There’s something undeniably comforting about creamy, cheesy chicken tucked inside warm, golden crescent rolls. These Crescent and Chicken Roll-Ups have that perfect balance of homey flavor and effortless preparation — the kind of dinner that makes everyone smile without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or whipping up a cozy meal for guests, this recipe brings all the satisfaction of comfort food with minimal fuss.
I first discovered this dish during a hectic week when I needed something quick, comforting, and guaranteed to please. My fridge held a few leftover chicken breasts, a roll of crescent dough, and some cream cheese — and that was all it took to create a new favorite. One bite of that buttery, flaky crust filled with creamy chicken goodness, and I knew it would become a staple in my kitchen rotation. It’s one of those “accidental” recipes that end up being even better than the plan you had to begin with.
What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted turkey, or even shredded deli chicken — whatever you have on hand. And if you want to make it extra special, sprinkle the tops with seasoned breadcrumbs or a little extra cheese for a golden, bakery-style finish. These roll-ups are rich enough for a cozy dinner yet elegant enough to serve at brunch or a potluck. Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will rave about.
Whether you’re craving something creamy, savory, and satisfying — or you just want to use up what’s in the fridge — Crescent and Chicken Roll-Ups are the answer. They’re proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated, and that the simplest ingredients can create the most delicious results.
Why You’ll Love It
-
Quick and Easy: Made with store-bought crescent rolls and pre-cooked chicken — ready in 30 minutes or less.
-
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Creamy, cheesy filling wrapped in flaky, buttery dough.
-
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love these — they taste like mini chicken pot pies!
-
Versatile: Works with leftover chicken, turkey, or even rotisserie meat.
-
Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for freezing and reheating during busy weeks.
Ingredient Notes & Details
Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded)
You can use rotisserie chicken for ease, or cook and shred boneless skinless chicken breasts. If using leftover chicken, make sure it’s well-seasoned — it’ll enhance the overall flavor.
Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened)
This is what gives the filling its creamy, rich texture. Soften it to room temperature for easy mixing. You can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter version, though full-fat provides the best creaminess.
Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
It creates a velvety sauce that keeps the roll-ups moist. You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Crescent Roll Dough (1 package, 8 rolls)
Refrigerated crescent roll dough makes this recipe so easy. Keep it chilled until ready to use — it’s easier to roll and shape when cold.
Shredded Cheese (1 cup)
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend like Colby Jack all work well. Cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella gives stretch, and blends offer a bit of both.
Milk (½ cup)
Thins the sauce slightly and helps it coat the rolls evenly. Whole milk or 2% milk is ideal for a creamy texture.
Butter (2 tbsp, melted)
Brushing melted butter over the tops before baking enhances color and adds that irresistible golden shine.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Optional Parsley)
Simple seasonings keep the flavor comforting and familiar. Add a touch of paprika for color or dried herbs for aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and helps with cleanup later.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until creamy and well combined. The mixture should be thick but spreadable — like a hearty chicken dip.
Step 3: Fill the Crescent Rolls
Open the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Place one tablespoon of the chicken mixture on the wider end of each triangle, then roll it up tightly toward the narrow end. Tuck in the sides slightly to seal in the filling.
Step 4: Arrange and Prepare the Sauce
Place the filled rolls seam-side down in your baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup with milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the roll-ups — it will bake into a creamy sauce that coats everything beautifully.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Butter
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the rolls. Brush lightly with melted butter for that glossy, golden finish. For extra texture, you can add breadcrumbs or a light dusting of parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. The aroma of buttery dough and creamy chicken filling will fill your kitchen — that’s when you know it’s ready.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for color.
FAQ
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the roll-ups earlier in the day, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5–7 minutes of extra baking time if starting from cold.
2. Can I freeze Crescent and Chicken Roll-Ups?
Absolutely. Bake them first, then let cool completely. Store in an airtight container or wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm throughout.
3. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade version by whisking together 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 cup of chicken broth, and ½ cup of milk over medium heat until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Diced cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach make great additions. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture so the filling doesn’t become soggy.
5. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch. Drain it well and season it a bit more generously for the best flavor.
6. How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or even a little buffalo sauce to the filling for a zesty twist.
Storage Tips
-
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1 minute until heated through.
-
Freezer: Freeze baked roll-ups for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
-
Avoid sogginess: Store the sauce separately if you plan to reheat in the microwave to prevent the rolls from becoming soft.
Variations
1. Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups:
Mix in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles to the chicken mixture for a spicy, tangy version.
2. Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Roll-Ups:
Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the filling, and sprinkle parmesan over the top.
3. Bacon Ranch Roll-Ups:
Add crumbled cooked bacon and a tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix for a smoky, savory twist.
4. Barbecue Chicken Roll-Ups:
Swap the cream of chicken soup for a drizzle of BBQ sauce and use pepper jack cheese for a southern-style favorite.
5. Turkey and Cranberry Roll-Ups:
Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey and add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce inside each roll for a festive holiday version.
These Crescent and Chicken Roll-Ups are the ultimate comfort food for busy nights. They combine the creamy richness of chicken casserole with the convenience of handheld rolls — perfect for kids, guests, or anyone craving something warm and cozy. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Crescent and Chicken Roll-Ups
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie or leftover works great)
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions optional
- 2 8 oz cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for filling
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- 1 tbsp melted butter to brush on top
Instructions
-
Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Make the filling: In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
-
Assemble the roll-ups:
-
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles.
-
Place 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
-
Roll tightly toward the narrow end, tucking in the sides slightly.
-
Arrange & bake: Place roll-ups seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Brush tops with melted butter.
-
Add cheese topping: Sprinkle mozzarella on top of each roll-up.
-
Bake: Cook for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
-
Serve warm: Perfect on their own or with a creamy ranch dip or simple salad.
