Name: Baked Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls Recipe
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The star of the show! Cooked chicken forms the hearty base of our filling. You have fantastic flexibility here. Leftover rotisserie chicken is an absolute time-saver and adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Poached chicken breast, shredded after cooling, is another excellent option, offering a leaner profile. You could even use canned chicken in a pinch, just ensure it’s well-drained and flaked thoroughly. The key is to have it cooked and shredded for easy mixing and even distribution within the crescent rolls. Two cups provide a generous amount of filling for each roll, making them satisfying and substantial. Consider using a mix of dark and white meat chicken for a richer flavor profile. If you are cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are your best bet. Simply boil or bake them until cooked through, then shred with two forks. Remember to let the chicken cool slightly before shredding to avoid burning your fingers! For an extra layer of flavor, you could even lightly season the chicken with a touch of salt, pepper, and paprika before cooking it. This pre-seasoning step will elevate the overall taste of the filling.; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese is the magic binder that brings our filling together and adds that signature creamy texture. It’s crucial that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will make it incredibly easy to mix with the other ingredients, ensuring a smooth and homogenous filling. Cold cream cheese will be lumpy and difficult to incorporate, resulting in an uneven texture. You can speed up the softening process by unwrapping the cream cheese and cutting it into smaller cubes, then letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short 10-15 second bursts, being careful not to melt it completely. Full-fat cream cheese will provide the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but you can also use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter option. Just be aware that reduced-fat versions might not be quite as creamy. The subtle tanginess of cream cheese also perfectly complements the savory chicken and cheddar, creating a balanced and delicious flavor profile.; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, savory counterpoint to the creaminess of the cream cheese and adds a lovely cheesy flavor that everyone loves. Shredded cheddar is ideal as it melts evenly and incorporates beautifully into the filling. You can use pre-shredded cheddar for convenience, or shred your own from a block for potentially better flavor and melt. Sharp cheddar will give a more pronounced cheesy tang, while mild cheddar will be more subtle. For a fun twist, you could experiment with different types of cheddar, such as white cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier cheese pull. Consider using a good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. The cheese not only adds flavor but also contributes to the overall texture of the filling, creating that gooey, cheesy goodness that everyone craves.; 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Green onions (also known as scallions) bring a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant pop of color to our filling. They add a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and cream cheese, preventing the filling from being overly heavy. Make sure to chop the green onions finely so they distribute evenly throughout the mixture. Use both the white and green parts of the green onions for a more complex flavor. If you don’t have green onions on hand, you could substitute with a tablespoon of finely minced chives or a very small amount of finely diced white or yellow onion, though these will have a stronger flavor, so use sparingly. Freshness is key with green onions; they should be firm and bright green. Avoid using wilted or slimy green onions. A quarter of a cup provides just the right amount of freshness without overpowering the other flavors.; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder delivers a convenient and consistent garlic flavor to our filling. Garlic is a foundational savory flavor that complements chicken and cheese beautifully. Garlic powder is a great pantry staple and ensures even distribution of garlic flavor throughout the mixture. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount slightly, but start with half a teaspoon and taste as you go. Alternatively, you could use fresh garlic. If using fresh garlic, mince about 1-2 cloves very finely and sauté them briefly in a little butter or olive oil until fragrant before adding them to the filling mixture. This will mellow the raw garlic flavor and enhance its sweetness. However, for ease and speed, garlic powder works perfectly in this recipe.; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds another layer of savory depth and complexity to the filling, complementing the garlic powder and enhancing the overall umami flavor. Like garlic powder, onion powder is a convenient way to add onion flavor evenly. If you don’t have onion powder, you could consider using a very small amount of finely minced white or yellow onion, sautéed until softened, similar to the fresh garlic option. However, onion powder provides a milder, sweeter onion flavor that works perfectly in this recipe. Again, start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste preference.; Salt and pepper to taste: Salt and pepper are essential seasoning agents that enhance all the other flavors in the filling. They bring balance and depth, preventing the dish from tasting bland. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper, then taste the filling mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember that cheese and crescent rolls can also contain salt, so season cautiously and taste frequently. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter flavor. Consider using sea salt or kosher salt for a cleaner, less metallic taste. Proper seasoning is crucial for bringing all the elements of the filling together and making it truly delicious. Don’t be afraid to be generous with your seasoning, but always taste and adjust as you go!; 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls: Crescent rolls form the flaky, buttery, and perfectly portioned vessels for our savory chicken filling. Refrigerated crescent rolls are incredibly convenient and readily available in most grocery stores. The pre-made dough makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy to assemble. Look for the standard size crescent rolls, not the “grands” or jumbo versions, as these are the perfect size for individual servings. Make sure the crescent rolls are refrigerated until you are ready to use them. Working with cold dough is easier and prevents them from becoming sticky. You can use any brand of refrigerated crescent rolls that you prefer. The buttery flavor and flaky texture of crescent rolls are the perfect complement to the creamy, savory chicken filling, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The star of the show! Cooked chicken forms the hearty base of our filling. You have fantastic flexibility here. Leftover rotisserie chicken is an absolute time-saver and adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Poached chicken breast, shredded after cooling, is another excellent option, offering a leaner profile. You could even use canned chicken in a pinch, just ensure it’s well-drained and flaked thoroughly. The key is to have it cooked and shredded for easy mixing and even distribution within the crescent rolls. Two cups provide a generous amount of filling for each roll, making them satisfying and substantial. Consider using a mix of dark and white meat chicken for a richer flavor profile. If you are cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are your best bet. Simply boil or bake them until cooked through, then shred with two forks. Remember to let the chicken cool slightly before shredding to avoid burning your fingers! For an extra layer of flavor, you could even lightly season the chicken with a touch of salt, pepper, and paprika before cooking it. This pre-seasoning step will elevate the overall taste of the filling.

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese is the magic binder that brings our filling together and adds that signature creamy texture. It’s crucial that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will make it incredibly easy to mix with the other ingredients, ensuring a smooth and homogenous filling. Cold cream cheese will be lumpy and difficult to incorporate, resulting in an uneven texture. You can speed up the softening process by unwrapping the cream cheese and cutting it into smaller cubes, then letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short 10-15 second bursts, being careful not to melt it completely. Full-fat cream cheese will provide the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but you can also use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter option. Just be aware that reduced-fat versions might not be quite as creamy. The subtle tanginess of cream cheese also perfectly complements the savory chicken and cheddar, creating a balanced and delicious flavor profile.

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, savory counterpoint to the creaminess of the cream cheese and adds a lovely cheesy flavor that everyone loves. Shredded cheddar is ideal as it melts evenly and incorporates beautifully into the filling. You can use pre-shredded cheddar for convenience, or shred your own from a block for potentially better flavor and melt. Sharp cheddar will give a more pronounced cheesy tang, while mild cheddar will be more subtle. For a fun twist, you could experiment with different types of cheddar, such as white cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier cheese pull. Consider using a good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. The cheese not only adds flavor but also contributes to the overall texture of the filling, creating that gooey, cheesy goodness that everyone craves.

1/4 cup chopped green onions: Green onions (also known as scallions) bring a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant pop of color to our filling. They add a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and cream cheese, preventing the filling from being overly heavy. Make sure to chop the green onions finely so they distribute evenly throughout the mixture. Use both the white and green parts of the green onions for a more complex flavor. If you don’t have green onions on hand, you could substitute with a tablespoon of finely minced chives or a very small amount of finely diced white or yellow onion, though these will have a stronger flavor, so use sparingly. Freshness is key with green onions; they should be firm and bright green. Avoid using wilted or slimy green onions. A quarter of a cup provides just the right amount of freshness without overpowering the other flavors.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder delivers a convenient and consistent garlic flavor to our filling. Garlic is a foundational savory flavor that complements chicken and cheese beautifully. Garlic powder is a great pantry staple and ensures even distribution of garlic flavor throughout the mixture. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount slightly, but start with half a teaspoon and taste as you go. Alternatively, you could use fresh garlic. If using fresh garlic, mince about 1–2 cloves very finely and sauté them briefly in a little butter or olive oil until fragrant before adding them to the filling mixture. This will mellow the raw garlic flavor and enhance its sweetness. However, for ease and speed, garlic powder works perfectly in this recipe.

1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds another layer of savory depth and complexity to the filling, complementing the garlic powder and enhancing the overall umami flavor. Like garlic powder, onion powder is a convenient way to add onion flavor evenly. If you don’t have onion powder, you could consider using a very small amount of finely minced white or yellow onion, sautéed until softened, similar to the fresh garlic option. However, onion powder provides a milder, sweeter onion flavor that works perfectly in this recipe. Again, start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste preference.

Salt and pepper to taste: Salt and pepper are essential seasoning agents that enhance all the other flavors in the filling. They bring balance and depth, preventing the dish from tasting bland. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper, then taste the filling mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember that cheese and crescent rolls can also contain salt, so season cautiously and taste frequently. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter flavor. Consider using sea salt or kosher salt for a cleaner, less metallic taste. Proper seasoning is crucial for bringing all the elements of the filling together and making it truly delicious. Don’t be afraid to be generous with your seasoning, but always taste and adjust as you go!

2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls: Crescent rolls form the flaky, buttery, and perfectly portioned vessels for our savory chicken filling. Refrigerated crescent rolls are incredibly convenient and readily available in most grocery stores. The pre-made dough makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy to assemble. Look for the standard size crescent rolls, not the “grands” or jumbo versions, as these are the perfect size for individual servings. Make sure the crescent rolls are refrigerated until you are ready to use them. Working with cold dough is easier and prevents them from becoming sticky. You can use any brand of refrigerated crescent rolls that you prefer. The buttery flavor and flaky texture of crescent rolls are the perfect complement to the creamy, savory chicken filling, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet. Preheating your oven is the first crucial step. Ensuring the oven is at the correct temperature before you put the crescent rolls in will guarantee even baking and prevent them from being undercooked or overcooked. 375°F (190°C) is the ideal temperature for achieving golden brown, perfectly cooked crescent rolls. While the oven is preheating, prepare your baking sheet. Lightly greasing the baking sheet is important to prevent the crescent rolls from sticking and ensures they release easily after baking. You can use cooking spray, butter, or oil to grease the baking sheet. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper is another excellent option, as it also prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper can also help to promote even browning on the bottom of the crescent rolls.

In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This is where the magic happens – we create our delicious filling! Choose a medium-sized bowl that gives you enough room to comfortably mix all the ingredients without making a mess. Start by adding the softened cream cheese to the bowl. Using a spoon or spatula, break it down a bit to make it easier to mix. Then, add the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now, gently mix all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. You want to ensure that the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture and that all the ingredients are well incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the filling tough. The goal is to create a homogenous, creamy, and flavorful filling. Taste the filling at this stage and adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper) as needed. This is your chance to personalize the flavor to your liking. If you want a bit more garlic flavor, add a pinch more garlic powder. If you prefer a sharper cheese flavor, you could add a little more cheddar or even a touch of Parmesan cheese.

Open the cans of crescent rolls and separate the dough into triangles. Now it’s time to prepare the crescent roll dough. Carefully open the cans of refrigerated crescent rolls according to the package directions. Usually, this involves peeling back the label and pressing along the seam to open the can. Once opened, gently unroll the dough and separate it into individual triangles along the pre-cut lines. You should have approximately 8 triangles per can, so 16 triangles in total from two cans. Lay the crescent roll triangles out on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or your lightly floured countertop. Keep them separated so they don’t stick together. Work relatively quickly once you open the cans, as the dough will start to warm up at room temperature and become a bit stickier.

Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Now for the fun part – stuffing the crescent rolls! Take a heaping tablespoon of the chicken filling mixture and place it onto the wide end of one of the crescent roll triangles. Be generous with the filling, but avoid overfilling, as this can make it difficult to seal the crescent rolls properly and the filling might leak out during baking. A heaping tablespoon should be just the right amount to create a satisfyingly stuffed crescent roll without being overly messy. Repeat this step for all the crescent roll triangles, placing a heaping tablespoon of filling on the wide end of each one. Try to distribute the filling evenly among all the triangles so you have enough for each roll.

Roll up each triangle, starting from the wide end, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. This is how we create the iconic crescent shape and seal in the delicious filling. Starting at the wide end of a crescent triangle (where you placed the filling), gently roll the dough towards the pointed end. Tuck in the sides as you roll to keep the filling enclosed and create a neat crescent shape. Pinch the pointed end to seal the roll and prevent it from unrolling during baking. Place the rolled crescent roll onto the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Arrange the crescent rolls on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even baking and air circulation. They will puff up slightly as they bake. Repeat this rolling and placing process for all the filled crescent triangles until you have arranged all of them on the baking sheet.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown. Time to bake our stuffed crescent rolls to golden perfection! Place the baking sheet with the assembled crescent rolls in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The crescent rolls are done when they are puffed up, golden brown on top, and the dough is cooked through (not doughy in the center). The filling will be heated through and melty. If you are unsure if they are cooked through, you can gently pull one crescent roll apart in the center to check if the dough is fully cooked. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the crescent rolls dry. The goal is to achieve a perfect balance of golden brown color, flaky texture, and cooked-through dough.

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Once the crescent rolls are beautifully golden brown, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Use oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands, as the baking sheet and crescent rolls will be very hot. Let the Baked Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the filling to set slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth on piping hot filling. It also makes them easier to handle. The aroma at this stage will be absolutely irresistible! After a few minutes of cooling, the Baked Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are ready to be served and enjoyed. They are best served warm, when the crescent rolls are still flaky and the filling is warm and gooey.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 350-400