This Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Bake is a tasty mix of spicy chicken and cream cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent rolls. It’s perfect for game day or a cozy night in!
Honestly, who doesn’t love soft, golden rolls packed with zesty chicken? I find myself sneakily grabbing more than one—it’s just too good to resist! 😋
Making this dish is super easy. Just fill, roll, and bake! It’s a crowd-pleaser and always makes my kitchen smell amazing. Enjoy it hot with some ranch or blue cheese dressing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, boiling or baking works too. You can even use leftover turkey for a fun twist!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my go-to, but you can adjust the spice level by using a milder sauce or making a homemade version with hot sauce and melted butter. Keep it fun by experimenting with different flavors!
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives the filling richness. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or sour cream, though the texture will vary slightly.
Cheddar Cheese: I usually blend sharp cheddar with mozzarella for the perfect balance of flavor and melt. If you’re dairy-free, use plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well.
Crescent Roll Dough: The refrigerated dough makes this dish super easy, but if you want, you can use homemade biscuit dough or even phyllo pastry for a different texture.
How Do I Roll Crescent Dough Without It Falling Apart?
Rolling crescent dough can sometimes be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it. First, make sure your dough is slightly chilled but flexible. This helps it hold its shape better when rolling.
- Start with the wide end of the triangle. Put a generous spoonful of the filling at that end.
- Gently roll towards the point. Don’t pull too tightly; allow room for the filling to expand.
- Pinch the seams together to seal them well, keeping the filling from leaking out during baking.
Practicing this method will help you achieve that perfect rolled shape that looks and tastes great!
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Dough:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Bake will take about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in about 40-45 minutes, you could have a tasty meal ready to enjoy! Perfect for placing in the oven while you get the perfect games or movie cozy set up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and everything bakes beautifully!
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, take the shredded chicken and pour in the Buffalo wing sauce. Mix it well so every piece of chicken gets that spicy flavor. Next, add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese (saving about 1/4 cup for later), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s all mixed together and creamy.
3. Roll the Crescent Dough:
Unroll the first can of crescent roll dough, separating it into triangles. Place a generous spoonful of your spicy buffalo chicken mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Start rolling from the wide end and gently wrap it around the filling, making sure to encase it well.
4. Arrange the Rolls:
Once you’ve rolled them all up, place them seam-side down in the greased baking dish. Pack them closely together for a nice, soft center.
5. Repeat and Top:
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and do the same filling and rolling process if you want more rolls. Remember to sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese evenly over the tops of your rolls to create a bubbly, cheesy goodness on top when they bake.
6. Bake and Garnish:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted. When you take them out, let them cool for a few minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish it up and dig into this warm, cheesy goodness! It’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while those flavors are bursting. Your friends and family won’t be able to resist!
Enjoy your warm, cheesy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Bake! Perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, just ensure it’s fully thawed first. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, cook and shred before mixing it into the Buffalo wing sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the filling in advance! Combine the chicken, sauces, and spices, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, roll it up in the crescent dough and follow the baking instructions. This makes for a quick assembly when your guests arrive!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through. If they seem a bit dry, add a small splash of ranch or blue cheese dressing to bring back the creaminess!
What Variations Can I Try?
You can spice things up by adding chopped jalapeños or swapping the chicken for shredded turkey or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version. For a cheesier option, try adding in some cream cheese-stuffed jalapeños or different cheese blends! Feel free to get creative!