Today I’m bringing you a truly spectacular little bite that is the perfect intersection of comfort food and easy weeknight magic. These Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are packed with a luscious, creamy, cheesy chicken filling and baked inside the flakiest, golden-brown pastry. They’re savory, satisfying, and disappear faster than you can say “dinner is served!” This recipe is a game-changer for using up leftover chicken, making an irresistible appetizer, or jazzing up a casual lunch. Ready in a flash and absolutely bursting with flavor, this one’s a true crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: Think of these as a savory, warm hug! The buttery crescent dough paired with a rich, cheesy filling is just heavenly.
The Easiest Appetizer: Seriously, if you need a quick-prep dish for a party or potluck, this one takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time and looks beautiful coming out of the oven.
A Leftover Hero: This is the absolute best way to use up that rotisserie or leftover chicken. It transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Customizable Goodness: The base is perfect, but you can easily toss in your favorite spices or veggies (like a little chopped celery or chives) to make it your own!

Ingredients

All you need for this incredible recipe is a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes! Yes, it’s that easy. But first, let’s gather up these key players:

Cooked Chicken Breast: The hearty protein base! Using pre-shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken is a major time saver here.
Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: This is the magic wrapper! It bakes up into that signature flaky, buttery crust we all crave.
Cream Cheese: The essential ingredient for that ultra-creamy, tangy, and rich filling texture. Make sure it’s softened so it blends beautifully!
Mayonnaise or Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the filling, helping the cream cheese spread and making the mix lusciously smooth.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because everything is better with cheese! It adds a sharp, savory flavor and helps bind the filling together.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: A little pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a beautiful visual element to the filling.
Garlic Powder: Adds an essential savory depth without the harshness of fresh garlic. It’s what makes the filling taste so comforting.
Salt and Black Pepper: Necessary to season the filling properly and make all those wonderful flavors really sing. Don’t skip a good pinch of both!
Melted Butter: For brushing the tops! This is key to achieving that beautiful, deep golden-brown color and the buttery, crisp exterior.
Breadcrumbs (Optional): Sprinkling these on top adds a fantastic, irresistible crunch to contrast with the soft filling.

Note: The full ingredient list with exact measurements is located right under this article in the recipe card.

How to Make the Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

First things first, get your oven ready! Preheat it to 375∘F (190∘C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure a nice, non-stick bake and super easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Luscious Filling

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise (or sour cream), cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix until everything is smooth, creamy, and evenly combined. Take a taste test—does it need more salt? Go for it!

Step 3: Fill the Rolls

Unroll your can of crescent dough and carefully separate the triangles. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the creamy chicken mixture onto the center of the wide end of each triangle. Don’t overfill!

Step 4: Roll and Seal

Starting at the wide end, gently roll up each triangle towards the point, just like you would with a plain crescent roll. Here’s the key: before you finish the roll, tuck the sides in just a little to fully enclose the filling and prevent any cheesy goodness from escaping while baking.

Step 5: Butter and Bake

Place the stuffed rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Now, brush the tops generously with melted butter. If you’re using them, sprinkle those breadcrumbs on top for that perfect crunch. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and have turned a gorgeous, inviting golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve!

Let them cool slightly—just enough so you don’t burn your tongue in your excitement! Serve them warm with your favorite dips.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Shred the Chicken Finely: The chicken should be shredded small so the filling is smooth and rolls up neatly inside the dough without tearing it. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is great for shredding chicken quickly!
Don’t Skimp on Softening: Make sure your cream cheese is truly room temperature and soft before mixing. This ensures a lump-free, perfectly creamy filling.
Seal the Edges Tight: Tucking in the sides and placing the rolls seam-side down are the two most important steps to make sure your filling stays exactly where it should be!
Boost the Flavor: For an extra savory kick, swap out a spoonful of mayo/sour cream for ranch dressing, or add a teaspoon of dried onion flakes to the filling!

How to Serve

These crescent rolls are so versatile! Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

Dipping Delight: They are unreal served with a creamy dip! Try classic Ranch dressing, a sweet and tangy Honey Mustard, or a homemade creamy garlic aioli.
Simple Side Salad: Pair them with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a complete, quick, and easy meal.
Soup Pairing: Serve them alongside a warm bowl of your favorite tomato soup or a light vegetable broth for a perfect comforting lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any of these glorious rolls left (a big if!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls in a couple of ways! You can freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, you can freeze baked rolls, tightly wrapped, for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and pop them in a 350∘F oven for about 5–10 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. The microwave works in a pinch, but you lose that wonderful crispy crust!

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Absolutely! The chicken filling is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just grab your crescent rolls and assemble as directed. This is a huge time-saver for busy days and makes assembly lightning fast!

Is it okay to use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use canned chicken in place of fresh-cooked shredded chicken, and it works beautifully! Just make sure to drain it really well before you mix it into the cream cheese base. The canned chicken is soft and absorbs the creamy flavors easily, making the prep even quicker.

What other cheeses would work well in the filling?

While cheddar is a classic, the beauty of this recipe is how flexible the cheese can be! You could swap it for Monterey Jack, a mild Provolone, or even Pepper Jack if you want a little kick of heat. You could also try a combination of cheddar and a sharp Parmesan for a nuttier flavor. Use any cheese you love that melts well!

How do I make a vegetarian version of this snack?

It’s easy to make these rolls meat-free! Instead of shredded chicken, you can use a combination of finely chopped and sautéed mushrooms, cooked and mashed chickpeas, or even a meatless ground substitute. Just ensure whatever you choose is cooked and well-seasoned before mixing it with the cream cheese base.