves time and ensures the meat is tender.
2. Don’t overfill the crescents: While it may be tempting to add a lot of filling, try to keep it moderate so that the crescents seal well and bake evenly.
3. Bake until golden: Keep an eye on the crescents as they bake. The perfect Chicken Crescent Bake will have golden, crispy crescents with a bubbling, creamy sauce underneath.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is pretty straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overfilling the crescents: Too much filling can cause the crescents to burst open, leaving the filling to leak out.
• Not covering with enough sauce: The sauce helps keep the dish moist, so make sure to cover the crescents adequately.
• Underbaking: Ensure that the crescents are fully cooked and golden-brown before taking them out of the oven. Undercooked crescent rolls can be doughy and unappetizing.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving Chicken Crescent Bake, especially if you’re making it for guests. While this dish is a casual comfort food, you can still dress it up for a nicer presentation.

How to Serve Chicken Crescent Bake

Chicken Crescent Bake is best served warm, straight out of the oven. Pair it with simple side dishes like a green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes to round out the meal. You can also add a bit of color by garnishing the top with freshly chopped parsley or chives.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Crescent Bake

To make this dish look as good as it tastes, consider the following presentation ideas:

• Individual servings: Plate the crescents individually, drizzling a little sauce over each one for a clean and neat presentation.
• Family-style: Serve the bake directly from the baking dish for a more casual, family-style dinner.
• Fresh herbs: Garnishing with fresh parsley or basil not only adds color but also enhances the flavor.

Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe Tips

• Prep ahead: You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them up to 4 hours before baking if you want to prepare in advance.
• Use parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Crescent Bake?
A: Yes! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked rolls and sauce for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q: What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
A: Rotisserie chicken is ideal for its convenience and flavor, but any cooked and shredded chicken will work.

Q: Can I use homemade crescent dough?
A: Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch, though it may require adjusting the cooking time.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Conclusion

Chicken Crescent Bake is a simple, satisfying dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With its flaky, buttery crescents and rich, creamy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out some fun variations, the results will always be delicious. Happy cooking!

Print