Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe

If you're searching for a comforting, creamy, and downright delicious dinner that requires minimal effort, this Chicken Crescent Bake recipe is just what you need. It combines tender pieces of chicken wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, all baked in a creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or a cozy night in. Keep reading for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and all the tips you need to make a perfect Chicken Crescent Bake every time!

this Recipe

What is Chicken Crescent Bake?

Chicken Crescent Bake is a casserole-style dish that features crescent roll dough filled with seasoned chicken, baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The crescent rolls puff up into flaky golden pillows that encase the chicken, while the sauce adds richness and flavor. It’s a comforting meal that's easy to prepare, making it a family favorite for busy weeknights or gatherings. Plus, it’s highly customizable with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Ingredients List for Chicken Crescent Bake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Crescent Bake:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you like)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Ingredients List for Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce for this dish is simple but flavorful, providing the perfect complement to the chicken-filled crescent rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter (for richness)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Substitutions and Variations

This Chicken Crescent Bake recipe is versatile and can be easily customized. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

1. Chicken: While this recipe calls for cooked, shredded chicken, you can use diced chicken breasts or thighs. Rotisserie chicken is also a great time-saving option. If you prefer, turkey can be used as a substitute.
2. Crescent Rolls: If you don’t have crescent roll dough on hand, you can use biscuit dough or puff pastry instead for a slightly different texture.
3. Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor, but you can swap it with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese for a milder taste. You can also mix in Parmesan for extra depth.
4. Cream of Soup: If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup will work as alternatives. For a homemade touch, you can make your own cream sauce using a roux and chicken broth.
5. Add Vegetables: For a more filling meal, consider adding cooked vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach to the filling. It adds color, nutrition, and flavor to the dish.
6. Spices: To add some heat, you can mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or even some diced jalapeños. For a more herby flavor, add dried thyme or rosemary.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Chicken Crescent Bake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and melted butter. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Open the can of crescent rolls and separate the dough into 8 triangles. Place a tablespoon or two of shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese on the wide end of each crescent roll triangle.
4. Roll Up the Crescents: Roll the crescent dough around the chicken and cheese, starting from the wide end and rolling towards the point. Place each roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour the Sauce Over: Pour the creamy sauce over the crescent rolls, making sure to cover them evenly. If desired, sprinkle any remaining cheese over the top.
6. Bake the Dish: Bake the Chicken Crescent Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through. The sauce should be bubbly and creamy.
7. Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

How to Cook Chicken Crescent Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a more detailed look at each step to ensure you get the perfect bake:

1. Prepping the Ingredients: Using pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken makes the process faster, but if you're starting with raw chicken, make sure to cook and shred it beforehand. Also, gather your ingredients for the creamy sauce, so everything is ready to go.
2. Filling and Rolling the Crescent Rolls: Be generous but careful when adding the chicken and cheese to the crescent rolls. Don’t overfill them, as the dough needs to seal properly during baking. Start rolling from the wider end, tucking in the chicken and cheese as you go.
3. Pouring the Sauce: The sauce adds moisture and flavor to the crescent rolls as they bake. Pour it evenly over the rolls, ensuring that every roll gets a good coating.
4. Baking the Dish: Keep an eye on the bake during the last few minutes to ensure the rolls turn a golden brown without overcooking. If needed, you can cover the dish with foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent the tops from over-browning while ensuring the inside is fully cooked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the Crescent Rolls: It’s tempting to stuff as much chicken and cheese as possible into each crescent, but overfilling can lead to the dough splitting during baking. Stick to about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per roll.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F before placing the dish inside. Starting with a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking, leaving the crescent dough raw in the center.
• Skipping the Sauce: The creamy sauce is essential to the dish’s flavor and texture. Without it, the crescent rolls may turn out too dry. The sauce also helps bind the flavors together and adds richness to every bite.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Crescent Bake is best served warm, right out of the oven. Here are some suggestions for sides and presentation:

• Rice or Pasta: Serve the bake with a side of fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered pasta to complement the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add some color to your plate with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Crescent Bake

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or even chives adds color and freshness to the dish.
• Use a Decorative Baking Dish: Present the Chicken Crescent Bake in a beautiful ceramic or glass baking dish to make it even more inviting for guests.
• Slice and Serve: For an elegant touch, slice each crescent roll into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serve them as an appetizer on a platter.

Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe Tips

• Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken from the store. This speeds up the preparation and ensures the chicken is already well-flavored.
• Add Extra Cheese: If you love cheesy dishes, feel free to mix more cheese into the filling or sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking.
• Bake Ahead: Chicken Crescent Bake can be assembled a few hours ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chicken Crescent Bake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just note that you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Crescent Bake?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked crescent rolls and sauce in the casserole dish. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven.

Q: Can I use other types of dough?
A: Yes! You can use biscuit dough, puff pastry, or even phyllo dough as a substitute for crescent rolls. The texture will vary, but it will still be delicious.

Conclusion

Chicken Crescent Bake is the ultimate comfort food—a combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and flaky crescent rolls all baked in a rich, creamy sauce. It's easy to make, versatile, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. Try it out today and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of this delightful dish!

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