Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe

Craving a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that’s incredibly easy to make? This Chicken Crescent Bake is your answer! It’s a comforting casserole made with tender chicken, buttery crescent rolls, and a deliciously creamy filling that comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you're feeding a busy family or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe will surely be a hit. Read on to discover the step-by-step guide to making this cozy, crowd-pleasing dish!

What is "Chicken Crescent Bake"?

Chicken Crescent Bake is a comforting casserole-style dish that combines flaky crescent rolls with a creamy chicken filling. Each crescent roll is stuffed with a mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and seasonings, then baked in a rich sauce made with soup and sour cream. The result is a golden, buttery crescent roll exterior with a warm, savory, and creamy center. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or even a potluck favorite.

Ingredients List for Chicken Crescent Bake

To make this delicious Chicken Crescent Bake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls (such as Pillsbury)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesy flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ideas for customizing your Chicken Crescent Bake to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Chicken Substitutes: You can use cooked turkey or ham instead of chicken. For a vegetarian option, try using cooked mushrooms or sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar is a popular choice, you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
• Healthier Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat crescent rolls for a lighter version of this dish.
• Add Veggies: Mix in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas with the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy and comforting Chicken Crescent Bake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole pan to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you’re using cheese, stir in the shredded cheddar at this point. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Stuff the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into individual triangles. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle, then roll the dough tightly around the filling, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the point.
4. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the stuffed crescent rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer.
5. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Pour this mixture evenly over the stuffed crescent rolls in the baking dish.
6. Bake: Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: 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

1. Step 1: Prep and Preheat
   Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease your baking dish. This ensures the crescent rolls won’t stick, and you’ll get easy serving later on.
2. Step 2: Make the Chicken Mixture
   Combine the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, seasonings, and any additional cheese you like. This creamy mixture will be the filling for your crescent rolls.
3. Step 3: Stuff and Roll
   Unroll the crescent dough and place a spoonful of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Roll it up snugly, ensuring the filling stays inside.
4. Step 4: Make the Sauce
   Mix together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Pour this creamy sauce over the stuffed crescent rolls. This will create a rich, bubbly sauce while baking.
5. Step 5: Bake Until Golden
   Bake the dish until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven.
6. Step 6: Garnish and Serve
   Once baked, garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. You can pair this dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the Crescents: Be careful not to overfill the crescent rolls, as they may not seal properly and the filling could spill out during baking.
• Skipping the Grease: Don’t forget to grease your baking dish. This ensures that the crescent rolls won’t stick and makes for easier cleanup.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Preheating is key for ensuring the crescent rolls bake evenly and become golden brown without drying out.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your Chicken Crescent Bake:

1. Family-Style Serving: Serve directly from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal. Let everyone help themselves to as many crescent rolls as they’d like.
2. Individual Plates: Plate two crescent rolls per person with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Drizzle extra sauce from the pan over the top for added flavor.
3. Pair with a Side: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted asparagus, a simple salad, or even garlic bread for a filling meal.

How to Serve Chicken Crescent Bake

• Main Course: Serve this dish as the main course for dinner. It’s filling on its own but also pairs nicely with sides like rice, pasta, or vegetables.
• Potluck Favorite: This is a great potluck dish because it’s easy to transport and reheat. Serve it in the casserole dish for a no-fuss presentation.
• Comforting Weekend Meal: Chicken Crescent Bake is the perfect comfort food for a cozy weekend dinner. Serve it with your favorite glass of wine or iced tea.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Crescent Bake

• Casserole Chic: Serve the bake straight from the oven in a rustic casserole dish, with fresh parsley sprinkled on top for color and flavor.
• Elegant Plating: For a more elegant presentation, plate each crescent roll with a garnish of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese, and serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple side salad.

Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the crescent rolls ahead of time, place them in the dish, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to bake, just add the sauce and pop it in the oven.
• Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well! Assemble the crescent rolls and sauce in a freezer-safe dish, then cover tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an easy shortcut, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use canned chicken in place of freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to drain it well and shred it before mixing it with the cream cheese.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A: Absolutely! You can mix in vegetables like steamed broccoli, spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms with the chicken filling for added nutrition and flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready. Just wait to add the sauce until right before baking.

Q: Can I make this recipe without the soup?
A: If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade white sauce by whisking together butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk to create a creamy base.

Conclusion

This Chicken Crescent Bake is a comforting, creamy, and delicious dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or looking for a cozy dish to share with friends, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. With its buttery crescent rolls, flavorful chicken filling, and rich sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that’s simple yet packed with flavor. Give it a try, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food tonight!

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