If you're on the hunt for a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with your family, this Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, flavorful chicken with a creamy, cheesy filling, all wrapped up in soft, buttery crescent rolls. The creamy sauce poured over the top takes this dish to the next level, making it an instant favorite. Keep reading to discover how to make this mouthwatering recipe, along with tips, variations, and answers to common questions.
What is Chicken Crescent Bake?
Chicken Crescent Bake is a simple yet delicious dish that brings together the comforting flavors of chicken, cream cheese, and cheese, all wrapped in crescent rolls and baked to perfection. The crescent rolls turn golden brown and slightly crispy while the filling stays warm and creamy. The dish is then topped with a rich sauce made from cream of chicken soup and milk, adding an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or even a special occasion.
Ingredients List for Chicken Crescent Bake
To create this savory Chicken Crescent Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 tube (8-count) regular-sized crescent rolls
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon instant minced onion
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
For the sauce:
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (soup can) of milk (use the empty soup can to measure)
Substitutions and Variations
This Chicken Crescent Bake recipe is quite versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:
- Protein Variations:
- Substitute shredded turkey, ham, or even rotisserie chicken for the cooked chicken to create different flavors.
- Add cooked bacon or sausage to the filling for a smoky, savory twist.
- Cheese Options:
- Swap out mozzarella for cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- If you’re a fan of blue cheese, consider adding a few crumbles to the filling.
- Vegetarian Option:
- Replace the chicken with cooked, seasoned vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
- Consider using a plant-based cream cheese and a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute.
- Spice It Up:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Include some chopped jalapeños or green chiles in the filling for extra heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. This Chicken Crescent Bake recipe is simple to follow, and within an hour, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.
How to Cook Chicken Crescent Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, instant minced onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Crescent Rolls:
- Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into individual triangles. Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll the dough around the filling, starting from the wide end, and tuck the ends under to seal.
- Arrange in Baking Dish:
- Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the filled crescent rolls seam-side down in the dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Pour this sauce evenly over the crescent rolls in the baking dish.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Add Cheese:
- About 5 minutes before the baking time is up, sprinkle the grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over the top of the rolls. Continue baking until the cheese melts and turns a light golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Crescent Bake, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them for a perfect result every time:
- Overfilling the Crescent Rolls:
- It’s tempting to stuff as much filling as possible into the crescent rolls, but overfilling can cause them to burst open during baking. Stick to a moderate amount of filling to avoid this.
- Not Sealing the Rolls Properly:
- Ensure that the edges of the crescent rolls are sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Skipping the Grease or Parchment Paper:
- Don’t forget to grease your baking dish or use parchment paper. This prevents the rolls from sticking to the dish and makes cleanup easier.
- Undercooking:
- Make sure to bake until the rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Undercooking can result in doughy rolls and an unappetizing dish.
- Using Cold Ingredients:
- Ensure that the cream cheese is softened and the chicken is at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can make the filling lumpy and harder to mix evenly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that your Chicken Crescent Bake is out of the oven, it’s time to serve it up in style. Here are some tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes:
How to Serve Chicken Crescent Bake
- Slice and Plate:
- Use a spatula to carefully lift each crescent roll out of the baking dish and place it on a plate. The rolls should be served hot while the filling is still creamy and the cheese is gooey.
- Pairing Suggestions:
- Chicken Crescent Bake pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of rice. Consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Crescent Bake
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
- Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley, chives, or basil over the top of the dish before serving. The vibrant green adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve in Individual Portions:
- If you’re serving guests, consider plating each roll on its own dish with a small salad or vegetable side for a more elegant presentation.
- Use a Decorative Serving Dish:
- Bake and serve the dish in a beautiful, oven-safe dish or a cast-iron skillet to add a rustic charm to your table.
Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe Tips
To make sure your Chicken Crescent Bake turns out perfectly every time, here are some additional tips:
- Make Ahead:
- You can prepare the rolls and the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking.
- Freezing:
- This dish freezes well. Prepare and assemble the rolls, but don’t bake them. Wrap the dish tightly in foil and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw completely and bake as directed.
- Leftovers:
- Leftover Chicken Crescent Bake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispness of the crescent rolls.
- Double the Recipe:
- If you’re feeding a crowd, this recipe is easily doubled. Just use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use reduced-fat crescent rolls?
- Yes, you can use reduced-fat crescent rolls, but keep in mind they may not bake up as fluffy and tender as the regular version.
2. Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with something else?
- Absolutely! You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead. You can also make your own homemade cream sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soup.
3. How do I keep the crescent rolls from getting soggy?
- To prevent soggy rolls, make sure to bake the dish until the rolls are golden brown. Also, avoid using too much sauce on top.
4. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped broccoli to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
5. How long can I store leftovers?
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Conclusion
Chicken Crescent Bake is a delightful dish that combines the ease of using crescent rolls with the rich flavors of chicken, cheese, and a creamy sauce. Whether you're serving it as a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Remember to experiment with different variations and substitutions to keep the dish exciting and tailored to your tastes. Don’t forget to follow the tips to avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the process of making this delicious, comforting meal. Now that you know all the secrets to a perfect Chicken Crescent Bake, it’s time to get cooking!
PrintChicken Crescent Bake Recipe
This Chicken Crescent Bake recipe combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, and mozzarella inside golden crescent rolls, topped with a savory cream of chicken soup sauce. It's an easy, family-friendly dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tube (8 count) regular-sized crescent rolls
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 tsp instant minced onion
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Sauce:
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can milk (using the empty soup can)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and mozzarella cheese.
- Open the crescent rolls and place a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto each roll, then roll them up.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream of chicken soup with milk until smooth. Pour over the crescent rolls.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan or Romano cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crescents are golden and the sauce is bubbly.
Notes
- Cream of mushroom soup can be used instead of cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of dish
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1050mg
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